The 11 best impact printer brands
Epson, Lexmark and OKI lead our ranking of 11 impact printer brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Impact Printer brands, ranked
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1
Epson
Epson makes LQ and other dot matrix impact printers for receipts, forms, and multi-part business documents.
Website: epson.com |Brands like Epson
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Lexmark
Lexmark's robust imaging solutions and dependable supplies provide the quality, dependability, and performance that enable clients to generate professional-grade documents quickly. Their device and consumable portfolio are intended to function flawlessly together, allowing you the choice to print how, when, and where you choose. It has been a leader in image technology since its inception in 1985, and it continues to create innovative methods to make your printing, sharing, securing, and information management jobs easier. Enjoy a simplified workflow intended to increase productivity and streamline your company procedures.
Website: lexmark.com |Brands like Lexmark
Popularity 4.3/10
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3
OKI
OKI makes Microline dot matrix impact printers for forms, labels, and multi-part business documents.
Website: oki.com |Brands like OKI
Popularity 4.3/10
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4
TallyGenicom
TallyGenicom makes line matrix and dot matrix impact printers for high-volume business and industrial printing.
Website: tallygenicom.com |Brands like TallyGenicom
Popularity 3.9/10
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5
Star Micronics
Star Micronics makes dot matrix impact printers for receipts, invoices, and multi-part forms, mainly for point of sale.
Website: starmicronics.com |Brands like Star Micronics
Popularity 2.5/10
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6
Cognitive
Cognitive TPG makes line matrix impact printers for high-volume business forms and continuous paper output.
Website: cognitivetpg.com |Brands like Cognitive
Popularity 2.5/10
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7
Fujitsu
Fujitsu has made DL series dot matrix printers for business and point of sale use, though it is best known for computers.
Website: fujitsu.com |Brands like Fujitsu
Popularity 1.7/10
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8
Printronix
Printronix makes line matrix impact printers for high-volume business forms, labels, and industrial output.
Website: printronix.com |Brands like Printronix
Popularity 1.7/10
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9
Unisys
Unisys' comprehensive, high-quality technology solutions, human resources, and management consulting services serve the federal, state, municipal, and private sectors. For customers in the utility/energy and financial services industries, our consulting services team is skilled at implementing and supporting customer service...
Website: unisys.com |Brands like Unisys
Popularity 1.7/10
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10
SNBC
SNBC makes receipt and dot matrix impact printers for retail point of sale and business documents.
Website: snbc.com.cn |Brands like SNBC
Popularity 1.7/10
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11
AMT Datasouth
AMT Datasouth makes dot matrix impact printers for forms, tickets, and multi-part business documents.
Website: amtdatasouth.com |Brands like AMT Datasouth
Popularity 1.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson | epson.com | – | – | – |
| Lexmark | lexmark.com | /LexmarkNews | @lexmark | LexmarkNews |
| OKI | oki.com | – | – | – |
| TallyGenicom | tallygenicom.com | /TallyGenicomPrinters | @printronix | printronixinc |
| Star Micronics | starmicronics.com | – | – | – |
| Cognitive | cognitivetpg.com | /47586256911151 | @cognitivetpg | MyCognitiveTPG |
| Fujitsu | fujitsu.com | /FujitsuICT | @Fujitsu_Global | – |
| Printronix | printronix.com | /PrintronixPrinters | @printronix | printronixinc |
| Unisys | unisys.com | /unisyscorp | @unisyscorp | – |
| SNBC | snbc.com.cn | /SNBC-100207958556848 | @ChinaSnbc | SNBC |
Types of Impact Printers
Impact printers use a method of printing where a mechanism physically strikes an ink ribbon and paper to create printed text or images. There are two main types of impact printers:
- Dot matrix printers: These printers use a series of pins to strike an ink ribbon, transferring ink onto the paper in the desired shape. Dot matrix printers are reliable, inexpensive and have a long life span. They are ideal for printing multiple copies and are commonly used in businesses for printing invoices, receipts, and shipping labels.
- Daisy wheel printers: These printers use a rotating wheel with characters on the end that move into position to strike the ink ribbon and paper. Daisy wheel printers are capable of producing high-quality text and are often used for word processing applications. However, they are slower and more expensive than dot matrix printers.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Impact Printer
When buying an impact printer, consider the following factors:
- Print speed: The speed at which the printer can print is important, especially for businesses with high printing demands. Dot matrix printers generally have higher print speeds than daisy wheel printers, but it still varies by model, so be sure to check the specifications of the printer you're considering.
- Print quality: While impact printers cannot match the print quality of inkjet or laser printers, the quality of the text and graphics produced can vary. Dot matrix printers are generally better at printing text and graphics, while daisy wheel printers are better at printing text.
- Connectivity: If you will be using the printer with multiple devices, it is important to make sure it has the necessary connectivity options. Most impact printers offer a parallel port, but some also have USB or Ethernet connectivity.
- Noise: Impact printers can be loud due to the physical impact of the printing mechanism. If you plan to use the printer in a shared space, consider the noise level of the printer before purchasing.
- Cost: Impact printers are generally less expensive than inkjet or laser printers. However, the price can still vary significantly between models and brands, so it is important to consider your budget and find a printer that meets your needs.
Top Impact Printer Brands
When purchasing an impact printer, it is important to buy from a reputable brand that offers quality products and good customer service. Some of the top impact printer brands include:
- Epson: Epson produces a range of dot matrix printers that are known for their reliability and durability. Their printers are ideal for businesses that require high-volume printing and multiple copy printing.
- Oki: Oki produces both dot matrix and daisy wheel printers that are known for their high-quality text and graphic printing. Their printers are known for their ease of use and their reliability.
- Panasonic: Panasonic produces dot matrix printers that are known for their speed and print quality. Their printers are ideal for businesses that require high-speed printing and high-quality text and graphics.
Top Impact Printer Choices
Below are some of the top impact printers currently available on the market:
- Epson LQ-590II: The Epson LQ-590II is a high-speed dot matrix printer that can print up to 529 characters per second. It offers both parallel and USB connectivity and has a long-lasting ribbon. It is ideal for businesses that require high-volume printing.
- Oki ML1120: The Oki ML1120 is a dot matrix printer that is known for its reliable performance and ease of use. It offers parallel and USB connectivity and has a small footprint, making it ideal for businesses with limited space. It is capable of printing up to 375 characters per second.
- Panasonic KX-P1150: The Panasonic KX-P1150 is a high-quality dot matrix printer that is capable of printing up to 240 characters per second. It offers parallel and serial connectivity options and has a relatively low noise level. It is ideal for businesses that require high-quality text and graphics.
- Oki ML5790: The Oki ML5790 is a daisy wheel printer that is capable of producing high-quality text. It offers USB and Ethernet connectivity and has a relatively fast print speed of 357 characters per second.
