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A serial dot matrix printer is an impact printer that builds text and graphics from dots. Pins in its print head strike an inked ribbon against paper to make those marks. In traditional printer terminology, “serial” describes how the printer forms a line; it does not automatically mean the printer connects to a computer through an RS-232 serial port.
How a serial dot matrix printer makes a page
The print head drives pins, also called wires, into an inked ribbon. The ribbon transfers dots of ink to the paper, and successive dot patterns form characters or graphics. Because the pins physically strike the ribbon and paper, this is an impact-printing method.
In the traditional mechanism classification, a serial printer prints through successive positions along a line. A line printer, by contrast, prints an entire line at once. Epson’s MX-82 manual excerpt describes this distinction: Epson MX-82 manual excerpt on dot matrix printers.
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“Serial” describes two different things
Serial printing mechanism
In “serial dot matrix printer,” serial refers to the way the print mechanism produces a line position by position. It classifies the printing process, not the cable or computer port.
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Serial data interface
A serial interface is a host connection, such as RS-232C. Whether a printer has one depends on the particular model and its installed options. For example, Epson lists USB and parallel connections for the LQ-590, along with an optional interface-card slot. OKI lists an RS-232C 25-pin interface card for the MICROLINE 5720, and the Star SP312 manual documents an RS-232C connector. These examples show why the mechanism name alone cannot identify a printer’s ports.
What varies between printer models
“Dot matrix” identifies the printing technology, not a uniform set of capabilities. Check the documentation for the exact printer and configuration before choosing it or connecting it to a computer.
Quick Recap
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- SZC twIpps Epson's mPOS-friendly TM-U220PB impact receipt and kitchen/bar printers are compact, reliable and optimized for high-speed throughput. They are designed to work right out of the box with mobile POS applications and can print directly from iOS, Android and Windows devices: Dot Matrix Receipt Printer, Epson TMU220PB, Ethernet Interface, 4 Lines Per Second, Auto-cutter, MPOS, Auto-Status, DHCP Enabled.
- This printer comes with DP Port and Ethernet connection in the back.
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- What's in the box: TM-U220PB printer; User manual; Ribbon cassette; Power switch cover; Paper roll; Adaptor C with AC cord.
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- Offers the durability and ease of use for critical daily print requirements.
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- Reliable 24-pin impact printers boast a long life cycle and speeds up to 584 cps.
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Rank #3
- OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo Dot Matrix Printer (9-pin) (435 cps) (64 KB) (240 x 216 dpi) (Max Duty Cycle 20 000 Pages) (Parallel) (Serial) (USB) (120V)
- OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo Dot Matrix Printer (9-pin) (435 cps) (64 KB) (240 x 216 dpi) (Max Duty Cycle 20 000 Pages) (Parallel) (Serial) (USB) (120V)
- Matrix
Rank #2
- Printers Dot Matrix
- Printer
- Host interface: Confirm whether the unit has the required USB, parallel, RS-232C, or other connection. Optional interface cards may be model-specific.
- Print head and speed: Pin count and speed vary. Epson identifies the LQ-590 as a 24-pin serial impact dot matrix printer. Epson lists its speeds as 529 characters per second at 12 cpi in high-speed draft, 330 characters per second at 10 cpi in draft, and 110 characters per second at 10 cpi in letter quality. These figures describe that model and mode, not the category as a whole.
- Paper and forms: Check the paper path and supported form thickness. Epson describes the LQ-590 as supporting five-part forms; that capability should not be assumed for other printers.
- Ribbon and options: Match ribbons and interface cards to the printer’s exact model. OKI’s MICROLINE 5720 accessory listing, for example, specifies a ribbon cartridge and an RS-232C card for that model.
How to identify the right kind of “serial” printer
- Read the model’s specification or manual. Look for the listed host interfaces; do not infer an RS-232 port from the words “serial dot matrix.”
- Check the installed configuration. If the model uses optional interface cards, verify which card is actually present and whether it is compatible with the printer.
- Match printing needs to the specifications. Confirm pin count, speed at the required print quality, paper path, and multipart-form support.
- Verify consumables and accessories by model. Use the specified ribbon and interface options rather than assuming parts are interchangeable.
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