There are many different types of printers. Similar to a ball-head typewriter, this type of printer has a plastic or metal wheel on which the shape of each character stands out in relief. A hammer presses the wheel against a ribbon, which in turn makes an ink stain in the shape of the character on the paper. Creates characters by striking pins against an ink ribbon. Each pin makes a dot, and combinations of dots form characters and illustrations.
Sprays ink at a sheet of paper.
Uses the same technology as copy machines. Laser printers produce very high quality text and graphics. Similar to a laser printer, but uses liquid crystals or light-emitting diodes rather than a laser to produce an image on the drum. Contains a chain of characters or pins that print an entire line at one time. Line printers are very fast, but produce low-quality print.