A dot matrix printer is an impact printer that prints using a fixed number of pins or wires. Typically the pins or wires are arranged in one or several vertical columns. The pins strike an ink-coated ribbon and force contact between the ribbon and the paper, so that each pin makes a small dot on the paper.
The combination of these dots forms a dot matrix image . They were also known as serial dot matrix printers.
While inkjet and laser printers technically exhibit dot matrix printing , they are not considered to be “dot matrix printers