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1. Print Head
The print head works by firing small pins which
impact on the inked ribbon, which makes a single dot on the
paper. The more pins in a print head the higher the resolution
of the printed output. 7 pin and 9 pin are the most
common.
2. Platen
The platen is the surface that lies in back of the
paper, and is the area where all of the printing takes place. Certain
mechanisms are available in platenless or
platen free versions, which
allows the OEM mounting flexibility.
3. Paper
Feed Assembly
This is the drive mechanism that feeds the paper, and is
typically available in either friction or sprocket versions.
The paper path is also controlled
here, and usually provides for rear or bottom feeding.
4. Control Board
This provides the drive electronics and interface for
the mechanisms. Serial, parallel, and USB are available.
Click here for controller board selection
table.
5. Ribbon
Cartridge
Available in purple, black, and red/black variants.
It is critical to the life of the print head and mechanism to
use the manufacturers' recommended ribbons.
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