Line Matrix Printer - History

History

Robert A. Kleist and business partner Gordon Barrus created the line matrix printer in 1974, and founded Printronix Inc. They envisioned a new type of printer that would be faster, more reliable and less costly than the cumbersome character printers on the market at the time. The line matrix printing incorporated a unique shuttle-based technology that laid down a matrix of dots and print bar codes and graphics as well as the usual characters. Working out of a garage in Playa Del Ray, Calif., the Printronix team developed a revolutionary 300-line-per-minute (LPM) prototype line matrix printer in just 90 days. Printronix introduced this line matrix printer, called the P300 series, in 1974.

Speeds increased over the years with products from manufacturers Tally, Genicom who went on to become TallyGenicom, and Printronix, Inc.. In 1978 Printronix doubled line speed with the introduction of the P600. By 1998 Printronix pushed the speed to 1000 LPM. Tally introduced a 1800 LPM printer which used a newly invented dual hammerbank system where odd and even lines were printed by separate hammerbanks. Dual hammerbank machines however suffer from uneven performance and print quality, and the design was abandoned, replaced by a single hammerbank 1800 LPM model, the T6218. Ultimately In 2003, Printronix introduced a single hammerbank 2000 LPM printer which continues to be the fastest available.

In addition to speed enhancements, TallyGenicom was also known for other important innovations, adding unique features to line matrix technology. The 'Stay Black' or 'Smart Ribbon' is one. TallyGenicom was a pioneer of cartridge ribbons, which offer longer life and are easier for users to manage than conventional spool ribbons. By adding a unique ink replenishment system based on a peristaltic pump mechanism, TallyGenicom produced the first impact printers to offer consistent print quality.

The increasing importance of user productivity resulted in innovations such as 'Auto-Gap' where for the first time the print mechanism would measure paper thickness (as with dot matrix printers) and, rather than the user, set the gap. This maximized print quality for multi-part forms, eliminating user error. Improvements in reliability, resulted in the introduction of a shuttle mechanism with no wear parts, with 'Life Time' warranty.

In 2009, Printronix acquired the TallyGenicom brand and their line matrix technology. Printronix now owns the intellectual property and worldwide sales distribution rights for TallyGenicom line matrix and laser technologies, including printers, supplies and consumables. TallyGenicom AG retained all intellectual property and worldwide distribution rights for the TallyGenicom serial matrix, inkjet and thermal technologies, including printers and options, supplies and consumables. DASCOM will continue to resell TallyGenicom-branded line matrix and laser products purchased from Printronix, and Printronix will resell serial matrix products purchased from DASCOM.

Another example of one of these is the IBM 6400 Line Matrix Printer that uses continuous forms.