dot matrix printers use impact printing - it physically strikes the paper to push an inky ribbon against the paper, like an old school typewriter ribbon. for a

dot matrix printers use impact printing - it physically strikes the paper to push an inky ribbon against the paper, like an old school typewriter ribbon. for areas where carbon copies are required a laser or inkjet printer won't replace a dot matrix printer because they can't activate the carbon layer by physically touching it - you'd have print the form again and sign each one, or something similar.