Which printer prints characters and images without direct physical contact between the paper and the printing machinery?
Last updated Jun 23, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option B —
Non-Impact Printer
As the name suggests, non-impact printers do not hit or strike a ribbon against the paper. Instead, they use technologies such as lasers, heat, or sprayable ink to create characters and images. This lack of physical "impact" makes them significantly quieter and faster than older printing technologies.
Why Non-Impact?
Non-impact printers are the standard in modern offices and homes. Because they don't rely on mechanical pressure, they can produce high-quality color graphics and high-resolution text.
Common Examples:
Laser Printers: Use a laser beam and dry powdered ink (toner) to "paint" an electrostatic image onto a drum, which is then transferred to paper.
Inkjet Printers: Spray tiny, precise droplets of liquid ink through nozzles onto the paper.
Analysis of the Other Options
A) Impact Printer: These work like a typewriter. They have a mechanical head that physically strikes an ink-soaked ribbon against the paper to leave a mark. Examples include Dot Matrix and Daisy Wheel printers.
C) Character Printer: This refers to the speed or unit of printing (printing one character at a time) rather than the mechanism. A character printer can be an impact printer (like a Daisy Wheel).
D) Line Printer: These are high-speed impact printers that print one entire line of text at a time. They are often used in large data centers for heavy-duty text printing.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
