The Birth of Modern Printing: The Invention of the First Dot Matrix and Laser Printers
The evolution of computer printing technologies has shaped the way businesses and consumers produce documents, from early character-based machines to high-speed, high-quality outputs. Among the most significant milestones are the dot matrix printer and the laser printer, both of which laid the groundwork for decades of innovation in desktop and industrial printing.
Who Invented the First Dot Matrix Printer?
The dot matrix printer was invented by Centronics Data Computer Corporation in 1970. The company, co-founded by Robert Howard and Samuel Lang, introduced the Centronics 101 as the first commercially successful dot matrix printer. It used a print head that moved horizontally across the page, striking an ink-soaked ribbon to form characters as patterns of dots. The Centronics 101 could print at 165 characters per second and became a standard in early computer systems due to its durability and cost-effectiveness.
The dot matrix printing method allowed for both text and simple graphics to be printed using a matrix of dots, which was ideal for continuous feed paper and multi-part forms—especially in offices, logistics, and finance.
Who Invented the First Laser Printer?
The laser printer was invented at Xerox by engineer Gary Starkweather in 1969. Working at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), Starkweather modified a Xerox copier to accept digital image data and used a laser beam to etch the image onto a drum, which was then transferred to paper using toner.
The first commercial laser printer was the Xerox 9700, released in 1977. It was based on Starkweather’s innovation and offered high-speed printing at 120 pages per minute—revolutionary at the time. Originally targeted at enterprise-level printing and data centers, the Xerox 9700 introduced the world to fast, high-quality digital printing.
Later, Hewlett-Packard would popularize laser printing for personal and office use with the HP LaserJet, released in 1984, which became the first affordable and widely adopted desktop laser printer.
Legacy and Impact
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Dot matrix printers are still used today in niche applications like invoice printing and industrial environments, where carbon copies and continuous paper are still relevant.
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Laser printers continue to dominate office environments, thanks to their precision, speed, and cost-efficiency for large-volume printing.
Together, these two innovations—one built on mechanical impact, the other on digital precision—represent foundational chapters in the story of modern printing.