mechanical printer

[/məˈkænɪkəl ˈprɪntər/]
nounpl: mechanical printers
impressora mecânica
1. A printing device that uses mechanical components and impact technology to transfer ink onto paper, typically using pins, hammers, or type bars that strike an inked ribbon
The mechanical printer was widely used in offices before the advent of laser printers.
A impressora mecânica era amplamente utilizada em escritórios antes do surgimento das impressoras a laser.
2. A dot-matrix or impact printer that operates through physical mechanical action rather than electronic or thermal means
The old mechanical printer could produce multiple carbon copies simultaneously.
A antiga impressora mecânica podia produzir várias cópias em papel carbono simultaneamente.
Mechanical printers represent a significant part of office technology history in both Brazil and the United States. They were dominant from the 1970s through early 2000s before being replaced by inkjet and laser technologies. In Brazil, older government offices and institutions occasionally still maintain mechanical printers for backup purposes. The distinctive sound and tactile clicking of mechanical printers has become nostalgic in contemporary culture.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
impact printerdot-matrix printertypewriter printerhammer printer
Antonyms / Antônimos
inkjet printerlaser printerthermal printerelectronic printer

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
impressora mecânica
Standard term used throughout Brazil
São Paulo
impressora de impacto
Alternative technical term commonly used in technical contexts
Rio de Janeiro
impressora mecânica
Standard usage, occasionally called 'impressora de matrícula'
Portugal
impressora mecânica
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; historical technology rarely discussed in contemporary context

Related Words

ribbontype barimpact mechanismcarriageprintheadstrike mechanism

Related Idioms & Phrases

the sound of a mechanical printer
mechanical printer noise
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