Dot matrix printers, or any type of impact printer, make use of carbon ribbon.

Dot matrix printers, or any type of impact printer, make use of carbon ribbon. Ribbons come in different shapes and sizes depending on the type of printer you have. Typewriters make use of two small nylon ribbon rolls. Dot matrix printers need printer ribbons that correspond to the size of the machine. The printer ribbon quality determines the quality of your documents. That is why it is important to know the different types. There are single-strike and multi-strike ribbons. This came about because ribbons used on dot matrix apply the same principles as typewriter ribbons: A newly installed ribbon would produce darker and clearer text, and the more you use the ribbon, the fainter it becomes.