What Is the Epson 24-Pin Series? A Comprehensive Overview

Epson 24-pin dot matrix printers are a series of high-performance impact printers that are ideal for a variety of applications, including front desk applications in the retail and service industries, multi-part forms printing, and high-volume printing.

These printers use a 24-pin printhead to create high-quality text and graphics, and they can print at speeds of up to 630 characters per second (cps). Epson 24-pin printers are also known for their durability and reliability, making them ideal for use in demanding environments.

Overview of Epson 24 Pin Series

In 1987, Epson introduced the first 24-pin dot matrix printer, the Epson LQ-850. This launched a new era for affordable, quality printing that built on Epson’s expertise in dot matrix technology.

The key innovation was the 24-pin printhead. Each pin was responsible for printing a single dot, allowing a much higher dot density compared to prior printers. More pins enabled sharper shapes, smoother curves, and reduced jaggedness on diagonals and angled lines.

Whereas 18-pin printers offered a resolution of 360 x 180 dpi, the Epson 24-pin printhead achieved 216 x 216 dpi or 216 x 720 dpi, depending on the print mode. This resulted in visibly crisper text and graphics.

Over the following decade, Epson rolled out successive generations of 24-pin printers adding faster speeds, color printing capabilities, and network connectivity. Notable models included:

• Epson LQ-1070 (1987) – 9 pages per minute draft speed.
• Epson LQ-2550 (1991) – World’s first 24-pin color printer, 4-pages per minute.
• Epson FX-1170 (1992) – 240 x 216 dpi resolution, 355 characters per second print speed.
• Epson LQ-870 (1995) – 500+ characters per second speed.
• Epson LQ-2070 (1996) – Optional Ethernet and wireless networking.

In their time, these printers delivered unmatched value for businesses, offices, and power users requiring high volumes of quality document output.

Features of Epson 24 Pin Series

Here are some of the notable features Epson incorporated into the 24-pin printer line:

• 24-pin Printhead: The high dot density enabled resolutions between 216 x 216 dpi for drafts up to 216 x 720 dpi in letter quality mode.
• High Print Speeds: Ranged from over 200 characters per second (cps) in draft modes up to 500+ cps for the fastest models, enabling efficient document printing.
• Emulation Modes: Included emulations for PCL, IBM Graphics, ESC/P2, and PostScript printer languages for compatibility.
• Continuous Paper Feed: Adjustable tractors and rollers enabled reliable feeding of continuous paper for documents, multi-part forms, labels, and envelopes.
• Large Ink Ribbons: High capacity, quick-drying ink ribbons reduced running costs for high-volume printing. Black ink cartridges yielded up to 30,000 pages.
• Reliability and Durability: Designed for high monthly duty cycles of up to 50,000 pages per month. Ideal for frequently printing long documents or mass mailings.
• Connectivity Options: Centronics parallel interface standard, with serial, Ethernet, and wireless connectivity on later models for networking.
• Optional Color Printing: Some models offered optional upgrade kits for spot color or CMYK color printing using color ink cartridges.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The Epson 24-pin printers delivered significant advantages over earlier dot matrix models, but did have some limitations compared to newer technologies:

Advantages

• Sharp, high-quality text and graphics
• Cost-effective high-volume printing
• Continuous paper feed perfect for multipart forms
• Durable and reliable for heavy workloads
• Emulation modes for compatibility and flexibility

Disadvantages

• Slower graphics and image printing than contemporary inkjets
• Large footprint and noise levels undesirable for home use
• Ongoing costs for proprietary ink ribbons and cartridges
• Limited edge-to-edge and photographic printing capabilities
• Lower DPI resolution than modern inkjet and laser printers

Comparison to Newer Print Technologies

The 24-pin Epson series represented an important advancement for reasonably priced, quality printing in the late 80s through 90s. However, by the late 90s, inkjet and monochrome laser printers closed the gap with faster speeds, sharper output, smaller footprints, and lower running costs.

For home and basic office needs today, an inkjet or entry-level monochrome laser generally provides a better overall user experience. Modern printers offer print quality rivaling the 24-pin dot matrix models while adding features like wireless networking, duplex printing, cloud printing, and scanning. Unless you need to print continuous multipart forms, contemporary inkjets, and lasers surpass even Epson’s innovative 24-pin line in features, performance, and usability.

Take Aways

Epson 24-pin printers are a reliable and versatile option for a variety of printing applications. They offer high-speed printing, high-quality printing, and durable construction. However, they can be noisy and expensive to operate, and they are not the best choice for applications where the highest possible print quality is required.

Related reading: Is Epson L3150 9-Pin Or 24 Pin, What Is the Advantage of A 24 Pin Printer Over a 9-Pin Printer? Breaking, How Do I Set A Print Pin? A Step-By-Step Guide.