Restoring Dot Matrix Printer Cartridges For 2023

The sound of a dot-matrix printer was probably synonymous with computing in the 1980s, just as the handshake that accompanied modems would be with desktop experiences a decade later. A dot matrix can be useful in 2023, even though it is not powered by the computer that would have been driving it. Why not? They’re cheap to operate and can produce surprisingly good quality when paired with suitable drivers. While cartridges for some popular models are still available, many others are no longer in production. [Drygol] Apple ImageWriter II had exactly this problem. When he discovered that his cartridges weren’t working, he took a look into how to fix them.

A fabric ribbon, similar to that found in a typewriter’s cartridge, is contained within a dot-matrix cartridge. It’s not on a roll but folded into the space, and it’s drawn through by a pair of rollers. The fabric was dry, and the foam covering the rollers also had disintegrated. After some careful dismantling and replacement of the rollers with O-rings, a solution was found. Those and a bit of mineral oil to soften the ink had the vintage Apple printing again as though it was the ’80s once more.

It’s a subject we’ve looked at before, as it turns out WD-40 makes a good ink solvent.