The OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo Mono Dot Matrix Printer is a powerhouse in the world of dot matrix printing, known for its reliability and durability in high-demand environments. Designed to handle the rigors of continuous printing with ease, this printer is a popular choice among businesses that require consistent, high-quality output without the need for frequent replacements or maintenance.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, one might wonder why a dot matrix printer like the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo still holds relevance. The answer lies in its unique capabilities—such as printing on multipart forms and continuous paper, which are indispensable in sectors like finance, logistics, and retail. Whether you’re printing invoices, shipping labels, or reports, this printer excels in situations where carbon copies and impact printing are essential.
What truly sets the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo apart is its remarkable longevity in the market. It has been a trusted tool for businesses for decades, providing a cost-effective solution that balances performance with low operational costs. If you’re in search of a printer that combines old-school reliability with modern efficiency, this review will delve into why the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo might just be the perfect fit for your needs.
OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo Mono Dot Matrix Printer
Specifications:
- Brand: OKI
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Printing Technology: Dot Matrix
- Color: Black
- Printer Output: Monochrome
- Maximum Print Speed (Monochrome): 20,000 characters per second
- Item Weight: 16.7 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 21.4″ (Depth) x 21.3″ (Width) x 9.4″ (Height)
- Controller Type: Push Button
- Maximum Printer Media Size: Not specified
Features:
- The OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo Mono Dot Matrix Printer is a 9-pin printer that offers a print speed of 435 characters per minute (cpm) and a 64 KB memory buffer.
- It provides a print resolution of 240 x 216 dots per inch (dpi) and operates on a 120V power supply.
- With a maximum duty cycle of 20,000 pages, this printer supports USB and Parallel connectivity options.
Design and Build Quality
The OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo Mono Dot Matrix Printer boasts a robust and functional design tailored for heavy-duty use. Constructed from high-quality, durable materials, the printer is designed to withstand the wear and tear of high-volume printing environments. Its solid build ensures stability during operation, minimizing vibrations and noise, which is crucial for maintaining print quality over extended periods.
Durability is a standout feature of this printer. The sturdy casing and reinforced components make it ideal for industrial and commercial settings where reliability is essential. This printer is built to handle frequent use without compromising on performance, ensuring longevity even under demanding conditions.
In terms of ease of use, the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo is user-friendly, featuring straightforward controls and an intuitive interface. The push-button control panel allows for easy operation, even for those unfamiliar with dot matrix printers. Maintenance is equally simple, with easily accessible components that can be quickly replaced or serviced, reducing downtime and keeping your operations running smoothly. This printer’s combination of ruggedness and ease of maintenance makes it a reliable choice for businesses that need consistent, trouble-free printing.
Printing Technology
Dot matrix printing technology, which the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo employs, is a time-tested method that remains relevant in specific applications due to its unique capabilities. Unlike modern printers that use inkjet or laser technology, a dot matrix printer creates images and text by striking a ribbon with tiny pins to transfer ink onto paper. This impact printing method is ideal for producing carbon copies and handling continuous forms, which is why dot matrix printers are still widely used in industries such as logistics, finance, and retail.
The OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo utilizes a 9-pin impact dot matrix system. In this system, each of the nine pins strikes the ink ribbon to form characters and images on the paper. The arrangement of these pins in a single vertical column allows the printer to produce detailed text and graphics by controlling which pins strike the paper at a given moment. This system is particularly effective for high-speed printing tasks and can handle multipart forms up to five layers thick, making it ideal for printing invoices, shipping labels, and other documents that require multiple copies.
Compared to modern printing technologies like inkjet and laser printers, dot matrix printers offer several advantages in specific scenarios. While they may not provide the high-resolution output of laser or inkjet printers, dot matrix printers excel in environments where durability, low-cost printing, and the ability to print on multi-part forms are more critical than high-definition graphics.
Furthermore, dot matrix printers are highly cost-effective over the long term due to their low maintenance requirements and affordable consumables. This makes the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo a valuable asset in settings where reliability and cost-efficiency outweigh the need for cutting-edge print quality.
Performance
The OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo Mono Dot Matrix Printer is renowned for its impressive performance, especially in high-demand environments.
Print Speed: The printer delivers a print speed of up to 435 characters per minute (cpm). This speed can vary slightly depending on the print quality settings you choose. For standard text documents, the printer maintains this high speed, ensuring efficient handling of large volumes of print jobs. When it comes to draft mode or lower print quality settings, the speed remains consistent, which helps in maintaining productivity in busy workspaces.
Reliability in High-Volume Printing Environments: The OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo is designed to excel in high-volume printing situations. Its robust build and high-duty cycle capacity of up to 20,000 pages per month make it a dependable choice for environments where continuous operation is required. Businesses that rely on consistent and uninterrupted printing, such as warehouses, logistics centers, and financial institutions, will find this printer’s reliability to be a significant advantage.
Performance with Different Types of Paper: This dot matrix printer handles a variety of paper types with ease, including continuous forms and multipart forms. The printer’s design accommodates various paper paths and supports printing on up to five layers of multipart forms, making it suitable for producing invoices, delivery receipts, and other multi-copy documents. Whether you’re working with continuous paper rolls or individual sheets, the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo delivers consistent, high-quality output.
Noise Levels During Operation: While dot matrix printers are generally noisier than modern inkjet or laser printers, the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo is designed to minimize operational noise. The impact printing mechanism does generate sound, but the printer’s solid construction helps dampen the noise to a manageable level. For most office environments, the noise is not disruptive, and its reliability and performance benefits outweigh the acoustic considerations.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Connectivity Options: The OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo Mono Dot Matrix Printer offers versatile connectivity options to suit different needs. It comes equipped with both USB and Parallel interfaces. The USB connection provides straightforward and high-speed data transfer, making it ideal for modern setups where plug-and-play convenience is essential. The Parallel port, on the other hand, supports legacy systems and older hardware, ensuring compatibility with traditional setups that still rely on this connection type.
Compatibility with Various Operating Systems: The OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo is designed to be compatible with a range of operating systems. It supports major versions of Windows, from older releases to the latest versions, ensuring seamless integration with most business environments. For users operating on Linux systems, compatibility is generally available through the use of appropriate drivers, although specific driver support may vary based on the Linux distribution. The printer’s ability to interface with various operating systems makes it a flexible choice for diverse IT environments.
Integration with Legacy Systems and Modern Environments: One of the standout features of the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo is its adaptability to both legacy and modern systems. Its Parallel port ensures that it can easily integrate with older systems that have been in use for years, providing a bridge between new and old technology.
Simultaneously, the USB connection allows for smooth integration with contemporary hardware and software setups. This dual compatibility makes it a valuable asset in mixed-technology environments where bridging the gap between legacy systems and modern advancements is crucial.
Cost Efficiency
Analysis of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): The OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo Mono Dot Matrix Printer is a cost-effective solution when evaluating its total cost of ownership (TCO). The TCO includes the initial purchase price, ongoing maintenance, consumables (like ribbons and paper), and operational costs over the printer’s lifespan. While dot matrix printers generally have a higher upfront cost compared to basic inkjet models, the long-term savings often outweigh the initial investment due to their durability and low operating costs.
Long-Term Savings Due to Durability and Low Maintenance Costs: One of the key benefits of the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo is its durability. Designed for high-volume printing, it boasts a rugged construction that withstands heavy use without frequent breakdowns. This robustness translates to lower maintenance costs and fewer repairs over time.
Also, the printer’s consumables, such as ribbons, are relatively inexpensive compared to the ink cartridges or toner used in inkjet and laser printers. The longevity of the ribbons combined with the minimal need for repairs results in significant long-term savings. The printer’s efficiency in handling multipart forms and continuous paper further contributes to its cost-effectiveness, reducing the need for expensive pre-printed forms.
Comparison with Other Printers in the Same Category: When compared to other printers in the dot matrix category, the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo stands out for its cost efficiency. Many modern inkjet and laser printers come with higher per-page costs due to the price of ink or toner cartridges, and their consumables can be more expensive in the long run.
Also, the durability of dot matrix printers like the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo means that businesses can avoid the frequent replacements and repairs that might be necessary for less robust printers. For high-volume printing needs, especially where multipart forms are required, the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo offers a more economical solution compared to other printers that might not support the same range of printing tasks efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
The OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo is versatile in handling various types of media. It can print on continuous forms, multipart forms, and single-sheet paper. This includes carbonless copy paper and multi-part forms up to five layers thick, making it suitable for printing invoices, shipping labels, and other multi-copy documents.
The printer offers both USB and Parallel connectivity options. The USB port facilitates fast, modern data transfer and integration with contemporary systems, while the Parallel port allows compatibility with older hardware and legacy systems.
The OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo has a print speed of up to 435 characters per minute (cpm), making it highly efficient for high-volume printing tasks. Compared to other dot matrix printers, this speed is competitive, and it is faster than many inkjet and laser printers in scenarios where high-speed continuous printing is required.
Yes, the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo is designed for high-volume printing environments. It has a maximum duty cycle of up to 20,000 pages per month, making it a reliable choice for businesses with demanding printing needs. Its robust construction and low maintenance requirements contribute to its suitability for heavy use.
Dot matrix printers, including the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo, are generally noisier than modern inkjet or laser printers. However, the OKI MICROLINE 320 Turbo is designed to minimize operational noise through its solid construction, making it manageable for most office environments. The noise produced is typical for dot matrix printers but is often outweighed by its reliability and performance benefits.
