nonimpact printer
C2Technical / Specialized
Definition
Meaning
A printer that forms characters or images on paper without striking it physically.
A printing device using thermal, inkjet, laser, or other technologies where print heads do not make physical contact with the paper, allowing for quieter operation and often higher print quality.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This term is primarily used in technical, IT, and office equipment contexts. It contrasts with 'impact printer' (e.g., dot-matrix, daisy-wheel). The concept is more common than the specific term in everyday language (people typically say 'laser printer' or 'inkjet').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The compound spelling 'non-impact' with a hyphen is slightly more common in British English, while 'nonimpact' as one word is typical in American technical writing.
Connotations
Neutral technical descriptor in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and technical in both dialects. More common in written technical manuals than in speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [ADJ] nonimpact printer [VERB] silently.We replaced our old dot-matrix with a [ADJ] nonimpact printer.[NOUN] like inkjets are types of nonimpact printers.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific technical term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in procurement, IT specifications, and office equipment discussions to distinguish from noisy legacy printers.
Academic
Found in computer science, engineering, and information technology texts discussing printing technologies.
Everyday
Rarely used; people refer to specific types (laser, inkjet).
Technical
Core term in printing technology, hardware manuals, and comparative analyses of printing methods.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new system will non-impact print the documents.
- We need to nonimpact print these brochures.
American English
- The software allows you to nonimpact print directly from the app.
- They decided to nonimpact-print the final report.
adverb
British English
- The page was printed non-impact.
- [Rare usage]
American English
- The machine operates nonimpact. [Technical]
- [Rare usage]
adjective
British English
- We invested in non-impact printing technology.
- The nonimpact printer unit is in the main office.
American English
- Nonimpact printing solutions have become the standard.
- We ordered a nonimpact printer cartridge.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is a quiet printer. It is a nonimpact printer.
- Our new office printer is a nonimpact type, so it's much quieter than the old one.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'NON-IMPACT' = NO hitting. A nonimpact printer doesn't hit the paper; it sprays, shines, or heats instead.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRINTING IS A NON-VIOLENT PROCESS (contrasted with impact printing's 'striking' or 'hitting').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid calquing as 'неударный принтер' – this is not standard. Use 'безударный принтер' or, more commonly, specify the type: 'лазерный принтер' (laser), 'струйный принтер' (inkjet).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'non-impakt printer' or 'non impact printer'.
- Using it in general conversation where 'laser printer' would be clearer.
- Confusing it with '3D printer' (which is also nonimpact but a different category).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a nonimpact printer?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary advantage is significantly quieter operation, as well as generally higher print quality and faster speeds for text and graphics compared to traditional impact printers.
Technically yes, as it doesn't strike the paper/page, but the term 'nonimpact printer' is historically and practically reserved for 2D page printers (laser, inkjet). 3D printing is considered a separate category.
Because impact printers (like dot-matrix) have become rare in most settings. The default assumption for a 'printer' is now a nonimpact type (laser or inkjet), making the distinguishing term less necessary.
No, they cannot. Carbon copy paper requires the physical impact of a print head to transfer ink through multiple layers, which nonimpact printing methods do not provide.