What is an example of a non-impact printer?

A non-impact printer is a type of printer that produces text and images on paper without striking an ink ribbon against the paper. In this case, a laser printer is a prime example of such technology. It utilizes a laser beam to form images on a drum, which is then coated with toner and fused onto the paper through heat. This process does not involve physical contact with the paper, distinguishing it from impact printers, which rely on mechanical mechanisms to transfer ink.

The other printers mentioned operate differently; for instance, a dot matrix printer utilizes a series of pins that strike an inked ribbon, making it an impact printer. Similarly, inkjet printers work by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto paper, which also involves a contact mechanism. Thermal printers use heat to transfer ink from a ribbon or to react with heat-sensitive paper, making them more akin to non-impact printers, but they typically are classified as impact when the ribbon is involved for standard printing.