Abstract:
A wire matrix print head mechanism is disclosed in which a wear and impact resistant, flexible, smooth, tough and economical metalloid element filament material is utilized as the impact print wire. The wire material's flexibility eliminates many of the problems of breakage and brittleness failures encountered in previous designs. The lower coefficient of friction and greater smoothness of the wire material lowers the magnet forces required to push the wires through wire guides in the print head. The extreme hardness of the metalloid material combined with its high flexibility and toughness facilitate the production of impact and wear resistant, easily assembled long life wire matrix print heads.