IBM hammer printers

IBM Impact Line Printers

Industry	Computer printers
Founded	1959
Defunct	1999
Products	Hammer-driven impact printers (type bars, chains, trains, bands)

IBM produced and marketed hammer-driven impact printers utilizing type bars, chains, trains, or bands from 1959 until 1999, supplanting the earlier print drum technology. This entry focuses on the most notable line printer models. Initially, IBM referred to band printers as "belt printers," though these terms describe essentially the same technology.

Throughout this article, lpm stands for lines per minute, indicating printing speed based on a recurring sequence of 48 characters (character set).

Chain and train printers

The printers are organized according to their announcement dates.

IBM 1403

The IBM 1403 Model 1, introduced in 1959, was IBM's inaugural hammer-based printer employing type slugs mounted on a chain.

In 1967, IBM launched the 1403 Model N1, which replaced the chain with a train mechanism to boost printing velocity. This train consists of print slugs moving along a precision-machined track resembling railroad cars.

IBM 5203

The IBM 5203 is a line printer equipped with interchangeable train cartridges. It offers 96 default print positions, expandable up to 120 or 132. The train contains 240 characters, with a standard set of 48 characters repeated five times. It functioned as an alternative to the IBM 1403 for the IBM System/3. The Model 3 variant connects to an IBM S/370 through an integrated printer attachment (also compatible with the IBM 3203), eliminating the need for a separate channel or control unit. Printer covers were available in red, yellow, blue, gray, or white.

5203 Models

Model	Speed (lpm)	Announced	Withdrawn	Weight	Length	Width	Height	BTU
1	100	July 30, 1969	December 10, 1982	550 lb (250 kg)	56+1⁄4 in (143 cm)	20 in (51 cm)	41+1⁄2 in (105 cm)	2,000 BTU (500 kcal)
2	200	July 30, 1969	December 10, 1982	550 lb (250 kg)	56+1⁄4 in (143 cm)	20 in (51 cm)	41+1⁄2 in (105 cm)	2,000 BTU (500 kcal)
3	300	October 16, 1970	December 10, 1982	550 lb (250 kg)	56+1⁄4 in (143 cm)	20 in (51 cm)	41+1⁄2 in (105 cm)	3,300 BTU (830 kcal)

IBM 3211

Unveiled on June 30, 1970, the IBM 3211 achieved speeds up to 2000 lpm, surpassing both the 1403-002 (600 lpm) and the 1403-N1 (1100 lpm).

This system combined three distinct machine types:

IBM 3211

This model employed front printing technology where hammers and type elements were positioned ahead of the ribbon and paper pressed against the platen. Enhancements such as an oscillating platen, refined hammer dynamics, and improved typefaces contributed to higher speeds along with superior print quality.

Notable features included:

• A replaceable train-type print cartridge (the 3216)
• Oscillating platen capable of automatically detecting form thickness without manual adjustments
• Programmable forms control buffer that replaced traditional paper carriage tapes
• Paper feed rates reaching up to 90 inches per second
• An upgraded power stacker designed for rapid output handling (capable of emptying a standard box in approximately ten minutes)
• Standard configuration of 132 print positions with expansion options up to 150
• Automated printer cover opening triggered by faults such as out-of-paper or full stacker conditions; this could be controlled programmatically
• A dedicated control panel providing diagnostics independently from the host system

OCR printing functionality was introduced on March 13, 1972.

Physical dimensions measured approximately 145 cm in length, 74 cm in width, and 136 cm in height; weight was around 640 kg.

IBM 3216

The train-type cartridge is designed for operator replacement and includes the following features:

• 432 print elements arranged on 108 carriers, each holding 4 characters, which is larger compared to the IBM 1416’s 240 characters
• A redesigned type slug that is suspended on the train elements instead of being engraved
• A built-in oiler mechanism
• Two sizable T-shaped handles to facilitate easy removal
• A custom-molded solid plastic case for secure transport and storage

The printer’s peak speed varied based on the train’s configuration—specifically the size of the character set and repetition—with a maximum interlock rate of 2500 lines per minute (lpm).

3211 Minimum line rates depending on train configuration

Array Length	Number of repeats	Minimum print rate (lpm)
27	16	2500
36	12	2430
48	9	2000
54	8	1837
72	6	1477
108	4	1060
144	3	827
216	2	574
432	1	300

Print trains were available in multiple formats such as A11 (Standard Commercial) and H11 (Standard Scientific), both typically configured with 48 characters across nine arrays, commonly reaching speeds of 2000 lpm. Additional configurations included:

Special cartridge throughput rates

Arrangement	Characters per train	Array Size	Number of Arrays	Minimum lpm	Expected lpm
G11 (ASCII)	64	108	4	1060	1765
P11 (PL/1)	60	108	4	1060	1815
T11 (Text)	120	144	3	827	906

IBM 3811

The IBM 3811 functions as a printer control unit responsible for managing and buffering the printer. It houses all necessary circuitry to interface the printer with the channel. Its dimensions are approximately long, wide, and high, with a weight range dependent on power frequency.

Withdrawal

On May 1, 1985, IBM discontinued the 3211-1 and 3811-1 models, replacing them with the IBM 4245.

IBM 3203

Mechanically akin to the IBM 1403-N1, the IBM 3203 line printer utilizes an interchangeable train cartridge (IBM 1416) and operates without requiring a carriage control tape. It also incorporates an integrated vacuum cleaner.

Models 1 through 4 connect through a built-in 3203 printer attachment on S/370 systems (and S/3, S/38, or 3770 for Model 3), eliminating the need for a separate control unit or channel. Specifically, Model 1 attaches to S/370 Models 115 and 125; Model 4 connects to Models 138 and 148. The Model 005 operates as a standalone printer connecting directly to a parallel channel without extra hardware.

This printer achieves up to 1580 lines per minute using a 32-character set. Notably, it can produce Braille by employing a special rubber strip on the hammers combined with a dedicated train cartridge programmed for Braille dot patterns.

4 1200 Integrated attachment June 30, 1976 January 30, 1979 370 143 51 117 5 1200 Parallel Channel January 30, 1979 August 2, 1986 485 223 51 117

3203 Models overview

Model	Speed (lpm)	Connection	Announced	Withdrawn	Weight (kg)	Length (cm)	Width (cm)	Height (cm)
1	600	Integrated attachment	March 3, 1973	January 30, 1979	370	143	51	117
2	1200	Integrated attachment	March 3, 1973	January 30, 1979	370	143	51	117
3	'1000/1200*'	'Integrated attachment'	'October 20, 1975'	'August 2, 1986'			|

The standard speed for Model 3 is set at 1000 lpm with a train containing 48 characters; an optional upgrade raises this rate to 1200 lpm. Additionally, it supports cable connections to IBM remote batch terminals such as the IBM 3777 controller and is compatible with IBM System/3 and System/38 environments.

IBM 1416

The IBM 1416 is a removable train cartridge first introduced alongside the 1403-N1 and subsequently utilized with the IBM 3203. Unlike linked character chains, it employs a sequence of separate characters. It holds 240 characters, arranged as 80 slugs each containing three characters, commonly set up as the Universal Character Set featuring five repetitions of the same 48 characters.

Band printers

During the late 1960s, IBM developed flexible band technology aimed at delivering cost-effective printers without compromising print quality. Initial versions utilized a single hammer to print two positions, resulting in slower speeds; however, IBM later reverted to dedicating one hammer per print position to enhance output speed.

IBM 3618 Administrative Line Printer

Launched in 1974, this model marked IBM's entry into band printers. It supports printing speeds of 155 lines per minute (lpm) using a 48-character set and operates with one hammer serving two print positions. The printer includes 80 positions by default, with an option to expand up to 132. Integrated within the IBM 3600 banking system, it connects through an IBM 3601 controller. Employing a band with a 64-character set lowers speed to 120 lpm, while a 96-character set band further reduces it to 80 lpm. The product was announced on August 10, 1973.

IBM 3288

Also introduced in 1974, the IBM 3288 is a line printer featuring one hammer for every two print positions. It can reach speeds of up to 120 lpm when utilizing a band with a 64-character set and slows to approximately 80 lpm when using a band with a 120-character set.

IBM 3776 Communication Terminal

Debuting in late 1974, the IBM 3776 incorporates a print band printer equipped with an engraved character font belt. Models 1 and 3 achieve maximum speeds of up to 300 lpm using a 48-character set, whereas Models 2 and 4 can print as fast as 400 lpm with the same character set. Each model employs one hammer per print location.

3776 maximum print speed

Model	Maximum lpm	Character Set
1 or 3	300	48
1 or 3	230	64
1 or 3	160	94
2 or 4	400	48
2 or 4	300	64
2 or 4	230	94

The announcement date was December 9, 1974.

IBM 5211

This printer operates at speeds of either 160 or 300 lpm and employs a magnetically controlled clamp mechanism to hold forms securely during printing. It supports up to 132 print positions. Models labeled as 1 and 2 were discontinued on May 1, 1984.

IBM 3262

The IBM 3262 printer is equipped with advanced microprocessing capabilities that allow users to perform diagnostics independently without requiring assistance from an IBM Service Representative.

Multiple variants are available, with production of the IBM 3262 taking place in Jarfalla, Sweden. The C1 model is intended for Customer Set-up (CSU) and utilizes a steel band containing 288 characters.

IBM 3262 Models

Model	Attachment	Maximum speed (lpm)	Announced	First Shipment	Withdrawn	Replacement Product
1	Parallel Channel	650	January 30, 1979
11	Parallel Channel	325	October 2, 1979
2	Loop to 8130/8140	650	October 2, 1979
12	Loop to 8130/8140	325	October 2, 1979
3	Coax	650	October 31, 1979
13	Coax	325	October 31, 1979
5	Parallel Channel	650	November 12, 1982	September, 1983	April 20, 1984	IBM 5262
B1	System/36	650	May 17, 1983
C1	System/36	650	May 17, 1983	September, 1983	April 20, 1984	IBM 5262

IBM 5262

Launched on October 2, 1984, as the successor to the IBM 3262, the IBM 5262 delivers a printing speed of 650 lines per minute but employs print bands that are not compatible with its predecessor. The model 001 version supports twinax connectivity and emulates the IBM 5256 printer. Initial distribution commenced in October 1984.

IBM 4245

The IBM 4245 is a high-velocity impact printer utilizing an engraved print band, designed to replace models such as the IBM 1403, 3203, and 3211/3811 series. For instance, in October 1985, the Montana Department of Administration procured three units to upgrade from older printing equipment.

Essential consumable components include:

• Print band
• Printer ribbon
• Plastic ribbon shield
• Vacuum cleaner bag (used with an integrated vacuum system; provided at no cost during maintenance visits)

Produced in Jarfalla, Sweden specifically for the European market, the IBM 4245 is offered in seven distinct versions:

Model 001

Announced on May 3, 1983, the Model 001 of the IBM 4245 operates at 2000 lines per minute and shares the same physical dimensions as the 3203–005. This model requires no scheduled servicing and includes a warranty period of three months. Its dimensions are , width including side stacker , height , and it weighs . IBM discontinued this model on July 16, 1985, replacing it with the upgraded 4245–020.

Models 12 and 20

Introduced on April 16, 1985, with deliveries beginning June 28, 1985, the Model 12 offers a speed of 1200 lpm while Model 20 reaches 2000 lpm. The Model 020 brought substantial improvements over Model 001, such as OCR printing capability, enhanced print clarity and reliability, simplified paper loading access, a redesigned top cover and power stacker, a reduced footprint by approximately one-quarter, and quieter operation at a noise level of 64 decibels.

Models 12/20 and their variants have dimensions of , width including side stacker , height , and weigh .

Six models derive from the Model 12/20 platform:

4245 Models

Model	Speed (lpm)	Connection	Announcement Date	Initial Shipment	Discontinuation Date	Successor
1	2000	Parallel Channel	May 3, 1983		July 16, 1985	4245-020
12	1200	Parallel Channel	April 16, 1985	June 28, 1985	May 1, 1992	6262-014
20	2000	Parallel Channel	April 16, 1985	June 28, 1985	May 1, 1992	6262-022
D12	1200	Coaxial	May 1, 1985		May 1, 1992	6262-D12
D20	2000	Coaxial	May 1, 1985		May 1, 1992	6262-D22
T12	1200	Twinaxial	June 16, 1986	September 1986	May 1, 1992	6262-T12
T20	2000	Twinaxial	June 16, 1986	September 1986	May 1, 1992	6262-T22

Models D12 and D20

These versions connect via coaxial cables to IBM controllers such as the IBM 3274 or IBM 4701. This setup allows attachment to mainframe systems without requiring a parallel bus or tag channel. At their release time, these were IBM’s fastest printers using coaxial connections—outpacing the earlier IBM 3262-003’s maximum speed of only650 lpm.

Models T12 and T20

Designed for twinaxial connection to IBM System/36 and System/38 platforms.

IBM 4248

The IBM4248 is an engraved-band high-speed impact printer available in two variants:

Model001

Unveiled on February7,1984 with deliveries beginning in the third quarter of that year,the Model001 prints at speeds of2000,3000 or3600 lines per minute,making it the fastest impact printer fromIBM at its launch.It consumes46% less power and produces26% less heat than theIBM3211.

Equipped with132 print positions as standard,it can be upgraded to168 positions to enable simultaneous printing of two documents side-by-side.The print band travels at45 miles per hour,and hammers actuate for only30 microseconds per character row.

Consumables include forms retention belts (replacement every4 minutes), platen wear strip (every4 minutes), print band (every2 minutes), printer ribbon (every2 minutes), ribbon shield (every4 minutes),and vacuum cleaner bags for its built-in vacuum system (every2 minutes).

This printer supports two operational modes: compatibility withIBM3211 mode and its nativeIBM4248 mode.

Notable features:

• Automatic Flight Time Compensation (AFTC) electronically adjusts hammer timing without manual mechanical tuning; settings are saved on an internal diskette.
• Automatic Band Image Buffer (BIB) identifies band IDs to load appropriate images and detect mismatches.
• OCR-quality printing capability at2200 lpm.
• Supports underscoring as well as multi-strike printing.
• Equipped with a flashing operator attention light due to its quiet performance—operating at half the noise level of theIBM3211.

Designed for channel attachment toIBM mainframes including models370/3148+,44xx series,303x series,and308x series.

Physical dimensions are152.5 cm length by122 cm width by142 cm height (203 cm with cover raised). The unit weighs865 kg including stacker.

The Model001 was retired on January26,1987,replaced by theIBM4248–002.

Model 002

Unveiled on January 26, 1987, the Model 002 introduced advanced hammer technology that allowed printing speeds up to 4000 lines per minute. This model eliminated the necessity for platen wear strips and required no routine maintenance from IBM Service Technicians. Due to its enhanced dependability, IBM extended the Model 001's warranty from three to twelve months and provided a one-year warranty for the Model 002.

The Model 002 was discontinued on December 15, 1992, succeeded by the IBM 6262–022. IBM indicated that replacing a single 4248–002 might require two units of the 6262-022.

IBM 6262

The IBM 6262 printer is both more compact and quieter than its predecessors, operating at a noise level of 58 dB compared to the 4245's 64 dB, while occupying only about 64% of the floor space of the 4245-012/020.

It supports three types of print bands, with printing speed varying according to the character set size:

Character Set	Model x22 (lines per minute)
48	2200
64	1840
94/96	1410

Various configurations were produced with different interfaces and speeds, yet all maintained similar dimensions (approximately 1000 mm wide, 850 mm deep, and around 1360 mm tall) and weights ranging between 290 and 360 kilograms:

A14 D14 P14||Dataproducts Parallel||1400||October24,1989||November24,1989||September14,1994||1000||850||1360||301 T14||Twinaxial||1400||February2,1988||July1988||September14,1994||1000||850||1360||301 022||Channel||2200||October24,1989||November24,1989||June30,1999||1000||850||1360||360 A22||Parallel/Serial||2200||August28,1990||August1990||June30,1999||1000||850||1360||360 D22||Coaxial||2200||October24,1989||November24,1989||June30,1999||1000||850||1360||360 P22||Dataproducts Parallel||2200||October24,1989||November24,1989||June30,1999||1000||850||1360||360 T22||Twinaxial||2200||October24,1989||November24,1989||June30,1999||1000||850||1360||360

IBM 6262 Variants

	Interface	Speed (lpm)	Announcement Date	Release Date	Discontinuation Date	Width (mm)	Depth (mm)	Height (mm)	Weight (kg)
A12	Parallel/Serial	1200	August 28, 1990	August 1990	September 14, 1994	1000	850	1360	290
D12	Coaxial	1200	February 2, 1988	March 25, 1988	September 14, 1994	1000	850	1360	290
P12	Dataproducts Parallel	1200	October 24, 1989	November 24, 1989	September 14, 1994	1000	850	1360	290
T12	Twinaxial	1200	February 2, 1988	March 25, 1988	September 14, 1994	1000	850	1360	290
014	Channel	1400	February 2,1988	July1988	September14,1994	1000	850	1360	301
Parallel/Serial	1400	August28,1990	August1990	September14,1994	1000	850	1360	301
Coaxial	1400	February2,1988	July1988	September14,1994	1000	850	1360	301

Successor model

The IBM 6400 succeeded the IBM 6262 series as a line matrix printer rather than utilizing hammer-based printing technology.

Universal Character Set functionality

Starting with the 1403 model 2 used alongside the IBM 2821 Control Unit, most IBM impact printers employing hammers incorporated the Universal Character Set (UCS). IBM supplied software solutions for printers featuring interchangeable print components such as chains and trains. The control unit contains a UCS buffer that holds code points for each print element position. It also offers an option to map lowercase characters to uppercase when print elements lack lowercase glyphs.

Software interacts with this UCS buffer through UCS Load commands using CCW operation codes 'FB'x (no case folding) and 'F3'x (with folding).