Epson LX-350 Dot Matrix Printer Review
Epson LX-350 impact dot matrix printer review — reliable monochrome printing for forms, labels and legacy systems. Durable, low-cost operation.
Introduction
If your business still runs on multi-part forms, continuous paper, or you need a reliable printer that tolerates rough environments, the Epson LX-350 reintroduces a practical solution: impact dot matrix printing. This printer is built around tried-and-tested 9-pin impact technology and is optimized for printing invoices, shipping labels, multipart carbon copies, and envelopes where digital-only printers fall short. For workflows that demand durability, low per-page costs, and compatibility with legacy systems, the LX-350 is a focused machine that solves specific operational pain points.
Beyond nostalgia, the LX-350 is a productivity tool. It supports USB, serial and parallel interfaces to connect with modern PCs and long-running legacy terminals, handles continuous forms and envelopes, and uses a low-cost solid ink ribbon for long, predictable runs. If you need straightforward monochrome output that tolerates harsh environments, frequent handling, or multipart forms, this Epson makes the job efficient and cost-effective without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Overview
Design-wise the LX-350 is compact and utilitarian: a narrow 80-column carriage, a sturdy paper path for continuous and single-sheet media, and a simple push-button control scheme for quick operation. Epson’s impact-head engineering focuses on reliability—this is a workhorse rather than a showpiece. Its monochrome-only output and single tray configuration reflect its purpose as a dedicated form-and-label printer rather than a general office multifunction.
At core, the LX-350 uses 9-pin dot matrix impact printing at a maximum resolution of 240 dpi and a color depth of 1 bpp. Its connectivity is a strong suit for mixed environments: USB for modern PCs plus parallel and serial interfaces to maintain compatibility with legacy point-of-sale systems, cash registers, and industrial controllers. Typical users include retail outlets, logistics and warehouse operations, government offices, and businesses that print multipart documents or envelopes and require a consistent, low-cost printing method.
Features
Industrial-Grade Impact Printing (9-Pin, 80 Column): 9-pin impact dot matrix head with 80-column narrow carriage. Advantage: Produces sharp, legible monochrome text and can strike multiple-layer carbon copies in one pass. Benefit: Print invoices, packing lists and multipart forms without re-feeding—reduces errors and speeds up document processing where electronic forms are not sufficient.
Triple-Interface Compatibility (USB, Serial, Parallel): Built-in USB plus legacy serial and parallel ports. Advantage: Seamless integration with both modern PCs and older business systems or POS terminals. Benefit: Avoids costly network or interface adapters and ensures you can plug the LX-350 into existing point-of-sale or manufacturing setups quickly.
Low-Cost Solid Ink Ribbon System: Uses a durable, low-cost solid ink ribbon. Advantage: Long ribbon life and predictable per-page costs; ribbons are inexpensive and simple to replace. Benefit: Keeps operating expenses down for high-volume form printing and reduces downtime due to infrequent ribbon changes.
Robust Paper Handling and Multipart Capability: Supports envelopes, labels and continuous forms, with a max input sheet capacity of about 50 and ability to produce up to 4 copies per run. Advantage: Handles diverse media sizes including envelopes and continuous tractor-fed forms without jamming. Benefit: Great for shipping departments, warehousing, and any environment that relies on multi-part documentation.
Benefits
Reliable Legacy Integration
Connects easily to both modern and legacy systems via USB, serial and parallel ports—minimizing IT work and eliminating compatibility bottlenecks.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Solid ink ribbons and impact printing are cheaper per page than many laser and inkjet workflows for monochrome multipart jobs, delivering predictable operating costs for billing and logistics.
Durability in Tough Conditions
Impact printers tolerate dusty, industrial or point-of-sale environments where inkjet heads or laser optics may fail prematurely, reducing service interruptions.
Consistent Multipart Output
Creates carbon copies and multiple runs in a single pass—improving document accuracy and speed in transactional environments where duplicate originals are required.
Minimal Setup and Maintenance
Simple control interface and low-maintenance ribbon changes mean staff can operate and maintain the LX-350 quickly without specialized training.
Usages
Perfect for Shipping, Warehousing and Logistics
Print packing slips, bills of lading, and multi-part shipping documents on continuous forms and envelopes. The impact head ensures copies are produced through carbon sets with reliable legibility.
Ideal for Point-of-Sale and Retail Receipts
Integrates with legacy POS systems over serial/parallel ports to print receipts, order tickets or kitchen slips—especially in environments where thermal printers are not practical or where multipart receipts are required.
Reliable in Government and Back-Office Environments
Use for archival forms, checks, compliance paperwork and multipart official documents where long-term legibility and physical copies are mandatory.
Practical for Label and Envelope Printing
Handles labels, envelopes and single-sheet documents reliably, making it suitable for mailrooms and administrative desks that still require physical mail outputs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rugged, reliable impact printing suited to multipart forms
- Triple-interface connectivity: USB, serial and parallel
- Low operating costs with affordable solid ink ribbons
- Handles envelopes, labels and continuous forms
- Compact footprint and simple controls for quick deployment
Cons
- Monochrome-only output—no color or photo printing
- Lower graphic resolution compared to laser or inkjet (240 dpi)
- Not designed for high-resolution office documents or images
- Limited sheet input capacity (around 50) compared to office lasers
- No duplex or advanced finishing options
FAQs
Does the LX-350 support modern computers?
Yes. The LX-350 has a USB interface for modern PCs and also includes serial and parallel ports to connect legacy terminals and POS equipment.
Can it print multiple carbon copies at once?
Yes. The LX-350 is designed for multipart forms and can produce up to four copies per run, making it ideal for invoices and similar documents.
What is the print resolution and print quality?
Maximum black-and-white resolution is 240 dpi, which is suitable for clear text and basic graphics on forms. This is not a photo printer; it’s optimized for text and multipart forms.
How often do I need to change the ribbon?
Ribbon life varies by usage, but solid ink ribbons are long-lasting and inexpensive. Typical users find ribbon replacements are infrequent compared to toner or ink cartridge changes in other printer types.
Product Specifications
| Printer Type | Impact dot matrix (9-pin, 80-column) |
| Print Speed (PPM) | N/A (dot-matrix measured in cps) — up to ~357 cps in high-speed draft (characters per second) |
| Resolution (DPI) | Maximum 240 dpi |
| Connectivity | USB, Serial (RS-232), Parallel |
| Duplex | No (simplex only) |
| Supported Media Sizes | Continuous forms, envelopes, labels, single-sheet up to A3 (per manufacturer claims) |
| Ink/Toner Type | Solid ink ribbon (black) |
| Dimensions | 1 x 1 x 1 inches (manufacturer listed — compact footprint) |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 50 |
| Maximum copies per run | 4 |
| Color Output | Monochrome (black) |
| Power Consumption | 27 Watts |
| Warranty | [Manufacturer Specific] |
Ratings
| Print Quality | 3.4 |
| Connectivity & Ease of Use | 4.6 |
| Print Speed | 3.8 |
| Build & Reliability | 4.5 |
| Maintenance & Efficiency | 4.2 |
| Value for Money | 4.7 |
Recommendation
The Epson LX-350 is recommended for businesses and departments that rely on multipart forms, continuous feed documents, or legacy point-of-sale and industrial systems. Choose this printer when durability, low per-page cost and compatibility with older hardware are priorities.
Conclusion
The Epson LX-350 is not a general-purpose office printer and it does not compete on color fidelity or high-resolution graphics. Instead, it excels where impact printing is the correct tool: multipart forms, receipts, envelopes and environments that require rugged, low-cost monochrome output. Its triple-interface connectivity and durable ribbon system make it especially valuable for shops, warehouses, retail counters and government back-offices that must bridge modern and legacy systems.
Long-term value comes from predictable operating costs, minimal maintenance, and the ability to generate multiple copies in a single pass—capabilities that modern lasers and inkjets cannot replicate without additional supplies or processes. For users who understand the niche and need consistent, physical copies under challenging conditions, the LX-350 delivers dependable performance and sensible economics.
