Epson LQ-590II 24-Pin Dot Matrix Printer Review
In-depth review of Epson LQ-590II dot matrix printer: durability, legacy integration, low operating cost, and real-world performance.
Introduction
If your operation depends on reliable, heavy-duty printing for multipart forms, invoices, shipping manifests, or POS receipts, the Epson LQ-590II 24-pin dot matrix printer is purpose-built to solve those exact challenges. This impact printer is engineered for environments where durability, low running costs, and compatibility with legacy systems matter more than photographic quality. It addresses common pain points such as frequent ribbon changes, media jams on continuous forms, and poor longevity under continuous daily use.
Unlike modern laser and inkjet machines, the LQ-590II excels at tasks that require printing through multiple carbon copies, handling long tractor-fed jobs, and integrating seamlessly with worn-in business software. Its long-life ribbon, robust paper handling, and support for industry-standard printer languages mean fewer interruptions, lower total cost of ownership, and steady throughput for mission-critical print streams.
Overview
The Epson LQ-590II is a no-nonsense 24-pin impact printer designed for high-reliability commercial and industrial use. It combines rugged mechanical engineering with straightforward connectivity, offering USB interface support and built-in compatibility with Epson ESC/P and IBM PPDS printer languages. The chassis is compact enough for crowded workstations yet sturdy enough for harsh environments where dust, vibration, or continuous operation are the norm.
As a dot matrix impact printer, the LQ-590II is optimized for monochrome output and multipart forms up to seven pages thick. It targets businesses that need reliable invoice, bank, logistics, and retail printing. Its design favors longevity and low maintenance: long-life print heads, a ribbon cartridge rated for up to five million characters, and a mean time between failures (MTBF) rating that supports heavy daily workloads.
Features
Legacy Compatibility and Integration: Equipped with Epson ESC/P and IBM PPDS support, the LQ-590II integrates with older ERP, POS, and custom terminal software without complex middleware. USB connectivity makes it straightforward to attach to modern laptops and PCs as well.
Durable 24-Pin Impact Mechanism: Featuring a 24-pin print head the LQ-590II delivers precise character printing and strong strike-through power allowing clear output across multipart forms. The impact mechanism is built for a long life cycle, reducing downtime and replacement frequency compared with lower-end impact printers.
Long-Life Ribbon Cartridge: The ribbon cartridge is specified for up to five million characters which dramatically reduces user interventions and lowers cost per page. For operations with steady print volumes, ribbon longevity translates directly to lower consumable spend and fewer supply-chain headaches.
Advanced Paper Handling: Built to manage cut-sheet, continuous, and multipart forms up to seven pages thick, the printer handles envelopes and standard letter sizes reliably. Automatic and manual duplex support adds flexibility for specialized workflows while dual trays simplify media changes.
High Throughput for Continuous Workloads: Rated at speeds up to 584 characters per second, this printer races through continuous forms and cut-sheet jobs. Whether you run long batch prints or frequent transactional receipts, the throughput reduces bottlenecks and keeps clerks and terminals moving.
Benefits
Form Multiplicity and Versatility
Support for multipart forms, envelopes, letter-size paper, and continuous tractor-fed media lets a single device serve multiple printing roles—consolidating hardware and simplifying workflows.
User-Focused Operation
An intuitive control panel and straightforward USB connectivity make setup and daily use simple, minimizing training time for staff and allowing quick recovery from routine tasks like ribbon replacement or media reloading.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Long-life ribbons and a low-maintenance design reduce per-page costs and service intervals. This is a smart capital choice for businesses replacing more expensive laser or inkjet setups for transactional print tasks.
Operational Reliability
The rugged print head and durable mechanics reduce unplanned downtime, keeping critical business processes running. For high-volume environments the LQ-590II delivers consistent output day after day.
Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
Because it speaks industry-standard printer languages, the LQ-590II plugs into legacy software environments with minimal reconfiguration, saving IT time and avoiding costly software rewrites.
Usages
Ideal for Multipart Forms and Carbon Copies
Any business that requires printing through multiple carbon or carbonless copies—accounting departments, government offices, and service receipts—will appreciate the reliable strike-through and clarity.
Perfect for High-Volume Transactional Printing
Banks, logistics centers, and warehouses can rely on the LQ-590II for running long batches of invoices, shipping labels, and manifests without frequent intervention.
Robust Choice for Retail and POS Systems
Point-of-sale environments that still depend on impact printing for receipts, journal logs, or kitchen orders will find the LQ-590II handles continuous printing with minimal jams and long consumable life.
Field Offices and Harsh Environments
Sites with dust, vibration, or non-climate-controlled conditions benefit from the mechanical simplicity and durability of a dot matrix impact printer over sensitive laser or inkjet heads.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional durability and long MTBF for heavy-duty use
- Low operating cost with high-yield ribbon cartridges
- Excellent handling of multipart and continuous forms
- Legacy printer language support for seamless integration
- Robust throughput for transactional environments
Cons
- Monochrome output only; not suitable for photos or color marketing materials
- Basic connectivity limited to USB, no native Ethernet or Wi-Fi
- Lower resolution compared with modern laser or inkjet printers for fine graphics
- Physically bulkier than compact consumer printers
FAQs
Can I use it with modern Windows or Linux systems?
Yes. The LQ-590II has driver support for modern operating systems and emulates industry-standard printer languages to ensure compatibility with many legacy and contemporary applications.
How long does the ribbon last?
Epson rates the ribbon cartridge for up to five million characters, which significantly reduces the frequency of replacements compared with standard ribbons.
What connectivity options are available?
Primary connectivity is USB. The printer also supports standard Epson ESC/P and IBM PPDS printer languages for software-level integration with legacy systems.
Does the LQ-590II support continuous forms and multipart printing?
Yes. The printer is designed to handle continuous forms and can print through up to seven-part forms, making it ideal for multipart invoices and carbon copy documents.
Is duplex printing supported?
Yes. The printer supports both automatic and manual duplex modes, useful for workflows that require two-sided logs or specialized forms.
Product Specifications
| Warranty | Limited Warranty (manufacturer) |
| Memory | 64 MB |
| Dimensions | 2 x 4 x 8 inches (listed product dimensions) |
| Supported Media Sizes | Letter 8.5 x 11, Envelope No. 6, Envelope No. 10, continuous tractor-fed forms |
| Resolution (DPI) | Up to 240 dpi (copy) / 12 cpi character density |
| Duplex | Automatic and Manual duplex capability |
| Weight | 15.84 pounds (7.2 kilograms) |
| Print Speed (PPM) | Up to 366 ppm (document dependent) |
| Printer Type | 24-pin Dot Matrix (Impact) |
| Ink/Toner Type | Dot Matrix Ribbon Cartridge (black), rated up to 5 million characters |
| Connectivity | USB, ESC/P and IBM PPDS language support |
| Print Speed (CPS) | Up to 584 characters per second |
| Power Consumption | Approximately 60 Watts |
Ratings
| Build & Reliability | 4.8 |
| Value for Money | 4.5 |
| Print Quality | 3.2 |
| Print Speed | 4.6 |
| Maintenance & Efficiency | 4.4 |
| Connectivity & Ease of Use | 3.5 |
Recommendation
Choose the Epson LQ-590II if your operation prioritizes multipart and continuous-form printing, needs a device that integrates with legacy systems, and values long consumable life and mechanical durability over color or photographic quality.
This printer is especially recommended for logistics centers, retail outlets with journal printing, government forms, and any business replacing older impact printers that require a reliable, low-cost-per-page workhorse.
Conclusion
The Epson LQ-590II is a focused, practical solution for organizations that still rely on impact printing as the backbone of transactional workflows. Its 24-pin design, long-life ribbon, and robust paper-handling capabilities make it exceptionally well suited for high-volume environments where downtime equals lost revenue.
While it won’t replace a high-resolution laser or produce color marketing collateral, the LQ-590II shines where it counts: durability, compatibility, and predictable operating costs. For businesses that need dependable multipart printing, integration with legacy software, and a low-maintenance device that keeps running day after day, this Epson model represents a smart, long-term investment.
