Epson LX-350 9-Pin Dot Matrix Printer Review
Durable 9-pin dot matrix for continuous forms and multipart printing. Fast, reliable and low-cost to run.
Introduction
The Epson LX-350 brings classic impact printing into modern small offices and front/back office workflows that still depend on continuous stationery, multipart forms and carbon copies. It’s a compact 9-pin dot matrix engineered for longevity and dependable throughput — solving the persistent problem of printing multi-part forms quickly and reliably without the cost of specialized service contracts or complex setup.
If your work relies on invoices, delivery notes, receipts, or system logs that require indelible print on multi-layer forms, the LX-350 is purpose-built for that job. It replaces noisy, fragile legacy units with a noticeably more compact chassis, a higher mean time between failures (10,000 operating hours) and a straightforward wired interface that minimizes configuration headaches. The result is predictable uptime, simple maintenance and consistent output where digital printing can’t replicate the mechanically embossed impact.
Overview
Physically the LX-350 is trimmed down to a user-friendly footprint (13.7 x 10.83 x 6.06 inches) and a modest 9.04 pounds, making it easy to fit on counters or tight racks in retail, logistics and accounting environments. The design prioritizes robustness: a durable push-button controller, single-sheet and continuous tractor-feed capability, and a one-tray layout all emphasize function over frills. The familiar black housing is utilitarian and easy to service in the field.
Under the hood the LX-350 uses Epson’s proven 9-pin dot matrix impact engine. It prints monochrome output at up to 347 characters per second — translating to roughly 10 pages per minute depending on font and form layout — at a maximum resolution of 300 dpi for crisp text and reliable line-art. Connectivity is simple and wired: a USB 2.0 port provides direct connection to POS systems or desktop PCs. Energy Star certification and a low 27-watt power draw help keep running costs predictable. This printer is ideal for businesses that need continuous-form printing, multipart stationery capability and a machine designed for heavy-duty, mission-critical use.
Features
High-Speed Impact Printing (347 cps): The LX-350’s 9-pin head prints up to 347 characters per second, delivering fast, linear throughput for multi-part invoices, logs and labels. This speed reduces queue times during peak shifts and keeps transaction lines moving in retail and logistics environments.
Durable, Compact Design with High MTBF: With a rated mean time between failures of 10,000 operating hours and a compact chassis, the LX-350 combines long service intervals with a small footprint. Its construction is optimized for high-volume, repetitive printing while remaining easy to install and maintain.
Continuous and Multipart Media Handling: Built for sprocket-feed continuous paper and multipart forms (up to 5 copies), the printer handles A4 continuous media and supports traditional business stationery formats, making it practical for accounting, shipping and government paperwork.
Simple Wired Connectivity and Plug-and-Play Setup: A USB 2.0 hardware interface ensures stable, low-latency connections to point-of-sale terminals and desktops without relying on Wi‑Fi or cloud services. The push-button controller and remote-control compatibility simplify integration into legacy systems.
Energy Efficient and Low Power Draw: Energy Star support and a modest 27-watt power consumption reduce ongoing energy costs. The LX-350 balances continuous uptime capability with a low operating footprint for offices concerned with energy efficiency.
Benefits
Reliable Multi-Part Documentation
Print up to five copies in one run with consistent legibility — ideal for delivery notes, receipts and legally required multi-copy forms. The impact print method leaves an indelible impression on carbonless layers where inkjet or laser cannot.
Reduced Downtime and Service Costs
The high MTBF and straightforward mechanical design reduce the frequency of repairs. When maintenance is required, conservative engineering and a simple ribbon change keep service tasks quick and inexpensive.
Fast Throughput During Peak Periods
High character-per-second output means busy shifts are handled smoothly. For retail checkouts, shipping docks and service counters, the LX-350 shortens printing bottlenecks and keeps operations flowing.
Fit-and-Forget Simplicity
Wired USB connectivity and a minimal control set let staff install and use the printer without specialized IT support. It’s particularly effective where Wi‑Fi or cloud tools are restricted or unnecessary.
Lower Long-Term Operating Costs
Impact ribbons are inexpensive and last many pages; combined with low power usage, the LX-350 offers a low total cost of ownership for organizations that still require impact printing.
Usages
Perfect for Front and Back Office Transactions
Ideal for accounting departments, invoice printing, multi-copy shipping documents and any workflow that relies on continuous forms. The LX-350 handles multipart stationery reliably without manual reprocessing.
Retail and POS Environments
Use it at point-of-sale counters where carbon copies are required or for printing receipts in legacy POS systems that integrate easiest via USB. Its compact size preserves counter space.
Logistics and Warehouse Documentation
Print packing lists, pick tickets and delivery confirmations on continuous forms. The impact method performs well on rough or multi-layer paper that can’t run through laser or inkjet reliably.
Government and Compliance Paperwork
Where indelible, physical copies are mandated, the LX-350 produces repeatable results for permits, inspections and audit trails that must be preserved in multipart formats.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional durability with a high MTBF for continuous operation
- Fast impact throughput (up to 347 cps) for multi-part forms
- Compact footprint suitable for counters and small offices
- Low operating power (27W) and inexpensive ribbons
- Reliable printing on multipart and continuous stationery
Cons
- Monochrome-only; not suitable for color or photo work
- Wired USB connectivity only — no Wi‑Fi or Ethernet
- Lacks duplex and modern network features expected in newer office fleets
- Mechanical noise inherent to impact printers may be disruptive in quiet offices
FAQs
Does the LX-350 support duplex (double-sided) printing?
No. The LX-350 is a simplex impact printer designed for single-sided continuous and multipart form printing. Duplexing is not supported due to the nature of continuous tractor-feed media.
What type of consumable does this printer use?
The LX-350 uses impact printer ribbons (black) rather than ink cartridges or toner. Ribbons are inexpensive and easy to replace for long-term, high-volume use.
Can I connect the LX-350 over Wi‑Fi or Ethernet?
No. The LX-350 provides wired connectivity via USB 2.0. It’s intended for direct connection to a host PC, POS terminal or embedded controller. For networked setups, consider using a dedicated print server device compatible with USB printers.
Is the LX-350 suitable for photo printing?
No. This is a monochrome dot matrix impact printer optimized for text, forms and simple line graphics. It is not designed for photographic output or high-resolution color prints.
What paper sizes and media can it handle?
The printer supports A4 continuous forms and standard tractor-feed continuous paper, with support for multipart sets (up to five copies). It’s tailored to sprocket-hole continuous media rather than loose individual sheets of photo paper.
Product Specifications
| Printer Type | 9-Pin Dot Matrix (Impact) Printer |
| Print Speed (Characters per Second) | Up to 347 cps (approx. 10 PPM depending on font and form) |
| Resolution (DPI) | Maximum 300 dpi (240 dpi copy resolution reported) |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 (wired) |
| Duplex | No (simplex only) |
| Supported Media Sizes | A4 continuous forms; tractor-feed continuous paper |
| Ink/Toner Type | Black impact ribbon (replaceable) |
| Maximum Input Sheet Capacity | 50 sheets (output capacity 50) |
| Multipart Copies | Up to 5 copies per run |
| Power Consumption / Wattage | 27 Watts |
| Dimensions | 13.7 x 10.83 x 6.06 inches |
| Weight | 9.04 pounds (4100 grams listed) |
| Warranty | Full Warranty (manufacturer-supplied) |
| Special Feature | Energy Star certified |
| Item Model Number | 235G032 |
Ratings
| Print Quality | 4.0 |
| Connectivity & Ease of Use | 3.3 |
| Print Speed | 4.7 |
| Build & Reliability | 4.6 |
| Maintenance & Efficiency | 3.8 |
| Value for Money | 4.2 |
Recommendation
The Epson LX-350 is recommended for businesses and public-sector operations that still rely on continuous forms, multipart invoices or carbonless copies. If your workflow requires fast, reliable impact printing and low operating costs rather than color or photographic output, this is a pragmatic, high-uptime choice.
Avoid this model only if you require wireless networking, duplex printing or color capabilities. For legacy system integration, retail POS, shipping documentation and heavy-duty form printing, the LX-350 offers strong value and long-term reliability.
Conclusion
The Epson LX-350 revitalizes a classic printing approach with modern reliability and a compact footprint. It excels where multipart, continuous-form printing is non-negotiable — turning a typically messy, maintenance-heavy process into something manageable and cost-effective. High character-per-second throughput, an industry-proven 9-pin mechanism and a substantial MTBF make it a solid platform for businesses that cannot move away from impact outputs.
While it doesn’t replace contemporary inkjet or laser devices for color or high-resolution needs, it outperforms them in the narrow but critical niche of multi-part, indelible printing. For organizations that depend on that capability, the LX-350 delivers predictable uptime, easy on-site serviceability and an economical total cost of ownership.
