My first attempt at reinking the dot matrix ribbons was based ... to slightly thin out the ink and also re-wet any remaining ink still on the ribbon. The process of actually applying this ink ...

Technically, ink jet printers are dot matrix devices too ... The cost of dot matrix printers depends on how long you’re willing to use a ribbon, but it’s rarely more than a penny or two ...

The dot matrix printer uses one or two columns of dot hammers that are moved across the paper. The hammers rapidly press the ribbon into the paper, which causes the ink to be deposited.