Printronix Shuttle Assembly Line Matrix 2000 LPM P8220 256922-901

Product Overview

The Printronix P8220 is a high-speed industrial line matrix printer within the P8000 series, designed for mission-critical, high-volume printing environments such as logistics, manufacturing, banking, and government operations.

It utilizes a shuttle-based line matrix print mechanism (impact technology), enabling extremely fast throughput while maintaining durability in harsh environments. The shuttle assembly (PN: 256922-901) is a core electromechanical component responsible for horizontal hammer bank motion and print formation.

Key positioning:

• Enterprise / industrial continuous-form printing

• High-duty-cycle environments (24/7 capable)

• Optimized for multi-part forms and unattended batch jobs

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Core Specifications (Printer-Level)

Performance

• Print Speed (Max): up to 2000 lines per minute (LPM)

• Speed Modes:

  • Draft: 2000 LPM (uppercase) / 1700 LPM (lowercase)

  • Data Processing: 1500 / 1200 LPM

  • Near Letter Quality: 800 / 615 LPM

• Graphics Throughput:

  • 60×48 dpi: ~250 inches/min

  • 60×72 dpi: ~167 inches/min

  • 90×96 dpi: ~83 inches/min

• Paper Slew Speed: up to ~39 inches/second

Print Technology

• Type: Line Matrix (impact, shuttle-based hammer bank)

• Print Method: Shuttle assembly drives hammer bank across ribbon and paper

• Resolution: ~180 × 144 dpi

• Media Type: Continuous fanfold forms

• Max Media Width: ~17 inches

• Max Print Width: ~13.6 inches

Mechanical / Physical

• Form Factor: Enclosed quiet cabinet

• Dimensions:

  • Height: 40.5 in (1028 mm)

  • Width: 27 in (686 mm)

  • Depth: ~29 in

• Weight: ~200 lbs (90.7 kg)

• Acoustic Design: Sound-suppressed cabinet (~55 dBA class)

Interfaces & Connectivity

• Standard Interfaces:

  • RS-232 Serial

  • USB 2.0

• Optional / Available:

  • Ethernet (10/100 Base-T)

  • Parallel interface

Emulations / Compatibility

• LP+

• PGL/VGL

• PCL2

• ANSI

• TN5250 / TN3270

Paper Handling Options

• Front paper access (confined spaces)

• Rear slide-out paper drawer

• Extended forms support doors (up to ~17” forms)

Duty Cycle & Reliability

• Designed for continuous, high-volume output

• Typical lifecycle: 7–10 years

• Operates in:

  • Dusty / harsh industrial environments

  • High-volume batch printing scenarios

Consumables

• Ribbon Type: Cartridge ribbon (backward compatible with P7000 series)

• Lower cost per page vs. laser/toner systems

• Improved multi-part form print clarity (PowerPrint feature)

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Shuttle Assembly (PN: 256922-901) – Description

The Shuttle Assembly is a critical mechanical subsystem in the line matrix print engine:

Functional Role

• Drives the horizontal oscillation (shuttle motion) of the hammer bank

• Synchronizes hammer firing with ribbon and paper feed

• Enables high-speed line printing across full page width

Key Characteristics

• High-speed reciprocating mechanism

• Precision-aligned hammer bank carrier

• Integrated drive motor / linkage system

• Designed for:

  • Continuous duty cycles

  • Minimal vibration and wear

  • Accurate character placement at high LPM rates

Maintenance Considerations

• Subject to wear due to constant oscillation

• Requires:

  • Periodic cleaning (per maintenance manual)

  • Alignment checks

  • Replacement at defined service intervals

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Typical Use Cases

• ERP batch printing (SAP, Oracle)

• Shipping manifests / bills of lading

• Banking statements

• Government and compliance documentation

• Multi-part carbon forms

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Summary

The Printronix P8220 (2000 LPM) is a top-tier industrial line matrix platform optimized for:

• Maximum throughput

• Low operating cost

• Long lifecycle reliability

The shuttle assembly (PN: 256922-901) is central to its performance, enabling the high-speed, impact-based printing that differentiates line matrix systems from laser or ink technologies.

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