Xerox 2400

Xerox 2400. The Xerox 2400 was a pioneering line printer introduced by the Xerox Corporation in 1974, representing a significant evolution in computer peripheral technology. It was renowned for its high-speed, reliable output, becoming a staple in corporate data processing centers and university computing facilities during the 1970s. The printer's design and capabilities directly influenced subsequent generations of impact printers and solidified Xerox's reputation in the office automation market.

Overview

The Xerox 2400 was engineered as a robust, high-volume output device for the burgeoning mainframe computer and minicomputer markets. It operated as a band printer, utilizing a rotating metal band embossed with character sets to strike an inked ribbon against continuous form paper. This technology allowed it to achieve print speeds that were exceptional for its era, making it ideal for generating extensive reports, financial statements, and batch processing output. Its introduction coincided with the rapid expansion of business computing, led by companies like IBM and DEC. The printer's reliability and speed made it a common sight in the data centers of major corporations, government agencies, and research institutions like the MIT.

Development and release

Development of the Xerox 2400 began at Xerox PARC and other Xerox engineering divisions in the early 1970s, building upon the foundational technology of the earlier Xerox 1200. The project aimed to address the growing demand for faster, more reliable hardcopy output from computer systems. Key figures in its development included engineers and scientists who had also contributed to other landmark Xerox projects, such as the Xerox Alto. It was officially announced and released to the market in 1974, strategically positioned to compete with established line printers from IBM and Control Data Corporation. The launch was supported by Xerox's formidable sales and service network, which facilitated its adoption across diverse sectors from Wall Street to the United States Department of Defense.

Technical specifications

The core technical achievement of the Xerox 2400 was its print speed of 2400 lines per minute, a benchmark from which it derived its name. It typically utilized a 132-column print format on standard continuous form paper, compatible with the ANSI paper standards of the time. The printer employed a horizontally rotating stainless steel print band containing multiple copies of a 48 or 64-character set. It interfaced with host computers via a proprietary parallel port or through industry-standard channel attachments for IBM System/370 systems. The device incorporated advanced for its time microprocessor control for managing the print mechanism, ribbon advance, and paper feed systems, enhancing its reliability over purely electromechanical predecessors.

Features and operation

Operation of the Xerox 2400 was characterized by its distinctive acoustic signature, a rapid clattering sound produced by the print hammers striking the band. It featured a sophisticated forms tractor mechanism for precise paper handling and could support multi-part forms using carbonless paper. The printer offered a degree of programmability, allowing operators to select different character sets or control vertical formatting via embedded control codes. Its robust construction, featuring a heavy-duty steel frame, was designed for continuous operation in demanding environments, minimizing downtime. Maintenance and servicing were streamlined through modular components, supported by specialized technicians from the Xerox field service organization.

Impact and legacy

The Xerox 2400 had a substantial impact on the data processing industry, setting new expectations for speed and duty cycle in commercial printing. It became a revenue-generating workhorse for Xerox, helping to establish the company as a major force in computer peripherals beyond its core photocopier business. The printer's underlying band technology directly influenced the design of its successor, the Xerox 2700, and competitors' products from companies like Sperry Corporation and Hewlett-Packard. While eventually superseded by laser printers and other non-impact technologies, the Xerox 2400 remains a significant milestone in the history of computing, exemplifying the era of centralized, high-volume print operations. Its legacy is preserved in the collections of institutions like the Computer History Museum and the Smithsonian Institution.

Category:Xerox printers Category:Line printers Category:1974 introductions