A ribbon cartridge is a component used in dot matrix, typewriter, and some point-of-sale (POS) printers to transfer ink onto paper. It consists of a long fabric ribbon, usually made of nylon, soaked in ink, housed in a plastic casing. As the printer operates, the ribbon moves across the paper while the print head strikes it, leaving ink impressions of characters or images. Ribbon cartridges are known for their durability, long-lasting performance, and ability to handle high-volume printing. They are commonly used for tasks requiring carbon copies, invoices, or receipts. Though not as commonly used today, ribbon cartridges are valued for their efficiency in environments where low-cost, reliable printing is essential, like banks, retail stores, and offices.