typmachines

Typmachines, commonly known as typewriters, are devices that print characters on paper by striking ink from a ribbon with type elements triggered by pressing keyboard keys. A typical typewriter includes a keyboard, a mechanism of type slugs or a typeball, a ink ribbon, a platen, and a carriage that advances the paper after each character is printed.

The operating principle involves a keyboard connected to a type element arrangement. When a key is pressed, the corresponding type slug or ball strikes the ribbon against the paper, depositing ink. The carriage then moves horizontally to position the next character, and the platen can advance to the next line. Later designs added features such as backspace, carriage return, and automatic margins. The ribbon feeds and ink supply are managed to avoid repeat patterns and to maintain legibility.

Typewriters emerged in the 19th century, with practical models developed in the 1860s and 1870s and mass production by companies such as Remington. The introduction of the shift key allowed typing in uppercase and lowercase. In the 20th century, electric typewriters (notably IBM’s Selectric with a replaceable typeball) offered easier operation and faster typing. Electronic and later computer-assisted typewriters appeared in the late 20th century, but devices gradually declined as personal computers and printers became dominant.

Today typmachines are primarily seen as historical, educational, or collectible items. They remain valued for tactile feedback, typographic diversity, and as art forms, while some enthusiasts maintain and restore vintage machines for use or display.