Is your ribbon almost out of ink or dried up? If so, I would suggest replacing it.
The typewriter ribbon is the store of ink for the typewriter. When a typewriter key is pushed the letter springs up and hits the ribbon - pushing the ink onto the page in the shape of the letter.
It all depends on two things: how much printing takes place, and whether the ink on the ribbon dries out quickly. When printing, the inked ribbon moves slowly along so the printing pins hit fresh ink as much as possible. When the ribbon reaches the end, a lever is (usually) moved over to make the ribbon return back the other way. Eventually, after many passes, the ink will fade and the ribbon will need to be replaced. Or, in an over warm office, for example, the ink may eventually dry and not produce a good print, even if the printer is little used.
To re-ink a typewriter ribbon, first remove the ribbon spools from the typewriter. Then, soak a clean cloth or sponge with typewriter ink, which can be found in specialized stores or online. Carefully wind the inked cloth around the ribbon spools, ensuring even coverage, and then let it dry before re-installing the ribbon in the typewriter. Always handle ink with care to avoid stains.
Laser printers and ink-jet printers don't use a ribbon.
The process of printing by striking an inked ribbon against paper is commonly associated with typewriters and impact printers. In this method, the ribbon is coated with ink, and when a key is pressed, a metal type or print head strikes the ribbon, transferring ink onto the paper to create text or images. This technique contrasts with modern inkjet or laser printers, which use different methods to apply ink or toner.
False
you have to go to the typewriter with ink ribbon to save
its usually black but you might be able to get different ink colours
In my opinion, a laser printer is better than an inkjet or ribbon (dot matrix?) printer.
Thermal Printer
Yes there are. They use thermal energy or UV rays to print on special papers.