28 and associated activation components are utilized to activate all other print wires 20 having front ends 22 in matrix 14 selective activation of individual coils 34 and therefore individual print wires 20 causes matrix printing head 10 shown in fig4 to print a series of dots as it moves along a print line the dots form characters 45 as shown in fig1 and 7 the several arms 28 are arranged substantially radially about a printing head axis 19 as shown in fig4 which axis is substantially parallel to print wires 20 referring now to fig2 there is shown a side view of the arms 28 and print wire 20 shown in fig1 also shown is apertured guide plate 26 through which print wire 20 passes immediately in front of platen 16 for clarity coil support 29 is depicted in sectional view to show the relationship between center pole 38 and coil support 29 fig2 shows print wire 20 in a retracted or rest position relative to platen 16 in this position no current or a reverse current is flowing through leads 35 and 37 upon passage of current in one direction through leads 35 and 37 a magnetic field will be established around coil 34 which will interact with the magnetic fields 41 of permanent magnets 40 to cause arm 28 to pivot about pivot shaft 32 thereby causing front end 22 of print wire 20 to impact on platen 16 as shown in fig3 as is well known to those skilled in the art the intensity and direction of the magnetic field of coil 34 is a function of.