Abstract: There is disclosed a multiple electrode print head for a thermal printer. The electrodes of the print head include metal-like conductive fibers electrically and physically isolated from each other in a relatively nonconductive matrix such as silicon. The fibers are grown in situ in the matrix as a minor phase of a eutectic of a suitable metal and the material of the matrix. A number of individual conductive fibers are electrically connected in common to form each of the electrodes of the head. This provides redundant electrical contact between each electrode and an electro-resistive ink donor element of the printer. Because of the very small sizes and spacings of the conductive fibers, electrodes, which each comprise a number of fibers, may be spaced along the length of the head on centers as close or closer than 1000 per inch. The fibers of each electrode and the matrix are relatively very hard and hence highly wear resistant.