Some 25 years ago the first commercial laser printer cost $17,000. Today you can pick up a laser printer for as little as $200. So what would the same money today buy you?
Do you you remember the first computer printer you used? More than likely it was black and white dot matrix printer that deafened you as it printed. Then colour dot matrix printers appeared on the scene, followed shortly by inkjet printers, and If your business could afford one you had a laser printer.
Today we expect our printers to produce our documents in seconds and our photos to be of the highest quality. We’ve come along way from the days of slow, large and noisy monochrome printers of the 1980 and early 1990s. So what type of printer should we expect to be sitting in your office, school or at home in 5 to 10 years time? Here are a number of interesting technologies that show promise.
Inkless Printers and Reusable Paper
Back in the 1980’s the introduction of computers into mainstream business was herald the start of the paperless office. Today we couldn’t be further away from that concept, with businesses using more paper than ever. Companies such as Xerox have realised we are very unlikely to change our obsession for printing everything out and are investigating in more environmental and cheaper ways for use to print out information that is often binned at the end of the day.
Xerox is developing a new printing technology which does not require ink of any kind. The new technology includes reusable paper which can be printed and erased dozens of times and has the potential to revolutionize printing. Although the technology is still in the early stages of development, it has the potential to cut printing costs and reduce office paper usage dramatically.
Other companies such as Zink are looking at ways of integrating inkless printers into digital camera’s and mobile devices.
The company, a spin-off of Polaroid, says it will use the technology to make hand-held printers that can be integrated into mobile phones and digital cameras, with the first products available at the end of 2007. The key to creating the devices is doing away with ink, using a new type of digital printing that changes colour of paper when heat is applied.
http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn11196?DCMP=Matt_Sparkes&nsref=inkless-printer
3D Printers (rapid prototyping)
In the early 1980’s £20,000 would buy you a laser printer. Today you could buy a 3D colour printer that can print out physical objects. Yes physical objects! See Z Corp 3D colour printer in action in this short 3 minute video or clip from the popular CSI: New York using 3D printer to investigate a crime.
It is unlikely your business will purchase a professional 3D printer anytime soon. Although Fab at home is hoping to kick start a revolution in 3D printing at home by producing cheap self assembled printers for as little as a £1000. For more information check out video at YouTube.
Unlike commercial equipment, the Fab@Home machine is also designed to be used with more than one material. So far it has been tested with silicone, plaster, play-doh and even chocolate and icing. Different materials can also be used to make a single object – the control software prompts the user when to load new material into the machine.
Another company, RepRap wants to produce a 3D printer that replicate itself. The idea being you can purchase the printer and then produce copies which you can sell on to drive down development and production costs.
Fad or the Future
So do you think these printers are just a fad, or will these printers become common place in businesses and homes within the next five years?
I’ll leave you with a quote in lasts month PC Plus magazine regarding 3D printers.
“If the Music industry think they had a problem with illegal downloads, wait until people start copying cars”
Related posts:
Update - 3D Printer (Oven!) for £2,500
3D Home Printers drop in price, ready to invade your home.
Comment by Jamie — September 12, 2007 @ 9:18 am
This shows how Technology is advancing so fast.
Comment by TechDuke — September 14, 2007 @ 5:19 am
I wonder when I’ll get my first 3D printer!
Jamie
Comment by Jamie — September 14, 2007 @ 4:22 pm
wow! i’m amazed… i am wondering how long will it take us (Philippines) to have one.. (eeek! technology wise, we are 20 years behind you guys)
Comment by thet — September 16, 2007 @ 1:24 pm
Thet - If the fab@home and RepRap take off, then not very long. I read an article on the RepRap in my magzine last week. The creator said he wanted people to purchase it and sell a copy of it. This way the costs would start to tumble very quickly.
Jamie
Comment by Jamie — September 17, 2007 @ 8:42 am