Copyright (c) 2011 Alison Withers
A new technology for multi-function printer/copiers, called Solid ink printing that uses sticks of ink in a wax block or stick that are melted in the print head, squirted onto a drum and then applied to the paper.
Solid ink technology was developed by a company called Tektronix. The company's Color Printing and Imaging Division was acquired by Xerox in 2000, which now sells multi function printers containing the new technology as part of its range or printer/copiers.
Because it does not not need to use expensive inkjet papers to produce good results the technology has lower operating costs.
Ink blocks, or sticks, are made from organic materials and therefore non toxic reducing the environmental impact of office printing. Research studies have suggested that their cartridge-free design reduces waste by up to 90 percent and also significantly reduces the impact of their manufacturing and transportation on the environment.
In a study review by the Rochester Institute of Technology in the United States, it was estimated that the system uses nine per cent less lifecycle energy and produces 10 per cent fewer greenhouse gases compared with a similar laser device.
There are no empty ink or toner cartridges that need to be disposed of and the packaging of ink blocks is generally less, usually only a simple plastic packaging tray and a cardboard packaging box that can be recycled. Also there is no chemical residue to be concerned about and no fumes being generated when they are being used, leading to a cleaner air environment in offices.
The print quality is generally high and once the printer is warmed up solid ink printers have a fast first copy rate.
There are also possibilities for a flexible charging system where users only pay for the colour they actually use that can significantly reduce printing costs with a solid ink printer. The technology is also flexible and can print on different types and thicknesses of media.
For example if a document has only a heading or logo in colour it would cost significantly less than a document in full colour.
Unlike laser printers, which use a mineral pigment toner, solid ink prints share with inkjet dyes a sensitivity to ultraviolet light and can fade very gradually over time. However, depending on the material being printed, this may not be a particular concern in an office environment, especially when compared with the significant environmental and cost advantages.
For most good quality printing the technology is fine and users report that it does eliminate some of the issues with banding on print-outs and with getting an accurate blue colour on print-out.
Possibly it might be somethingto bear in mind, when compared to laser printing, for a business in an industry, such as supply of painting materials, which supplies colour matching cards that the company wants to use long-term.
Then the possibility of fading over time, as with ink jet printing, might be a consideration.
On the whole, though, this new technology offers significant advantages in print quality, cost and environmental benefits.
Ali Withers discovers with the help of East Anglian-wide printer/copier suppliers First Copy, Cambridge, the most recent development in printer/copier technology is solid ink. It offers considerable cost and environmental advantages without sacrificing print quality.
