RSS FeedXerox Inkless Printer
Xerox has developed an "inkless" printer, one which instead uses UV light to change the color of certain molecules on a piece of inkless paper. Working sort of like certain sunglasses which change from light to dark depending on the lighting conditions, inkless paper is mostly useful because it is reusable - the change in color of the words on the page is not permanent, but rather fades away in 16-24 hours. it can also be instantly erased. This means offices which previously would print a document or email, use it for a minute or two, and then trash it, can now simply reinsert the page into the printer, saving money and the environment.
Of course, there are drawbacks. The technology is still a few years away from complete fruition, and not all the kinks have been worked out. Theoretically the printout could be in color, but at the moment, that is not on Xerox's list of things to do; it is only a black-and-white document printing for now. And the length of time before fading is being lengthend, but for now it seems the paper won't serve as a storage for important, long-term writings (such as our articles).
But, more than technical imperfections, are the logical ones. The paper is supposed to be used in offices which often print and trash, but this type of paper would not be eligible for markings of any sort; it would no longer be reusable. So in an office where a memo might be printed and marked up a bit at a meeting, one now must simply imagine what might have been. And, since Xerox is developing this to be an add-on to existing technology (they say there will not be a stand-alone printer specifically for inkless paper, but rather simply a UV light device to attach), one wonders how easily it might be to mistake the papers in the tray; those legal documents you needed for an eternity may now be visible for perhaps a day, if printed on the wrong paper. Of course, in business with shady practices, this might be the solution to replace the shredder.
Inkless paper is a neat technology for sure, but not one to replace printing except in small one-time capacities. E-paper is a much more promising lead, with a folding paper-like screen which can hold text, images, whatever, and what's more hold all of it at once. I for one would rather have e-paper than a UV Light attachment any day. But then I don't usually print things out just to throw them away. Any of our readers think this inkless paper is more than just a cool toy?
Of course, there are drawbacks. The technology is still a few years away from complete fruition, and not all the kinks have been worked out. Theoretically the printout could be in color, but at the moment, that is not on Xerox's list of things to do; it is only a black-and-white document printing for now. And the length of time before fading is being lengthend, but for now it seems the paper won't serve as a storage for important, long-term writings (such as our articles).
But, more than technical imperfections, are the logical ones. The paper is supposed to be used in offices which often print and trash, but this type of paper would not be eligible for markings of any sort; it would no longer be reusable. So in an office where a memo might be printed and marked up a bit at a meeting, one now must simply imagine what might have been. And, since Xerox is developing this to be an add-on to existing technology (they say there will not be a stand-alone printer specifically for inkless paper, but rather simply a UV light device to attach), one wonders how easily it might be to mistake the papers in the tray; those legal documents you needed for an eternity may now be visible for perhaps a day, if printed on the wrong paper. Of course, in business with shady practices, this might be the solution to replace the shredder.
Inkless paper is a neat technology for sure, but not one to replace printing except in small one-time capacities. E-paper is a much more promising lead, with a folding paper-like screen which can hold text, images, whatever, and what's more hold all of it at once. I for one would rather have e-paper than a UV Light attachment any day. But then I don't usually print things out just to throw them away. Any of our readers think this inkless paper is more than just a cool toy?
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