Xerox's New Silver Ink

The brains over at Xerox have just developed a new type of ink that is so much more than the typical kind we see today. The ink can conduct electricity so that it can be used to put electronic circuits on top of things such as plastic, textiles or film. But what does this mean for us? It means that soon we will be able to bend or even wear our electronics and even print out a gadget on a plastic sheet the same way you print out a document.

There has always been a problem with trying to incorporate this technology. Silicon chips have always been too heavy and expensive to be able to be used in lightweight devices. However, Xerox has solved this problem by using lighter materials. Xerox also plans to sell these materials to other businesses that have a vested interest in making wearable electronics.

With a plastic, you can unroll it into a sheet and deposit electronic circuitry onto it. This allows you to build it up layer by layer. In order for it to o work you need a conductive link, something that contains metal and is also able to be sprayed or printed on. This is where Xerox steps in. They created a silver ink that melts at 140 degrees Celsius. Typically metal melts at 1,000 degrees Celsius. Plastic melts at 150 degrees so an ink that is laid on top of plastic can not melt at a higher temperature or the plastic will melt.

According to Angele Boyd, an analyst with IDC, "This opens a whole new world for electronics. With printable electronics, the future of electronics will include plastics and fabrics. The Xerox technology opens up opportunities for lower cost applications in traditional electronics and for new applications around plastics and fabric."

This silver ink and electronics on plastics could be used to build things like plastic electronic book readers like one that is being built by Plastic Logic. Flexible eReaders would be more flexible than traditional ones and thus would be less susceptible to damage. The would also be extremely lightweight. The possibilities with this technology is endless. You could potentially weave a computer into your clothing or make smart boxes for pills to tell if they are safe or tampered with in any way.

This technology has been a long time coming. Scientists have been dreaming about it for ages and Xerox has been working on it for the past 8 years. but Xerox isn't alone in their quest for technology like this. Hewlett-Packard has also been researching this for the past 10 years. According to Xerox, it has been able to create lightweight and cheap components necessary to print circuits on plastics. Xerox has already created a cheap and lightweight conductor, semiconductor and a dielectric element.

The circuits for these plastic chips will be able to be printed by printers just like a document without the necessary use of a clean room like you have to use now. Xerox has already made research samples of the product and is in talks with different manufacturers who could potentially use plastic electronics. Aside from what has already been mentioned, the plastic circuits could be used to make things like light and flexible signs, solar cells, low-cost radio frequency identification tags (RFID), sensors or novelty fashions. Whatever they get used for, this is definitely going to be a big step forward in the world of technology and another step closer to that futuristic world we only dream about in movies and books.

Source: Office Product News

The New GEI 5636 by GEI WideFormat

Visual Edge Technology Company, GEI WideFormat, has announced the new GEI 5636 engineering copier as part of the GEI WideFormat product line.

The new copier has output speeds of 10 D-size prints-per-minute and features an easy-access clamshell design, a front copy exit tray which holds 99 D-size drawings, and a color LCD touch-panel interface. Changing toner and paper is easy to do with front-loading drawers that hold four rolls of 500-foot-long media. It also gives users the ability to preview thumbnails before printing, allowing for better conservation of materials.

The GEI 5636 also features an embedded color scanner, which makes sure that changes and additions are capture and circulated effortlessly. In addition, the external printer controller will interface with inkjet printers for complete colorcopy systems.

"We are very pleased to provide our customers with such an exciting new product. The GEI 5636 has innovative features, such as color scanning, paired with ultra-fast output speeds," the President of GEI WideFormat, Roger Ilgen, said of the copier in a press release.

Z Corporation's ZPrinter 350 Creates 3D Objects

Everybody knows that 3D is way better than plain old 2D and now, thanks to Z Corporation, you can finally print actual 3D objects right at your workplace. The ZPrinter 350 is the world's first automated, monochrome 3D printer. Z Corporation is no stranger to 3D printers and like the other ones in their inventory, the ZPrinter 350 converts 3D data into physical models. The ZPrinter 350 comes with a host of high-end functions like snap-in binder cartridges, self-monitoring operation, 0.8in/hour vertical build speed, 300x450 dpi resolution, automatic material loading, integrated recycling of unused build materials, control from both desktop and printer, 8x10x8 inch build size, office safe building materials, aggressive dust control and absolutely zero liquid waste.

The ZPrinter prints in STL, VRML, PLY, 3DS and ZPR and is compatible with Windows XP Professional as well as Windows Vista Business/Ultimate. The ZPrinter constructs completely 3D models in white. The models are made out of high performance composite and show an impressive amount of detail once finished. According to John Kawola, CEO of Z Corporation, "The ZPrinter 350 gives a lot more engineering departments access to advanced 3D printing technology at a value price. ZPrinting is going to improve the quality of their products, speed their developmental processes and ultimately help the bottom line."

In addition to all the great features that come with he ZPrinter 350, you also get all the advantages of the entire ZPrinter line. The 350 comes with things like the
industry's lowest operating cost (about one-fifth the cost of other technologies), breakthrough ease of use by performing most tasks automatically, high resolution which allows the printing of complicated geometries with precise detail, fast print speed running five to ten times faster than all other systems, high throughput to easily print multiple models at the same time, and safety and office compatibility by not having any large supports which may need to be cut or dissolved by hazardous chemicals.

The ZPrinter 350 definitely seems like a top notch machine and looks to greatly improve your 3D model making needs. If you want to put this thing in your office, be prepared to drop about $26,000. A small price to pay incredible 3D models made right next to your cubicle. The ZPrinter 350 is available now through Z Corporation's reseller network or website.

Source: Office Product News

New Kyocera Multifunctional Printers

One of the world’s top document imaging companies, Kyocera Mita America, has just recently presented their new, fast, multifunctional printers. The FS-1128MFP, FS-1028MFP/DP and FS-1028MFP are perfect for the small to medium business environment and include a variety of fascinating new features targeted to improve productivity in any office.

The three different Kyocera printers each feature a 250 sheet paper drawer and a 50 sheet multi-purpose tray. The FS-1028MFP/DP and FS-1028MFP have all standard network printing, copying, and color scanning abilities. The FS-1128MFP includes faxing capabilities that allow businesses to meet all the business workflow needs of their company in one device.

The FS-1128MFP, FS-1028MFP/DP and FS-1028MFP are capable of supporting an assortment of network and device management programs that include KMnet ADMIN and KMnet Viewer. All of the multifunctional printers support PDF Direct Print capabilities that allows users to send a PDF file directly to the device. They also all feature a USB host interface which provides users with Print-from and Scan-to capabilities in PDF, TIF, and XPS file formats.

All of the printers come standard with a PowerPC440/667 Mhz processor and with 1200 dpi print resolution. Users are given the option to print in color or black & white. Other useful features found in these printers would include the ability to choose between several scanning destinations: Scan-to-E-mail, Scan-to-PC, Scan-to-FTP, Scab-to-USB, and TWAIN scanning.

To add to the list of great things about these printers is the fact that they all meet Energy Star guidelines for power efficiency. The printers were also designed using Kyocera’s ECOSYS technology that utilizes long-life consumables and components to allow for the 100,000 page preventative maintenance schedule. This amazing preventative maintenance schedule means that there will be longer time periods between required service visits. This will save the company money by minimizing maintenance costs.

The FS-1128MFP, FS-1028MFP/DP and FS-1028MFP printers are available through any authorized Kyocera dealer. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the printers are $1,371, $1,181, and $1,020 respectively.

These printers are jam packed with awesome, useful features that I think could help out many businesses. Though they may seem a little on the pricey side, when you really consider what you’re getting, these printers will seem like a great deal.

Canon to Show Leading Scanning and Image Capture Technologies At GFOA

Canon is one of the leaders in the market for digital document imaging and a leading supplier of document scanning and check capture devices. At this year's 103rd Annual Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Conference, Canon will be showcasing their large line of imageFORMULA check transports and digital document scanners. The conference, entitled "Financial Strategies for challenging Times", is designed to bring public finance professionals as well as vendors together in an attempt to offer strategic vision and practical advice to local and state government officials.

To run an efficient business in today's market, you need a few things. You need image capture devices that help streamline and automate your work flow. Canon will be displaying numerous devices at the GFOA Conference that correlate directly to the people in need of electronic capture devices. Some of the devices that Canon will be displaying are as follows:

The imageFORMULA ScanFront 220P Network Scanner: This device has easy to use, stand alone and secure solution for moving capture of hard copy documents closer to the origin point in the business process. It is good for distributed scanning or decentralized scanning applications. It also shares documents via a network easily. The 220P has an 8.4 inch color touch panel that allows for easy navigation and a preview of scanned items. It scans up to 25 ppm, captures color, grayscale, and black and whit images in multiple formats which includes searchable TIFF, PDF, and JPEG as well as a high compression.

The imageFORMULA DR-9050C Production Scanner: This device is a high image-quality and high-volume document management solution which scans at speeds of up to 112 pages per minute or 225 images per minuteIII on color, black and whit or grayscale. The device also captures images and text clearly using three-line Contact Image Sensors at up to 600 dots per inch optical resolution. It also incorporates a dust-free shading mechanism for good image quality. It has Canon's unique feeding mechanism which utilizes Double Feed Detection, Rapid Recovery, and Staple Detection to ensure reliable document scanning.

The imageFORMULA CR-180 II Check Transport: The CR-180 offers fast, reliable solutions for a batch conversation of paper checks into electronic images. It is good for branch or high-volume distributed capture and remittance/lockbox processing applications. The device can scan up to 180 double-sided checks per minuteII while at the same time reading Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) data. It offers high-quality images that are compliant with Check 21 and features two output pockets for easy post-scan sorting. It also has a built-in endorser. The CR-180 comes in a bundle that includes Silver Bullet Ranger Transport API software which allows the user to mix and match different types of item processing hardware and software they select.

The imageFORMULA CR-55 Check Transport: This device is a convenient and compact solution to the decentralization of payment processing from the first point of presentment to settlement. The CR-55 is good for branch, teller and remote deposit/merchant capture applications. The device offers high-quality scanning at speeds of up to 55 checks per minuteIV and is also compliant with Check 21. The CR-55 also simultaneously reads MICR data and has a built-in endorser. The CR-55 comes bundled with the Silver Ranger Driver as well as Infrared Double Feed Detection and Paper Thickness Adjustment capabilities for reliable paper feeding and image capture.

If you are in the need of a copier rental anywhere in the country, then check out Rentacomputer.com's Copier Rental Page.

Source: Office Product News

The Canon imageCLASS D480 Copier

The imageCLASS D480 is the latest in the line of Canon copiers and one that addresses the needs of home offices and small businesses. It is hard to find a quality copier that is high tech enough to handle all of your copying needs but is easy and simple enough to use at your home. But Cannon is looking to help you out with their latest copier.

The imageCLASS D480 has a copy and print speed of up to 23 pages per minuet. Combine this with the D480's letter sized output makes the D480 unique with the first print or copy being produced in roughly 9 seconds. This copier has a front loading paper cassette which can hold up to 250 sheets of paper which are fed through an automatic document feeder. Size configuration for the imageCLASS allows for document sizes of 8.5 x 14 inches. The D480 also comes with a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Interface. This gives the D480 a better technical efficiency and better usage.

The imageCLASS D480 is a multi-function copier, this means that multiple functions can be performed at once. There is an output mode that takes care of the copying process, printing, fax receiving, and printing and an input mode which also handles copying as well as faxing and scanning. Wastefulness is something that most people try to avoid, especially now since the "green" way of living is taking us by storm and the D480 is bent on making your printing and copying jobs less wasteful. It does this by printing and copying documents on both sides of a piece of paper. But the imageCLASS takes it one step further by printing faxes on both sides of the paper as well.

The D480 has a scanning resolution of 9600 dpi with a 24 bit color resolution. It uses a single cartridge system which holds all three important components, the toner, the drum and the development unit. This multifunction copier is great because it has some of the capabilities of a big office copier but is also perfect for small businesses and home offices. You can buy the imageCLASS D480 Canon Copier for $350.

Source: Office Product News

The History of Xerography

Photo: Chester Carlson with a machine no one wanted until the 1960s

Chester Floyd Carlson (February 8, 1906 – September 19, 1968) was an American physicist, inventor, and patent attorney born in Seattle, Washington.

Carlson invented Xerography
Carlson was originally a patent attorney, a part-time researcher and an inventor. He is best known for having invented the process of electrophotography, which produced a dry copy rather than a wet copy, as was produced by the mimeograph process. Carlson's process was subsequently renamed to xerography, a term that literally means "dry copy."

Necessity is the Mother of Invention
His job at the patent office in New York required him to make a large number of copies of important papers. Carlson, was arthritic and found using mimeograph machines, Verifax, and carbon paper copying a painful and tedious process. Being an inventor, he worked to invent a solution to his physically difficult job.

His Kitchen was his Lab
It took 15 years of experiments with photoconductivity to come up with a . He used his kitchen for his "electrophotography" experiments, and, in 1938, he applied for a patent for the process.

First Photocopier Ingredients: Zinc and Sulfur
He made the first photocopy using a zinc plate covered with sulfur. The words "10-22-38 Astoria" were written on a microscope slide, which was placed on top of more sulfur and under a bright light. After the slide was removed, a mirror image of the words remained.

No market for Copiers before the 1960s
Carlson tried to sell his invention to some companies, but failed because the process was still underdeveloped. At the time, multiple copies were most commonly made at the point of document origination, using carbon paper or manual duplicating machines, and people did not see the need for an electronic machine. Between 1939 and 1944, Carlson was turned down by over 20 companies, including IBM and General Electric—neither of which believed there was a significant market for copiers.

Xerox finally finds Copier Market
Xerox was founded in 1906 in Rochester, New York as "The Haloid Company", and originally manufactured photographic paper and equipment. The company subsequently changed its name to "Haloid Xerox" in 1958 and then simply "Xerox" in 1961. Xerox came to prominence in 1959 with the introduction of the Xerox 914, the first plain paper photocopier using the process of xerography developed by Chester Carlson.

National Inventors Hall of Fame
Chester Carlson's invention was the first truly simple, push-button, plain-paper copier, and was so successful that it sold in only six months what the company had projected it would sell in the product's entire lifetime. In 1981 Carlson was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Contex SD4430 MFP and HD3650 MFP

Contex is one of the leaders in the development of wide format imaging and scanning solutions around the world and it has just unveiled two new multi-function solutions in the SD4430 MFP and the HD3650 MFP. These two devices are designed to give customers who want to optimize their on-demand copying, scanning, and printing solution and need an affordable yet versatile piece of equipment.

The SD4430 is wide-format office copier which comes with an adjustable height stand which is designed to fit onto a majority of major printer brands like Cannon or even HP. If you do a lot of work with things like technical documents and are needing a copying or a printing solution that is fast and easy to use then the SD4430 is your best fit. It has a single footprint which saves you a lot of space and even allows this copier to fit into small offices. The SD4430 is able to scan documents as large as 44 inches, and it does this at a resolution of 120 dpi. This copier also allows you to share mark-ups and revised drawings immediately via a scan-to-net or scan-to-email option.

The HD3650 is a color reprographics system which is perfect for use in an office with a high-productivity. The Hd3650 has the ability to support multiple network printers through a front-end should work with your existing equipment. This scanner is designed to pump out monochrome and color printing jobs and copy jobs while also keeping printers running at full speed. If you need advanced copying needs or scanning needs or you have multiple document types, then you want to look into the HD3650. It supports documents as large as 36 inches and documents 0.6 inches wide with exact color matching and advanced reprographic features which includes paneling, nesting, and tiling. Add added feature is also 17 inch touch screen.

These two pieces of equipment are great for your office, no matter the size. They offer good features and are affordable to most consumers. For more information on the SD4430 MFP and the HD3650 MFP go to the Contex Website.

Source: Office Product News