Zink Imaging - Cost Effective Printing

Advancements, in technology, are being created on a daily basis. Everything is becoming smaller, faster, and easier to use. Zink? has produced a fascinating new technology known as Zink Imaging. Zink Imaging actually means Zero Ink. This printing concept is exactly how it sounds; there is no longer a need for cartridges and ribbons.

As of its release date, Zink Imaging can only print in a specialized market - images. It is not yet ready to replace the way we print on a day-to-day basis. However, with the right collaborating, this day could come sooner than expected.

The combination of a Zink-enabled device, along with Zink Paper, is needed to print with Zero Ink. The paper is the backbone of this concept, as it contains the secret ingredient to print gorgeous images.

Zink Paper? is embedded with minuscule dye crystals, which in their natural state, are not visible. Each sheet of paper is then covered with a protective layer of polymer. Other than being a higher quality paper, the naked eye cannot tell the difference between a regular piece of printing paper and Zink Paper.

Zink-enabled devices use heating mechanisms to melt these crystals into their appropriate color. Each color crystal has its specific melting point, at which point the crystal will form into a liquid color state. The print head passes over the crystals, heating each one individually, to its appropriate melting point.

Polaroid was the first to begin the design on this new technology, back in 2000. Their plan was to use this technology with a new product called PoGo - a portable printer for cell phones and cameras. Their unfortunate bankruptcy, just one year later, forced them to stop development. A handful of ex Polaroid employees used this printing concept to start up what is now known as Zink?.

Polaroid was the first to partner with Zink. This partnership gives Polaroid the ability to continue their PoGo concept and be one of the first to introduce a pocket-sized printer, to the world.

Alps Electric Co, Ltd, Foxconn Technology Group, and TOMY Company, Ltd have also joined this new venture. The combination of these companies is phenomenal, as Zink-enabled devices can now be manufactured, taking advantage of Zink Paper.

The thickness, of Zink Paper, gives consumers durable, professional photography paper. Printed images will now last longer - not fade as quickly - as other forms of printing do. Since there is no longer a need for cartridges and ribbons, this is also a very cost effective means for consumers to print their photos.

Currently there is only one size of Zink Paper available - 2 inches x 3 inches (the exact size that Polaroid's PoGo can print). For a package of 10 sheets, you can expect to spend around $2.00.

Zink Imaging is a baby technology, and will probably go through many phases before minor, annoying flaws are fixed. (Zink Imaging has not been out long enough to pin point and of its flaws.) Regardless, it is a technology that makes printing photos nearly effortless. It saves consumers from having to dispose of old cartridges. It cost effective as there is no need to purchase additional cartridges. Whether it is in your current budget or not, it is definitely worth looking into.