January 25, 2016
How we print is changing. It’s becoming 3D, going mobile and getting faster and more accurate than ever. We're printing what seemed unimaginable just years ago.
I always just wondered what it was like when the many men stood around the Gutenberg press that allowed Bibles to be mass produced for the first time - until our crews recently stood around the newest creation by HP. That moment gave me a glimpse of what it may have been like when the earliest print invention operated for the first time. The awe of it all, knowing the impact it would have.
Marco was among the first to become certified to sell this new cutting-edge device and even before they were released, we sold three of them. Upon arrival, they made a grand entrance. We had to buy specialty equipment to properly bring the devices through the doors of their proud new owners.
So, what is it and what made it so appealing? It is the new HP PageWide XL series. I share more about what’s so impactful about this technology and another world changer for 2016 here:
World Changer #1: Hp Pagewide XL
The Change: The paper moves, not the print heads, on the new PageWide XL devices. The print heads are stationary.
The Impact: This dramatically accelerates the printing speed by five times while still improving the accuracy and color of the finished product. The HP PageWide XL is the fastest large-format monochrome and color printer on the market today. This shift in technology will impact printers across the industry.
The Change: It’s affordable to buy and can deliver a cost savings. It operates at one half to two-thirds of the cost of other inkjet or LED printers on the market and it’s eco-friendly with an ENERGY STAR rating. And it uses pigmented inks that provide fade-resistance and water-resistance to drawings so you can be outdoors and your drawings won’t fade or run-off, messing up your drawing.
The Impact: It’s rare that a new piece of technology is released at a palatable price point – from a capital and an operational perspective. This makes it more accessible not only to the sign and design companies, but also architecture, engineering and construction firms, educational institutions and other organizations that commonly print large format pieces.
One of our (really excited) technology advisors talks more about the technology here.
World Changer #2: 3d Printing Goes Viral
The awe of the wide-format printer unveil was somewhat reminiscent of the moment we printed our first 3D object at Marco years ago. It drew oohs and ahhs for sure. The possibilities seemed limitless, but the market remained small – until now.
The Change: 3D printers are transitioning from a niche market to a more broad-based market serving both businesses and consumers.
The Impact: 3D printer shipments are expected to double in 2016 to nearly 500,000 units and then more than double every year until 2019 when they are projected to reach more than 5.6 million, according to the latest forecast from Gartner Inc.
The Change: The 3D printing market has had the greatest impact on the healthcare and manufacturing industries to date. They have moved from printing prototypes to personalized medical devices such as hearing aids, dental implants and braces and prosthetics.
The Impact: Gartner predicts that by 2019, 10 percent of the people living in the developed world will have some 3D item in or on their bodies. That will accelerate in the following years, meaning the children who are born today will only grow up seeing 3D printers solve their health problems, create the parts they need to fix an item, and provide them everything from electronics and toys to jewelry and fashion accessories.
Printing is such an important part of our world. It’s more than papers and documents. It takes humanity’s creativity and brings it to life in ways that change our lives. Imagine what’s next.
