Ink itself is much older than the printing process. The earliest known use of ink occurred about 5,000 years ago in China. Before this time, scribes in many cultures generally wrote by pressing stamps carved with symbols into wet clay.
Johan Gutenberg created the first movable type printing press in 1464 from an adapted wine press, smearing ink all over individual letter stamps arranged as entire words. But the real breakthrough was in ink. Innovations in printer ink led to a hardier ink in a linseed-oil medium, able to stick effectively to metal typefaces and dry quickly once it was laid.
For centuries afterward, linseed and vegetable oils were the main solvent used for printer inks. In the 19th century, however, this changed with the advent of assembly line newspaper presses that needed inks that would hold up to a more vigorous production process, with more viscosity and an even faster drying time. This was the first time inks were made with petroleum distillate—an additive that made inks much less environmentally friendly.
In 1938, the first laser copier was developed using newly-invented electrophotography or “dry writing” technology. In 1978, the first Xerox printer was introduced to the general public.
Dot matrix printing was being developed during this time as well. Epson developed models which were sold along with IBM computers. Canon developed “Bubble Jet” technology around this time as well—and this technology led to further innovations in Inkjet printing.
Today, laser and inkjet printers are the two competing technologies in printing. Developed around the same time, both represent centuries of innovation in printing and ink technology.
P.Warrior is director of the Essex based ink cartridge retailer Ink and Media Ltd. For more information on ink cartridges including HP ink cartridges visit www.inkandmedialtd.co.uk/acatalog/HP.html
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Hardware Articles Via RSS!
