The new Memjet inkjet technology was mooted as being available in desktop A4/Letter sized photo printers in the early part of 2008, however, Silverbrook Research who has developed the technology now claim 2009 as the delivery date to potential OEMs such as HP, Canon, HP and Lexmark.
The new technology promises excellent photo quality at radically increased speeds of up to 60 pages per minute and at competitive pricing.
Printheads are comprised of individual microchip segments, joined together into page-width printing systems with 70,400 nozzles in a standard A4/letter printer. Silverbrook say that the printheads and driver chips can scale from 20mm to large format sizes, enabling printing in virtually any width.
It is hoped that Silverbrook and/or individual manufacturers will adapt the technology to incorporate outdoor media and inks in the not too distant future. It would appear that existing solvent and UV technology will have little competition in the short term.
The company has not released details of any OEM partnerships that will be integral to its success.
Silverbrook Research
http://www.memjet.com/
