Although it seems that nearly everything is going digital in this day and age, the printing business isn’t prepared to cut its losses just yet. From innovations in packaging design capabilities to printing breakthroughs in biotech and philanthropic advancements, we’re now in an era that far exceeds simple paper printing. Read on to discover a sample of the cutting edge companies that are currently redefining the printing industry.
Braigo Labs
Braigo’s story is one for the books, and by this I mean it’s a modern day fairytale success. For a school project, then-12-year old Shubham Banerjee created a braille (tactile writing system for the blind) printer with the Lego Mindstorms EV3 robotics kit. Traditional braille printers cost upwards of $2000, while young Banerjee’s invention rings in at a fraction of that cost around $350. Braigo v1.0 has already proven successful in printing daily items such as labels and lists, and while it currently only prints one letter at a time within five to seven seconds, continual adjustments and upgrades are being made to optimize the product. With the help of his father and a team of trained experts, he has paved the way to become one of Silicon Valley’s youngest startup founders.
Highcon
Israeli printing manufacturer Highcon is shaking up the world of print with its Euclid machine and Digital Adhesive Rules Technology (DART), creating the first digital creasing and cutting machine of its kind. The benefits of its digital capabilities are plenty—including but not limited to a reduced carbon footprint and more efficient workflow—as high-speed laser optics sketch and cut intricate designs. Highcon is revolutionizing the packaging world in terms of production and design innovation, as cutouts can now be made directly on creases, all within the manufacturing process. Time and money are saved, quality improves, and design potential is maximized.
MakerBot
MakerBot is gaining major momentum in the 3D printing sphere, as the company is expanding its reach and research initiatives to leading U.S. universities and institutes. They’re even making waves in biotech, as their technology paired with scientific know-how has permitted experts to create cartilage for tracheal restoration. Their two main products are the Replicator (boasting state of the art PLA filaments and fifth-generation savvy) and the Digitizer (a simple yet watertight desktop printer that quickly scans the model for 3D production). Accompanying software allows for a seamless, productive workflow so that additions and edits can be made by even the most tech-shy of users. Social inclinations to document and share output have been taken into account; with a built in camera, as well as WiFi and mobile capabilities, MakerBot is leading the new school of 3D printing.
These printers are proving that their industry is in it to win it for the long haul. Just as digitization has propelled a massive upheaval in the physical production of textual and visual content, emerging technologies are taking the printing world by storm by redefining and revolutionizing what printing really is and has the power to perform.
