Solid ink

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Solid ink is a technology used in printers and multifunction devices originally created by Tektronix. After Xerox acquired the Tektronix Color Printing and Imaging Division in 2000, the solid ink technology became part of the Xerox line of office printing and imaging products.

Tektronix invented solid ink technology in 1986. Early offerings focused on the graphic arts industry. The Phaser III product introduced in 1991, for example, cost $10,000 US. As the technology improved and costs were reduced, the focus shifted to office printing environments where quality and cost efficiency are important.

Solid ink technology utilizes solid ink sticks in lieu of the fluid ink or toner cartridges usually used in printers. The sticks are non-toxic and safe to handle. After the ink stick is loaded into the printing device, it is melted and used to produce images on paper in a process very similar to offset printing.

For a full technical description of solid ink technology, see this article from the Society for Imaging Science and Technology.

Xerox states that solid ink printing produces more vibrant colors than other print methods, is easier to use, can print on a wide range of media, and is more environmentally friendly due to reduced waste output.

Current solid ink products are the Xerox Phaser 8560 color printer and the Xerox Phaser 8560MFP color multifunction printer.