Here's a core dump of information ZINK™ that you should know when thinking about the design challenge. You can also take a look around the rest of the ZINK site for even more exciting information!
It's a Digital World
It's a digital world. People access digital services and information in a matter of seconds. From personal content like videos and blogs, to business content like presentations and email, digital content has exploded to permeate every part of our lives.
Digital content has many advantages. It's easier to send, search, and archive. However, there are times when a screen isn't enough. Research has shown that when people collaborate, develop and actively work with content, they have a deep-rooted need to see their information and images in a physical form. These are the moments when you need paper. But not just any paper. ZINK PaperTM.
ZINK Imaging has created an entirely new "paper" that reinvents color printing to meet the consumer needs of a digital world by empowering consumers to print in an entirely new way - anywhere; while respecting the planet.
What is ZINK™ and How Does it Work?
ZINK means Zero Ink™ - a new way to print in full color, eliminating ink cartridges and ribbons. ZINK Technology encompasses both ZINK Paper™ and the intelligence in every ZINK-enabled device. ZINK is based on many innovations - from chemistry and physics, to manufacturing.
ZINK Paper appears as a simple piece of white photo paper but it is actually an advanced composite material with embedded yellow, magenta, and cyan dye crystals. These patented Amorphochromic™ crystals represent a new class of molecules invented by ZINK Imaging. The dye crystals are colorless until activated by the thermal print head in a ZINK-enabled printer.
Simply load ZINK Paper into a ZINK-enabled device and immediately create affordable, high quality, durable and long lasting prints - all without ink. And, there is nothing to throw away from the ZINK printing process.
ZINK enables a new category of products that leverage printing in a whole new way. Products using ZINK are mobile, embeddable, simple to use, easy to maintain and are the most respectful of the planet. They integrate into your environment to seamlessly fulfill existing and new-found printing needs.
While the first products on the market using the ZINK Technology print photographs, the capabilities of the technology extend outside of the photographic market. ZINK can fulfill the needs of many markets and applications requiring full-color printing, on-demand.
ZINK Paper is manufactured via an advanced process where the layers are coated as a multi-layer stack onto a base material. The combined thickness of the layers is about that of a human hair. ZINK Paper is manufactured in large rolls so it can be produced in roll or sheet formats of any size. The base can be a variety of materials, including paper and plastic. The first ZINK Paper format has an adhesive back.
The ZINK System was developed over several years and has generated an IP portfolio that includes over 100 patents and patents pending.
About ZINK Imaging, Inc.
ZINK Imaging Inc., a privately held company, was founded to enable millions of customers to enjoy the magic of ZINK™ Zero Ink™ products. ZINK Imaging invented, manufactures, and is an OEM supplier of the ZINK Printing Technology and the award winning ZINK Paper™ to partners that will bring ZINK-enabled products to market under their respective brands.
ZINK Paper™ is currently branded and sold by a variety of ZINK Imaging brand partners including Dell, Polaroid, and TakaraTomy. It is available globally for purchase at many retail and on-line locations. Some of the locations where a consumer can purchase ZINK Paper include Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Dell.com.
ZINK Imaging's headquarters and research and development labs are in Massachusetts, with a state of the art manufacturing facility in Whitsett, North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.ZINK.com.
The ZINK™ Technology and ZINK™ trademarks are owned by ZINK Imaging, Inc.
