Think When Using Ink – Why Normal Printer Ink is Harmful
Printers and copiers are very useful machines: they make duplicating documents easy, they can help you print photos in a more affordable way and they make school projects a lot easier to do. But while they are essential to life, their cartridges can be harmful to you and the environment. Different printer inks can release deadly fumes, while cartridges are non-biodegradable, adding to land fills and garbage. Both printer inks and cartridges can be toxic in many various ways and here are some reasons why normal, regular printer can cause damage to your health and the environment as well.
1. Ink cartridges are non-biodegradable. Every year, people around the world add thousands of tons of garbage in landfills and garbage dumps around the world. Used-up printer cartridges are also dumped without much thought in garbage and landfills. These cartridges, which are made of high-grade polymers or plastic, can take up to 1,000 years before they decompose. It's advisable to practice safe cartridges recycling to help save the environment from damage done by improper disposal of printer cartridges.
2. Ink cartridges can become corrosive. Thousands of printer cartridges are dumped in landfills all over the world. These printer cartridges can, in turn, become corrosive, flammable and reactive. When burned or punctured, printer cartridges can explode or release deadly fumes which can harm the environment and even the people living in areas near landfills or dumpsites.
3. Printer ink residue contains Volatile Organic Chemicals (VCOs). VCOs are harmful substances that can cause birth defects, health problems and even cancer. When cartridges are disposed, the leftover ink residue in them can release highly toxic VCOs in the air, water or surrounding environment.
4. Laser printer and photocopier toners can be toxic. Laser printer and the ink used for photocopiers contain resins and carbon black, which can be toxic and harmful in huge amounts. Your skin can get irritated if it comes into contact with laser printer inks or ink from photocopiers. It's recommended that you wash your hands immediately after handling laser printer ink cartridges or photocopier ink, especially after cartridges recycling.
5. Particles from laser printers can be more dangerous than smoking. A recent study from Queensland's University of Technology states that laser printers can release super fine, harmful particles that are as dangerous as cigarette smoke or the emissions from motor vehicles.
It's surprising that a machine you use everyday can actually be harmful to your health and the environment. Both printer inks and cartridges can be toxic if not handled carefully and if companies and offices do not practice proper cartridges recycling. To be free from pollutants and to help keep Mother Earth clean and safe, help by saving printer ink, practicing safe ink recycling and by using only environmentally safe, printer inks.
This Article is written by John C Arkin from MyOfficePortal the contributor of Office Supplies Information & Resources. More information on the subject is at MyOfficePortal, and related resources can be found at Laser Printer Ink.
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The History of Konica Minolta (Global Imaging)
Konica Minolta had established itself in the world of imaging. In fact, it offers a wide array of imaging essentials ranging from graphic to medical imaging. It also offers optical technology and business products, laser printers and measuring instruments. But to some or even to most people, Konica and Minolta are best remembered for their cameras.
Ever wonder how long Konica Minolta has been in the global imaging business? Well, it all started on 1873, which means that the company is around 137 years old. To give you more background on what transpired during these years, take a look at some brief and interesting facts regarding its history.
Konica Minolta from 1873 to 1973
The first 100 years of Konica Minolta is worth taking note of. It was in 1873 when Konica Corporations started its business. This was the time when lithographic and photographic materials were sold by Rokusubaro Sugiura at Konishiya Rokubeiten in Tokyo, Japan. Thirty years after that, in 1903, the first "Cherry Hand Camera" was launched in the Japanese Market.
Later on, in 1928, the predecessor of Minolta, Incorporated was born. This was a Japanese-German photo company named Nichi-Doku Shashinki Shoten by Kazuo Tajima. A year after that, the company marketed its first camera known as the "Nifcalette". After this, the company released Sakura Natural Color Film in 1940, which was considered as the first color film marketed in Japan.
The years 1956 to 1973 marked the start of global business for Konica Minolta. In 1956, it established its first subsidiary in America. This was based in Philadelphia. In 1958, the company was able to complete its first planetarium unit. Two years after, it launched its first copier then named as the Minolta Copymaster. Its first European Subsidiary was launched in Hamburg Germany in the year 1962. Nine years after that, the company pushed efforts to have its first Photostatic plain paper photocopier called the U-Bix480. Then during its 100th year in the business, Konica Minolta launched a nationwide driver's license printing system.
Konica Minolta from its 100th year to the present
The first 100 years of Konica Minolta proved to be very memorable to the company and to its patrons as well. Despite reaching that peak in its existence, the company did not stop creating great products that people will continue to love. In 1975 and 1977, the company created the world's first 35mm camera with built-in flash and the compact autofocus camera.
In 1983, Konica Minolta came up with another first in the industry of photocopiers when it launched its EP450Z, one that contains both magnification and reduction functions. Then in 1984, the company developed a CD player aspheric plastic lens. In 1985, it launched the SLR camera and in 1987 it marketed the product known as Konsensus - a color proofing system. Two years after that, in 1989, the company released a medical digital imaging output system. In 1990, it came up with a monochrome laser printer and a full-color, digital copier.
Ten years from that, it produced the TAC films to be used for LCD polarizers. This was also the same time when the joint venture known as Konica Minolta Supplies Manufacturing Company Ltd was created for polymerized toner production. In August of 2003, Konica Minolta Holdings was created and in October of the same year, company reorganization was made.
In March 2004, another planetarium named as Manten was opened by the company in Tokyo then in July, it launched its 3D industrial digitizer. In December 2004, it again established another subsidiary, this time for the production of printers and MFPs.
It was in January 2005 when Konica Minolta IJ Technologies Inc. was established whose main business is geared to the production of inkjet products. Then in February 2005, the first phase contrast technology was made by the company for mammography. Then in August, it acquired the major printing plate manufacturer from the US known as the American Litho Inc.
In 2007, the company withdrew both its camera and photo business. Then in 2008, it established a joint venture with CEC to be able to cater to business solutions. In 2009, Konica Minolta was noted for releasing the so-called high-chroma and high-speed digital MFP bizhub, better known as PRO C65hc.
This Article is written by John C Arkin from PrinterInkCartridges.PrintCountry the contributor of PrintCountry Articles. More information on the subject is at http://News.PrintCountry.com, and related resources can be found at Minolta Ink Cartridges.
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The Differences Between Xerox and Samsung Printers
The competition in consumer and business printers is quite heavy. This competition is further emphasised as there are manufacturers that excel in the photography industry, manufacturers that are famous for delivering other computer peripherals and companies that have experience in developing photocopiers.
Take Samsung as an example; since they are well known for manufacturing high quality televisions as well as some nice digital cameras that boast high image quality. If these products evolve and continue to impress consumers, the very printers that they make should cause the same impression making Samsung printers a good buy.
However, the decision on which printer to get can be tough when you have competitors like Xerox on the other end where Xerox has created a reputation for developing quality photocopiers. The brand name alone highlights its superiority and enjoys a longer history in developing printing technologies.
What makes it even more difficult to make a decision are the various models that are out with Xerox or Samsung brand names. A number of these printers are quite friendly on the budget, while more expensive models are similarly advanced in terms of their features. You will have to set a budget and then compare the differences between Xerox and Samsung printers directly.
Design
Samsung is very famous when it comes to their designs as often come out black and glossy to match their monitors and laptops. In terms of design, Samsung could be a good choice for perking up any office desks. Not only are their designs sleek, but many of Samsung's printers are also very compact including some of multifunction printers available.
Xerox printers come out as traditionally white, but should also be looked at as they are compact as well. Although Samsung printers have some white designs, Xerox Phasers and other models may better match traditional office setups.
Variety and Features
Xerox is very competitive going as far as directly comparing the performance of their models against big contenders like Canon. This is most noticeable in the many multifunction printers that are available where each multifunction printer strives to excel in easy network integration, overall user-friendliness, multitasking, remote intelligence, security and software. These are all important features that business users need to avoid any problems that disrupt the business workflow making Xerox a great choice when performance is needed most. Their printers work quickly and last without much need for maintenance.
Samsung is more of the consumer-friendly choice where it presents its printers in five different categories ranging from the simple black and white laser printers all the way to the colourful multifunction laser printers that also perform well in mission critical tasks. Samsung is also one of those companies that try to be as green as possible by reducing footprints without sacrificing in performance. Many of their environmental technologies are being integrated with their printers, putting Samsung in a strong position in the printer market.
Both Samsung and Xerox continue to roll out new models with Samsung trying out new designs while Xerox aiming to perform better for businesses. The bottom line for making the final choice rests on the price tag in relation to the features being offered.
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For a wide range of Colour Laser Printers, he recommends Printware Ltd, a leading supplier of Samsung Printers.
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Sharp FO 775 L Printer – A Leader in Multi-Function Printing
A woman in our neighborhood told us that she just invested in the Sharp FO 775 L Printer - Sharp FO 775 L Toner for the small company she owns and told us how satisfied with the purchase she was. We were considering purchasing this laser printer/fax machine as well, because the business has grown and thus we need improved technology.
After we researched this facsimile/printer we found it to be considered very reliable and quite affordable. Sharp constantly improves their quality of their electronics products and especially the multipurpose printers, in an effort to meet growing businesses requirements to improve productivity with good technology.
We're certainly considering purchasing the Sharp facsimile printer combo, since we hear it is powerful and convenient and that Sharp has been hailed number one in fax sales.
The item we're looking to buy is the FO 775 L laser printer it is a multifunctional, plain paper fax with refined features you will want when performing high-volume fax jobs. It being compact is a great feature as well.
The memory is 476 KB, with a modem speed of 14,400, bps. It takes about six seconds to transmit per page as well.
We believe that this Sharp facsimile unit will be able to provide the employees the tools needed to maintain smooth flowing work in the offices. We're also thrilled about how reasonable the pricing is with this Sharp fax.
This Sharp FO 775 L described as a multifunctional or all in one fax-machine and photocopier, you can also use it as a laser-printer, scanner, the output is black & white.
We will also be keeping a photocopy of their downloadable Sharp manual in our files so that we can refer to it if needed. We got this free manual at this site: sharpusa.com. There is also a repair manual available online so that you can do your own repairs if you need to.
We also realized that we're going to require Sharp 775 L Toner as well as other items for our multi function fax machine. Toner is always expensive but we typed in Sharp 775 L Toner in Google and got a whole list of great options to buy the Sharp 775 L Printer and also the Sharp 775 L Toner.
As everyone knows, all electronics manufacturers prefer that you only use their brand of toner. If you have a Sharp fax then they specify to use the Sharp toner and don't use compatible toners. The main reason to obey this rule is, you want the warranty to be valid and it won't be if you don't use Sharp toner. Sharp toner and supplies can be found on the internet They are extremely reasonable with their pricing. They also carry other supplies besides the Sharp FO 775L toner, listed by each category. They carry the drum-units and fuser assemblies. The Sharp tonercartridge was cheaply priced and they also carry parts like belts and fuser-rollers. A manual is available on this site also.
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Multi-Functional Photocopiers
Any photocopiers made in the last five years are extremely likely to operate using digital technology. Digital photocopiers work by using an integrated scanner and laser printer to scan and then print documents that need replicating. They incorporate a hard drive which stores any document scanned, meaning that they can achieve far more than the old analogue photocopiers, especially as many of these machines can also fax, be networked and are internet connected.
One of the great advantages of using networked digital photocopiers is that hard copies of documents can be scanned into device and forwarded to the appropriate department without the need of making another hard copy. The documents are then stored electronically and changes made are tracked. Employees can also scan copies of documents into the photocopier and send them directly to their computer, meaning any alterations needed before printing can be done very easily.
Documents can also be scanned into photocopiers and sent via email directly from the device, which works by the photocopier linking up to an email server. With logins these emails can be sent from the user's own email account, meaning that not only is the email easily recognized by the person receiving it but is also stored in the users sent items.
Many new photocopiers also incorporate faxing capabilities, this means documents scanned into the device may be faxed directly, storing the data in the hard drive. Some photocopiers take this capability even further, by being capable of sending a received fax to the appropriate persons' email inbox directly instead of printing out a hard copy.
Workplaces where document management systems are used can take the capability of their photocopiers even further. Documents can be scanned into the device and sent to the document management systems where they can be stored, sorted and easily retrieved. The evolution of digital photocopiers has played an integral part in document management and archiving solutions. Without photocopiers having the ability to scan documents and be connected to office networks, document management systems would have severe limitations.
There is no question capabilities of photocopiers are far greater now that they are digital and incorporate scanning, what needs consideration is whether businesses are using these capabilities efficiently. Using photocopiers to their full potential can make a business much more efficient in terms of time wasted and can save money on paper usage, but everyone in the workplace needs to be educated about using these machines and be aware that photocopiers can achieve far more than simply reproducing documents.
For more information about multifunctional photocopiers please click here.
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