Cuttlefish software brings character Mr. Link to life

LAIKA’s new stop-motion movie Missing Link features models made using Fraunhofer IGD’s Cuttlefish 3D-printer driver. Film fans can see the results for themselves in cinemas.

In stop-motion animation physical models are minimally manipulated between frames – 24 make one second of the film (© LAIKA)

LAIKA’s latest animated film Missing Link will come out on April 12th, with theatrical release in Germany to follow in late May. LAIKA’s movie is the animation studio’s fifth stop-motion feature, and the first to make use of the Cuttlefish 3D-printer driver developed by Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD. Using this technology, LAIKA has printed a myriad of models, including subtle changes in facial expression for each individual character. The greatest challenge is ensuring that the colors of each model seamlessly match the ones used in previous frames. With this in mind, LAIKA chose Fraunhofer’s patented Cuttlefish technology due to its outstanding color consistency.

High-precision 3D printing brings stop-motion characters to life

In stop-motion animation, doing each scene occurs by carefully setting up elaborate physical models and minimally manipulating them between frames. There are photographs after each of these changes – enabling the individual frames to combine in together to form a complete motion picture. Playing the series of still images in rapid sequence creates the illusion of movement. 24 frames in combination translate into approximately one second of film.

To animate the characters’ facial expressions in Missing Link, LAIKA used a number of Stratasys J750 3D printers, in conjunction with the Cuttlefish 3D-printer driver, to create 106,000 highly detailed color 3D faces. In addition, Brian McLean, was nominated for an Academy Award® for Visual Effects for Kubo and the Two Strings, is LAIKA’s Director of Rapid Prototype. Further, he has extensive experience in deploying 3D printing for stop-motion animation, and in 2016 received a Scientific and Engineering Oscar® plaque for his pioneering work. “We have used 3D printers for our stop-motion movies since Coraline, LAIKA’s first film”, says McLean. “For our current production Missing Link, we leveraged Fraunhofer IGD technologies because they are unrivalled in terms of color consistency and geometric accuracy. The combination of Cuttlefish software and Stratasys J750 hardware has allowed us to produce the most sophisticated colored 3D prints ever.”

Cuttlefish enables accurate 3D printing of colored translucent objects

Cuttlefish is a voxel-based universal printer driver, meaning it can be deployed for diverse 3D output devices. The driver makes it possible to work simultaneously with multiple printing materials. It also enables high fidelity reproduction of the shapes, colors and subtle color transitions of the original, and allows object simulation onscreen prior to printing. In addition, it is now possible to print translucent, i.e., partially to fully transparent, objects. Moreover, Cuttlefish accounts for the dispersion of light through the object, and changes in hues and surface textures in accordance with incidental light. There are a variety of applications for high-fidelity 3D printing of this type, not just in the film industry, but also in medicine, automotive engineering or cultural heritage, to name a few.

So, the technology plays an increasingly important role in the manufacture of prototypes, end-products and replicas. As 3D printer capabilities expand, such as a growing range of available materials, so do the challenges that software must overcome. Additionally, accurately positioning the input material to reproduce geometric and visual attributes requires enormous amounts of data. Against this backdrop, Cuttlefish supports streaming, i.e. processing only the data currently required for printing, minimizing the amount of memory needed. Furthermore, even highly complex and large 3D models are ready to start printing in a matter of seconds.

More information:

www.igd.fraunhofer.de/en/competences/technologies/3d-printing
www.cuttlefish.de
www.igd.fraunhofer.de/en/press/annual-reports/2018/movie-star-darmstadt-our-cuttlefish-3d-printer-driver

Institute Profile

Founded 30 years ago, Fraunhofer IGD has become the world’s leading institution for applied research in the field of visual computing. Visual computing means image and model-based IT. In simple terms, it describes the capability of transforming information into images (computer graphics) and extracting information from images (computer vision). The numerous application scenarios include human/machine interaction, interactive simulation, and modeling situations.

Our developers at the sites in Darmstadt, Rostock, Graz, and Singapore develop new technical solutions and prototypes all the way up to the market readiness stage. In collaboration with our partners, this results in application solutions that are custom-tailored to customer requirements.

Our approaches facilitate the work with computers and are efficiently used in the industry, in everyday life, and in the healthcare sector. Our research highlights includes assisting people in the Industry 4.0, the development of key technologies for the Smart City, and the use of digital solutions in the field of Individual Health.

Through applied research, we support the strategic development of the industry and economy. Especially small and medium-sized enterprises as well as service centers can benefit from this and be successful on the market with the help of our leading technologies.

Kontakt:

Fraunhofer-Institut für Graphische Datenverarbeitung IGD
Fraunhoferstraße 5
64283 Darmstadt / Germany

Daniela Welling
Phone: +49 6151 155-146
E-Mail: presse@igd.fraunhofer.de
www.igd.fraunhofer.de

Universal enterprise app store for desktop and mobile apps & integration with IT Service Management greatly simplify IT service delivery

Maidenhead, U.K. – January 27, 2015 – Flexera Software, the leading provider of next-generation software licensing, compliance and installation solutions for application producers and enterprises, announced the latest release of App Portal, its market-leading enterprise app store.  App Portal is the first universal enterprise app store, with unified application self-service across environments – from desktop to mobile.  It also standardises application service delivery with other Service Catalog processes through integration with IT Service Management solutions.

“Enterprise app stores provide an employee-friendly interface for application and hardware requests – ensuring a positive IT services experience,” explained Robert Young, Research Manager, End Point Device & IT Service Management and Client Virtualisation Software, IDC.  “To deliver their full benefit, enterprise app stores must also allow IT to maintain security and control – and to do this, it is essential that they work seamlessly with key operational systems like IT Service Management, Software Distribution, and Software License Optimisation tools.”

Universal Store: One Request, All Devices

As the “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) trend accelerates, enterprise app stores are rapidly gaining popularity. They give employees a familiar, intuitive process to request and access enterprise-approved applications.  However in most organisations, back-end services supporting the app store are immature and fragmented. They require multiple systems and manual processes to approve. App Portal is now the first universal enterprise app store, providing governance and controlled self-service delivery of enterprise-approved apps.  It enables employees to request apps for all their devices from a single store. It also uses a single request that triggers all necessary processes behind the scenes to ensure fulfillment and IT governance.

App Portal lets IT associate mobile and desktop versions of an application. It allows employees to request an application once and have it deployed to all of their devices simultaneously. This eliminates the need to individually request software from each device.  App Portal goes one step further by proactively suggesting apps that are available for other registered devices. With support for Apple iOS and Android public store and internally developed mobile apps – a single checkout process interoperates with AirWatch® by VMware Enterprise Mobility Management™, Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager and Symantec™ Client Management Suite.

“AirWatch® Mobile Application Management™ addresses the challenge of acquiring, distributing, securing and tracking mobile applications, enabling enterprises to easily manage internal, public and purchased apps across deployment structures from one central console,” said John Marshall, Senior Vice President and General Manager, AirWatch by VMware.  “App Portal’s support of AirWatch enables employees to have the same seamless experience with desktop apps – from app request to deployment – while allowing IT to verify that key processes are managed efficiently and automatically.”

App Portal 2015 is optimised for use on mobile, giving employees access to approved mobile apps from their phone.  Employees can browse, select and check out corporate approved mobile apps from their Apple or Android device.

“Employees want the ability to request an app once and use it wherever they work – on their desktops, tablets or mobile phones – without having to go to each of their devices and request the same app over and over again.  They want immediate access, and don’t appreciate that behind the scenes, a very complicated request has been triggered for IT to fulfill,” said Maureen Polte, Vice President of Product Management at Flexera Software.  “App Portal is the first universal enterprise app store able to centralise and manage those back office processes, making ‘request once, fulfill anywhere’ a reality.”

IT Service Catalog Integration – Enhancing Value, Reducing Frustration

Providing out of the box integration with the two most popular IT Service Management (ITSM) solutions, BMC Remedy and ServiceNow, App Portal adds value to the IT service catalog by consumerising software requests, automating approvals, verifying license availability, and initiating the delivery of software to end user’s devices.  Using a configurable App Portal and ITSM combined workflow, enterprises can provide a transparent, friendly, personalised user experience while maintaining proper controls and governance over valuable enterprise software assets.

Through this integration, App Portal reduces employee frustration with long response times and provides a single place – the IT Service Catalog – where employees can obtain the applications they need with minimal IT involvement. Once an employee selects the applications they complete the checkout process. The only manual intervention required is some clicks for the manager to approve the request.  Employees who get training to use an ITSM system for IT services don’t need further training to use App Portal. This is because integration into the ITSM service catalog interface is direct.

App Portal auto-triggers the creation and updating of service desk incidents. This enables proactive support of issues that may arise during installation – eliminating need for employees to open incidents themselves.  It also monitors all steps in the deployment request. Furthermore, it automatically creates an incident ticket if there is an error or if the installation does not complete. The menu driven integration keeps service desk incidents in sync with actions performed in App Portal.  IT can even select which actions, like requests, approvals, and installation status. Trigger incident updates to ensure app store actions are on record and kept in synch with service desk incident databases.

“Service Catalogs offered by vendors like BMC and ServiceNow are powerful, and App Portal helps ensure their value by automating application license verification and deployment,” said Polte.  “App Portal delivers critical IT governance over app requests, and triggers back-end processes like approvals, license checks, and service desk updates to ensure swift and efficient fulfillment of requests – without exposing the enterprise to risk or employees to licensing complexity.”

App Portal 2015 supports seven new languages: Russian, Korean, Thai, Portuguese (Portugal and Brazil), Dutch, and Spanish (Mexico). It also supports English, German, French, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Spanish, and Italian.  “Our larger customers are expanding their enterprise app stores to support offices all over the world,” said Polte. “Delivering a great user experience in the employee’s native language is helping them increase adoption of the technology.”

Follow Flexera Software…

About Flexera Software

Flexera Software helps application producers and enterprises increase application usage and the value they derive from their software.  Our next-generation software licensing, compliance and installation solutions are essential to ensure continuous licensing compliance and optimised software investments. It also future-proofs businesses against the risks and costs of constantly changing technology.  Additionally, over 80,000 customers turn to Flexera Software as a trusted and neutral source for the knowledge and expertise we have gained as the marketplace leader for over 20 years. Not only that, but also for the automation and intelligence designed into our products. For more information, please go to: www.flexerasoftware.com.

For more information, contact:
Vidushi Patel/ Nicola Males
Vanilla PR
prflexera@vanillapr.co.uk 
+44 7958474632

Copyright© 2015 Flexera Software LLC. All other brand and product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners.

VMware, Airwatch Enterprise Mobility Management and AirWatch are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiary in the United States and other jurisdictions. The use of the word “partner” or “partnership” doesn’t imply legal partnerships between VMware and any other company.

OKI Europe has announced that for a limited time, end customers can claim up to €75 cashback on selected multifunction printers geared to improving productivity, security and workflow

Egham, 4th August 2015 – OKI Europe Ltd has announced a brand new Smart Savings promotion on two Smart Mono multifunction printers, giving end customers the chance to claim €75 cashback on the MB492dn and MB562dnw A4 Mono eco-friendly devices until 31 October 2015.

Smart Savings on Smart Mono MFPs

“These intelligent and affordable devices are packed with performance-driven features,” says Ibrahim Ahmet, General Manager, Channel Marketing EMEA, OKI Europe Ltd. “With this latest offer, smart businesses can use them to improve productivity, security and document workflow, with the added bonus of €75 in smart cashback savings.”

The MB492dn and MB562dnw 4-in-1 multifunction printers feature automatic double-sided copying, printing, scanning and faxing functions as standard. Furthermore, they’re quick, with high quality printing and functionality.

Both models included in the offer contain OKI’s ultra-reliable digital LED technology and powerful software utilities to drive business efficiency. They’re also compatible with AirPrint from Apple Inc and are Google Cloud Print ready. This provides added convenience and flexibility for printing on the move.

“Modern businesses need the right tools to support changing workplaces,” adds Ahmet. “This new cashback offer on selected OKI Smart Mono MFPs provides a fantastic incentive to upgrade to the latest OKI technology and get outstanding performance every time.”

For further information on OKI Europe’s Smart Savings on Smart Mono MFPs and other promotions, please visit www.okieurope.com/promotions.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

About OKI Europe
OKI Europe Ltd is a division of OKI Data Corporation. It’s a global business-to-business brand dedicated to creating cost effective, professional in-house printers, applications and services. These are designed to increase the efficiency of today’s and tomorrow’s businesses.

The company is one of Europe’s leading printer brands, in terms of value and shipping units. For over 60 years OKI Europe has been delivering advanced printing solutions worldwide, introducing ground-breaking technologies that support the needs of businesses large and small. Our pioneering development of digital LED printing technology has placed OKI at the forefront of the market in delivering high-definition, eco-friendly printing devices.

In addition to a vast portfolio of award-winning printers and MFPs, OKI offers a range of services and solutions to help optimise print and document workflows. Together with a suite of software technologies and tools, this can help businesses take control of print and document costs.

Also, OKI Europe employs approximately 1,100 people in 21 locations (sales offices and production sites). Additionally, 60 countries throughout the EMEA region represent the Company Branch.

Visit www.okieurope.com for further information.

OKI Data Corporation is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Oki Electric Industry Co. Ltd., established in 1881 and Japan’s first telecommunications manufacturer.

Media Contacts:
OKI Europe Ltd: Pamela Ghosal: Pamela.Ghosal@okieurope.com, + 44 (0) 208 2192127
Whiteoaks: Simon Moss: simonm@whiteoaks.co.uk +44 (0) 1252 727313

Prior to putting in the toner cartridge into your machine, some people may notice a coating of yellow or white toner powder showing on the developer roller of the Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow toner cartridges.

The skinny coating of Y toner or white powder is a part of the manufacturing process. The remanufacturing utilises it to all colour LaserJet cartridges (C, M, Y, K) on the manufacturing unit.

As you can see from the original toner cartridge, the HP OEM cartridges will even have this coating.

If you wish to contact us about anything, you can visit our store or you can also go to our Contact Us page here. You can also call our number or get in touch with us on our Social Media Accounts. Please note that all links and information will be provided at the end of this Blog Post.

We hope this Blog post was useful to you and we encourage you to come back every Friday, when we post new content on our Blog!

Our social media accounts: Twitter | Facebook @Inkntoneruk

Address: 61 East Barnet Road, Barnet, EN4 8RN

Tel: 020 8216 5571

Digital Metal begins commercial production of its 3D metal binder jet printers. Firstly, it offers unprecedented detail, surface resolution. Additionally, it offers design possibilities for small components

A bit about Digital Metal

Höganäs, Sweden. – [September 19, 2017] – Digital Metal®, a Höganäs Group company, the world’s leading producer of metal powders, announced its initiated commercial production of the first high precision binder jetting 3D metal printer. It can produce smaller and more intricate components than any previous technology. The DM P2500 can be purchased/licensed from Digital Metal and is ideal for serial production and customised parts, opening up the possibility to print what was once impossible.

Digital Metal has produced both bespoke tiny objects and high precision small components at scale using its proprietary binder jetting technology for four years. To date, the company has produced approximately 200,000 pieces for customers in several industries, including aerospace, luxury goods, dental tools and industrial equipment manufacturing. It will continue to offer this production service, while also expanding its business with the commercial sale and licensing of its revolutionary 3D metal printer.

The DM P2500 continuously prints in 42 µm layers at 100 cc/hr without the need for any support structures. It has 2500 cm³ print volume available. This makes it possible to manufacture small objects in high quantities (up to 50,000 parts in one print run), comprising shapes, geometries and internal and external finishes never before achieved. The DM P2500 delivers a resolution of 35 µm and an average surface roughness of Ra 6 µm before additional finishing processes are applied.

Precision, Finally.

For the first time, complex architectures with medical grade smoothness are possible on a small scale, as well as moving parts within other objects, and a gradient of holes in a single print. The process is also adaptable for a variety of materials because the heat treatment (sintering) happens after printing. Powder removed before sintering is reused for subsequent jobs, making it the most sustainable additive manufacturing (AM) technology available today. This results in high yield and low scrap rates. This in turn means downtime is kept to a minimum, and there’s no degeneration of powder other AM processes experience.

“Our heritage, knowledge and experience in metal powders combined with the development and evolution of our cutting-edge printer technology has enabled us to succeed where others have failed. With the DM P2500 we are bringing to market a tried and tested 3D metal printer with the capability to produce objects with unparalleled accuracy and surface finish at high volume – from day one we delivered one-off parts in large volumes,” said Ralf Carlström, General Manager, Digital Metal.

“The Digital Metal business has doubled year on year since its inception, however we’ve barely scratched the surface in terms of the potential this technology offers for designers and engineers. We’ve seen relatively small (but previously unachievable) changes to the internal structure of components result in a 30% improvement in overall product efficiency, which would have been impossible to produce using conventional methods. As the design and engineering community begin to explore and understand what our highly repeatable and reliable technology enables, we believe we will see huge demand for this technology. By making the printers commercially available we hope to facilitate and fuel that demand.”

The Second DM P2500 (2017)

The second DM P2500 outside Digital Metal was installed in June 2017. It was licensed to Centre Technique des Industries Mécaniques (CETIM), France’s benchmark institute and technological innovation hub for mechanical engineering. The machine started production just two days later and is already showing exceptional consistent results. While the first printer is confidentially licensed to a global leader in fashion design and will see its new serial production items available at the end of this year.

Luxury watch start-up Montfort approached Digital Metal to print the dials for its watches inspired by the Swiss Alps. The binder jetting technique was the only solution that allowed Montfort the creative freedom to make watch dials with a design and also a finish that resembles the mineral, crystalline structure of rocks.

Additionally, in the U.S., Honeywell Aerospace and Digital Metal are exploring joint 3D printing projects. The aim is that it’ll merge Honeywell’s expertise in aerospace engineering with Digital Metal’s leadership in additive manufacturing.

“The binder jetting technology Digital Metal uses to print small metal parts has the potential for various applications within the Honeywell Aerospace program,” said Don Godfrey, Engineering Fellow – Additive Manufacturing, Honeywell Aerospace. “We believe this will also be critical to applications in other key areas of the broader aerospace industry.”

“Now it’s time to open the market by allowing other businesses and manufacturers to take advantage of our proprietary technology and know-how,” Carlström continued. From designers that crave more freedom to industries that hoard spare parts that are never used, we want to shake up their thinking for future product design and maintenance. Items can be printed on-demand, in the singular or en masse.”

Digital Metal Targets and Future

In addition, Digital Metal also provides all ancillary equipment required with each machine.
It also provides introductory and ongoing training and support to ensure customers are achieving the ultimate productivity and outputs. The company will initially target key industries that have lots to gain from additive manufacturing of small and complex components. For example, this includes components in the automotive, dental, healthcare, aerospace and luxury fashion industries.

Digital Metal is currently in discussions with various partners to help facilitate product distribution and support across the globe. The company plans to exhibit at TCT Show, 26-28th September, Birmingham, UK, and Formnext, Frankfurt, Germany, 4-17th November.

Digital Metal® Capability Comparison

The below table offers a comparison of technology and alternative manufacturing processes, based on Digital Metal’s industry experience. It compares AM processes like SLM (Selective Laser Melting), EBM (Electron Beam Melting), DED (Direct Energy Deposition) and conventional technology like MIM (Metal Injection Moulding) with Digital Metal’s high precision binder jetting.

All AM technologies have their pros and cons, every organisation must also consider what’s best for their application needs. Furthermore, all AM technologies are advantageous for prototyping or small series production. However, greater energy amounts used during melting for higher productivity results in tradeoffs of less intricacy and limited surface resolution. Meanwhile, MIM is only 2D and productive for really small applications. Comparatively, Digital Metal offers unique combinations. It provides high precision details, fine surfaces, print tolerances, and high productivity of multiple parts in a single print that be either uniform or customised.

About Digital Metal®

Digital Metal® is the world’s first company to commercially produce high-precision 3D metal printers that have a proven production record. Digital Metal’s proprietary binder jetting technology also enables intricate and detailed small objects/parts to be manufactured at high volume. It doesn’t matter whether it’s identical or custom designed. Furthermore, these are impossible to produce with exact precision using other additive manufacturing/traditional production process. Some customers include Koenigsegg Automotive AB, Montfort Watches, and also France’s Technical Centre for Mechanical Industries (CETIM). Since 2010, Digital Metal is part of the Swedish Höganäs Group. It’s the world’s largest producer of iron and non-ferrous metal powders since 1797. Read more at digitalmetal.tech and also follow us on Twitter @digitalmetal3D .

Press Contact
Zoe Eastwood
Atomic PR
digitalmetal@atomicpr.com
+44 20 3861 3817

As part of agreement, XYZprinting to Manufacture and Sell Nexa3D’s Revolutionary High-Speed Industrial Stereolithography Printer Worldwide

Ventura, California, 9 November 2017 – Nexa3D, maker of ultra-fast Stereolithography professional-grade 3D printers, today announced funding from strategic investor XYZprinting and equity crowdfunding platform OurCrowd. This investment brings the total funding in the company to $10M USD across various funding instruments.

Nexa3D logo

Leading the round, XYZprinting, the world’s leading desktop 3D printer brand, will also manufacture and sell Nexa3D printers under the XYZ brand, as well as manufacture other white labeled products on behalf of Nexa3D for industry leaders in other verticals.

“This comprehensive strategic alliance is designed to accelerate market access to affordable industrial grade 3D printers globally,” said XYZprinting CEO, Simon Shen. “We believe that precision and speed are the name of the game in the world of 3D printing and are pulling all the stops to fast-track to market a disruptive photo-polymeric 3D printer that reimagines SL 3D printing as we know it.”

“This collaborative effort with our investors will change the face of 3D printing,” said Nexa3D executive Chairman, Avi Reichental. “This printer is powered by Nexa3D’s proprietary Lubricant Sublayer Photo-curing (LSPc) technology and a patented structured light matrix capable of reaching top speeds of 1 cm per minute, which can drastically cut down 3D printing cycles, from hours to minutes.”

“We are thrilled that OurCrowd’s most active early stage fund, Cognitiv is making affordable and fast industrial-grade 3D printing a reality thanks to this important partnership. OurCrowd is excited to invest alongside global leader XYZprinting, to revolutionize the future of 3D printing and bring market access to the world,” said OurCrowd CEO Jon Medved.

Both companies expect to achieve full commercial status during the second half of 2018.

A video of the partnership: http://bit.ly/2zpMcss

Come see XYZPrinting and their new industrial 3D printing portfolio including Nexa3D in action at FormNext, the largest exhibition and conference on the future of additive manufacturing, November 14th – 17th, Frankfurt, Germany.

Notes to Editors:

About XYZPrinting:

The Company is a leading global provider of comprehensive 3D printing solutions. XYZprinting is the #1 global brand in desktop 3D printing and is now moving into the industrial additive manufacturing arena. The world’s leading electronic manufacturing conglomerate, New Kinpo Group, backs XYAPrinting. The New Kinpo Group earns more than 36 billion dollars revenues annually. It also has more than 8,500 engineers in the research and development areas across four continents. With nearly two decades of design and manufacturing experience, New Kinpo Group is a recognized manufacturer of many printers. For more information about us: pro.xyzprinting.com

Press contact: Annabelle Clarke annabellec@pha-media.com

About Nexa3D:

NEXA3D is making ultrafast industrial-grade Stereolithography 3D printers affordable to professionals and businesses of all sizes. The company’s printers run on proprietary Lubricant Sublayer Photocuring (LSPc) technology and light matrix. It’s capable of top speeds of 1 cm/minute, making 3D printing cycles of precision. For more information about Nexa3D: www.nexa3d.com

Press contact: Kate Li Dennis Kate@xponentialworks.com

About OurCrowd:

OurCrowd is the leading global equity crowdfunding platform for accredited investors. Managed by a team of seasoned investment professionals, led by serial entrepreneur Jon Medved, OurCrowd vets and selects opportunities, invests its own capital, and brings companies to its accredited membership of global investors. OurCrowd provides post-investment support to its portfolio companies, assigns industry experts as mentors, and takes board seats. The OurCrowd community (almost 20,000 investors from over 112 countries) invested over $500M into 120 portfolio companies and funds. To join OurCrowd as an accredited investor visit: www.ourcrowd.com

Press contact: Leah Stern leah@ourcrowd.com

Amazon’s Newest Product Will Attempt to Manipulate You, but don’t be fooled with opting in for this service.

Epson’s clients can now register to get Epson ink cartridges delivered routinely through Amazon Dash Replenishment.

Sadly, Dash makes you pay for it’s comfort within the type of restricted choices. This removes potential discounts and offers. It also locks consumers into buying original cartridges. Therefore, you are 100% not saving any money. As you know from purchasing from us, the compatibles and remanufactured inks are much cheaper to buy than the originals. This Blog Post will explain how Epson ReadyInk shouldn’t be used with Amazon Dash.

There are solely a restricted variety of manufacturers to select from (Original inks rather than compatibles or remanufactured) and purchasing originals don’t supply the identical reductions you may get when shopping from Amazon’s web site.

Amazon is forgoing its regular optimisation for buyer satisfaction in favour of maximising earnings.

Service Drawbacks

There are alot of drawbacks to using this new service: What if a toddler decides to press the button?
Is it sensible to have loads of those buttons for all the printers that you have and you may not want to replace the inks but paying for a service regardless?
Isn’t it simply as straightforward to order these merchandise out of your smartphone through other sites like inkntoneruk.co.uk?
In conclusion, the Dash Button is a marketing campaign disguised as a new service gets shoppers to stop inidividual thinking.

Maybe this fancy new button is known as means for Amazon to blind you to cash amounts you’re spending.

Initially ReadyInk was explained by Epson as a “hassle-free and subscription-free service” which permits its clients to sign up with a chosen retailer once they buy their printer and join this automated system, which can provide “original ink cartridges” at any time when their ink depletes.

On 17th June, Epson launched ReadyInk with Amazon Dash Replenishment which permits clients to register their Epson printer with Dash Replenishment in simply a couple of easy steps. Clients can activate Dash Replenishment, which works with Epson ReadyInk service to watch ink levels and routinely reorder when you run out of ink.

Epson states “clients are all the time in management as they solely spend money when new cartridge is required and might stop the subscription at any time.”

But this adds to inconvenience as you can’t shop around for cheaper inks. We are not that busy or lazy to do this, which Amazon and Epson thinks we are.

Samsung and Brother enrolment to Amazon Dash

Samsung and Brother also enrolled to Amazon Dash replenishment service early on when the functionality was first launched by Amazon. Epson, HP and Kyocera joined in later on in 2018.

In January 2019, a lawsuit was efficiently filed by shopper centre, NRW, towards Amazon within the Greater Regional Courtroom Munich, with the case revolving across the Amazon Dash button.

As reported during that time, the Amazon Dash button “massively” violates legal guidelines as buyers had been “not sufficiently knowledgeable concerning the ordered commodity and their worth.”

Whereas Amazon’s Dash programme is of simple profit to each the retailer and the OEMs. In addition it offers a handy service for purchasers. It’s usually prone to have a detrimental effect on remanufacturing and business by additional decreasing demand for compatible cartridges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, don’t use Amazon Dash as you’ll be able to source to products yourself cheaper with other retailers. It’s easier to shop around nowadays to find cheaper alternatives to your products.

Always buy compatibles or remanufactured ink (non-original products) if you want to save money. The best alternative to an original cartridge.

At Ink N Toner UK, we know it can be difficult at times when you want to purchase a printer, perhaps it is your first time buying, or maybe you are looking to upgrade. Well, rest assured we are here to help you with a guide on the kinds of printers you can find, if you would like a more detailed guide, you might want to look

Printer Types

There are varied types of printers depending on how much you would like to spend, as well as what you want out of your printer.

Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printing is a type of computer printing that recreates a digital image by propelling droplets of ink onto paper, plastic, or other substrates. The printers are the most commonly used type of printer, and range from small inexpensive consumer models to expensive professional machines. Inkjet printers tend to produce higher quality photographs than laser printers. If you like photography or are maybe looking to create some photo albums, a good quality inkjet printer makes the most of photos from DSLR and phone cameras.

Laser Printers

Laser printers are designed for consistent use and are able to reduce printing times in offices and homes that print in abundance. A fantastic choice for text documents and high-speed batch printing. Toners do cost more than inkjet cartridges. However, it will print out considerably more. The initial cost price of a laser printer looks like a taxing investment, but over time, the cost-per-page works out cheaper than inkjet printing.

All-in one Printers

An all-in-one printer is the amalgamation of a scanner, copier and printer in one device. They are available in both inkjet and laser varieties, offering the bonus from the reduced footprint, and the satisfaction of having a three in one printer. Some all-in-ones have a fax machine as well, which is extremely useful and the ideal printing solution for small or home offices, although of course faxing is very much becoming more and more outdated!

3D Printers

3D printers have recently become much more common and offer a diverse and innovative entry into prototyping and small-scale manufacturing. Whatever you design, you can make. This is great if you want to test parts before you manufacture expensive machining or maybe you want to design a custom phone case, or anything else that your mind thinks. A 3D printer makes once complex manufacturing easy and accessible.

As well as that, there is a plethora of extra features and jargon that you may not understand or even knew exists today!

Wi-Fi Direct/WirelessDirect:

Wi-Fi Direct provides a wireless connection between a printer and device, even if no Wi-Fi signal is present – perfect for homes and offices without a wireless network or in an office as a backup if the network fails.

Apple Airprint:

Google Cloud Print:

Google Cloud Print (GCP) is a service that allows you to print from any web-connected device. GCP routes print jobs between your computer, smartphone, or tablet and sends it to an Internet-connected printer.

NFC:

Near-field communication is a set of communication protocols that enable two electronic devices, one of which is usually a portable device such as a smartphone, to establish communication by bringing them within 4 cm of each other.Near Field Communication (NFC) is a new feature to printers.

Email Printing:

Settings for email notifications. You can print to any printer that is Email Print compatible printer from any device that can send email, such as your smartphone, tablet, computer, or mobile phone. To use this service, you need to register your printer and account to the brands account first.

Print Quality DPI:

DPI is used to describe the resolution number of dots per inch in a digital print and the printing resolution of a hard copy print dot gain, which is the increase in the size of the halftone dots during printing. This is caused by the spreading of ink on the surface of the media.

Whatever you may need, we have a printer to suit all of your needs, if you want to learn more visit our buying guide on our site at: https://www.inkntoneruk.co.uk/Printer-Buying-Guide.html

We hope you have a great day and we hope we have made it even better helping you get your dream printer.

There are days in the months of there year where celebrations happen and our customers here at ink N Toner UK would be none the wiser! Therefore, we are here to help you become aware about the obscure holidays that we have to celebrate. Ever picked up a product, excited to get it home, only to find out that when you open the box and put it to its intended task for the first time it just falls apart? Or called in to get technical support and you pretty much just get a set of read out responses rather than the assistance of people who are actually knowledgeable in their subject? These terrible experiences just enhance the absolute necessity of quality in every aspect of business. That’s why today’s Blog is all about…. World Quality Day!

History of the Event

Quality Day was established in 2008 at the Imarsat Conference Centre to create a place and time to discuss techniques of innovation, inspiration, and creative ideas. With Quality serving as a fundamental part of the GDP of first world economies, striving to improve customer satisfaction while finding ways to reduce the cost involved with increasing quality have been an essential part of business strategy.

The time of being able to foist off a substandard product to customers has passed, and with the increased communication among customers has come the return of a demand for high quality lasting products. Quality is primarily increased through collaboration, innovation, and working to improve the output quality at every level of business and manufacturing.

How to Celebrate World Quality Day

Celebrating World Quality Day is best by working together with your corporate leaders to create a plan for improving quality in your business. Whether it is working on improving the efficiency of your system to create more time to focus on the growth of quality within your business.

You can also organize with the official celebration of the day by focusing on the topic of that years “World Quality Day”. In 2012, the theme was Delivering a Competitive Advantage, while in 2014 it was “building a quality world together”. Working with the organized events will lead to you being able to collaborate with companies all over the world to bring a better level of quality to your business. This year the theme is “Trust”.

At Ink N Toner UK, you can trust us to provide with the best in quality original and compatible inks at toners, as well as any other products we bring to you! And if you do have any problems with any of our products you can always get in contact with us, whether it is on our website at https://www.inkntoneruk.co.uk/. Alternatively, you can contact us on our number at: 020 8216 5571!

Happy World Quality Day!

It is the 1^st of November and that means for a lot of us out there it is Movember at Ink N Toner UK!  This is a time where we look help men in both their mental and physical health. During this month, anyone who can may grow a moustache to raise awareness for various men’s issues

History of Movember

It all goes back to 1999 in Australia when a group of young men decided that the middle of summer was a fantastic time to grow a beard (seasons are backward down there, remember). It all started, as most great ideas do, in a local pub and quickly came to contain a group of 80 men dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health issues and spreading this around the world. While it started out just focusing on raising awareness for prostate cancer and depression, it would soon grow to include all men’s health issues.

Competitions for the greatest moustache are held around the world, with 21 national winners being selected, and then one of their number being immortalized as the International Man of Movember. Much has not stopped this movement, either, in spite of Scots College in Wellington, New Zealand attempting to suppress it by banning those men who were participating from end-of-the-year prizes from the school.

Today it is one of the most respected men’s health awareness organizations and has branches and participants all over the world. Everyone from sports teams to educational professionals can be found sporting a moustache during Movember, and on one notable occasion, a Boeing 737-800 that belonged to the Australian National Rugby Union Team!

How be a part of Movember

It all starts with throwing out your razor and letting your facial hair grow wild! Man or woman, or something less defined, it makes no difference! In Movember, if you can grow facial hair, it is time to let grow wild! Style it or leave it untamed, colour it or leave it natural, wax it or pomade it, whatever you do just make sure you spend Movember growing a magnificent moustache and beard. Movember is a great movement that has accomplished incredible things in the area of men’s health awareness!

If you cannot grow a moustache do not fret, use the inks you buy from us at Ink N Toner UK to make your own! Just print this image out and start!

So from us at Ink N Toner UK, happy moustache growing, and good luck on any money raising endeavours you may have.