In the last decade, the printing industry has gone through a complete transformation from big and loud printing machines to small pocket-sized printers. These transformations have eased the process of printing and presented a whole new experience to its users.
Cost-effective printing is in high demand not only in workplaces but also in homes and schools. The global printer market production has increased from 4.7 billion U.S dollars in 2016 to a staggering 5.3 billion U.S. dollar in 2020. The new technology ensures printers that are cost-effective and capable of generating high-quality prints in lesser time.
Latest trends revolutionizing the Printing Industry
The printing industry is entering into a new digital era where user experience and sustainability are the top priority. The engineers are making the whole process of printing more user-friendly and faster. Recently the demand for compact and multi-functional printers has increased significantly. People don’t just want printers; they want a device that can scan, copy, or fax in addition to printing.
One of the most favorite printer features among the users is the wireless connection of printer with all their electronic devices like laptops, mobile phones, and tablets, etc. It provides the user with hassle-free printing experience, without extra wires and connections.
Let’s look at a few of the latest trends in the printing industry you should look forward to in the near future.
1. 3D printing
Although it is used in architecture and engineering, 3D printing technology will penetrate different sectors, bringing significant changes in its wake. It is one of the latest trends in the digital printing market that is successfully running. By using this technology, we can produce three-dimensional objects.
There are a lot of industries medical and manufacturing that technology has yet to enter and make changes in traditional printing practices.
2. IoT
With advancements in digital printing technologies, IoT type security on printers could prove to be a danger. One reason behind this is an increase in cyber-attacks exploiting the IoT. With IoT, there are many challenges to maintain the security of printers (both old and the new ones).
There are some print security improvements in the industry. However, some companies still lack knowledge of security risks posed by MFP’s. These organizations are unaware that just like any other IoT device, confidential information stored on printing devices can easily be accessed by hackers, which can later be used as an access point into the network.
Today many printing manufactures like Epson UAE based companies are expanding their services to include security monitoring of MFP’s, particularly in threat intelligence. The companies are making sure to treat print security with the same priority as any other IoT device.
3. Extended Reality
Extended reality covers different technologies like virtual reality (VR), covering augmented reality, and mixed reality. Although it is still rising, technology has only touched marketing devices. Going forward, soon, the technology itself will make breakthroughs in areas like education, navigation, and workplace productivity.
In concern to the print industry, the concept of augmented reality is being used in engaging ways. The augmented reality (AR) technology will soon be a standard in classrooms and for understanding new concepts.
4. Erasable Printing
Many printing companies have demonstrated porotypes of printers with erasable technology. Through this technology, a printer can automatically erase all the contents printed on a piece of paper. This technology is very environment-friendly because, in case of a printing mistake, you don’t have to throw away that piece of paper. You can simply put it back into the printer, and the contents will be erased.
5. AI
Shortly, just like any industry, artificial intelligence surely promises a brighter future to the printing technology. AI has the capability of bridging the gap between paper and the digital world. One way to achieve that is to automate the process of document capturing.
One way how AI will change the printing industry is by Predictive maintenance. Most manufacturers, like Epson UAE based company, are turning to predictive maintenance to increase the efficiency of printers. AI can collect and analyze data for cost-friendly maintenance procedures. AI-driven printers would be easier to connect to any device with a simple configuration.
Industrial Revolution – Again?
Another industrial revolution? So soon? Yes. This new age will be marked with a deeper relationship between humans and machines. The printing industry trends is not far behind, especially as it unites the world of engineering and technology with art, design, and creativity.
As far as sustainability is concerned, more and more print manufacturers are implementing environmentally-friendly measures. With the IoT technology, we would be able to know when our printers need maintenance hence, boosting sustainability by reducing the number of printers that end up in junkyards and warehouses.
The new era of printing technology is here, are you ready for it?