The Mini Giant is a heat-based printer, meaning that it does not use ink cartridges or ribbons, but instead heats crystals onto a special paper. The primary benefit of this ZINK (Zero Ink) techology is that it allows users to do without the aforementioned replaceable parts.
More specific to the Mini Giant, though, is that it is more mobile than a traditional printer, as it is smaller, and operates by simply placing it on the top left corner of the paper, after which it is self-propelled, provided it is on a flat surface.
The designer of the Mini Giant is Paula Adina Sumalan, who has just won the ZINK Zero Boundaries Design Competition with this invention.
Inkless Handheld Printers
The Mini Giant Nixes Cartridges & Ribbons Altogether
Trend Themes
1. Inkless Printing Technology - This trend presents an opportunity for companies to develop and market inkless printing solutions, eliminating the need for ink cartridges and ribbons.
2. Mobile Printing Devices - This trend opens up possibilities for creating compact handheld printers that offer mobility and convenience for users.
3. Heat-based Printing - This trend provides a platform for businesses to explore heat-based printing technologies as an alternative to traditional ink-based systems.
Industry Implications
1. Printing Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunities in the printing industry involve the development and adoption of inkless printing technology.
2. Consumer Electronics - The emergence of mobile printing devices creates new opportunities for companies in the consumer electronics industry to design and manufacture compact printers.
3. Office Supplies - There is an opportunity for the office supplies industry to embrace heat-based printing technologies and provide innovative printing solutions.