Updated: 2021-06-25
This week at Photoopia, I have some interesting facts for you!
The printer is one of the most popular items found in many homes, used to print out the family vacation pictures, print out the homework and print out bank statements.
Yes, the humble printer is not only used by the family to print out the photos, but also by the entire family to print out the bank statements, bills and homework.
It’s simply an essential device, and it’s one that we use every day—and it’s an item that we might not even be aware of how often we use.
There are quite a few facts we already know about these cool machines, so it’s time to take a look at seven fun facts about printers below.
The longest continuous digital photo print in the world
It was done with a Canon image PROGRAF PRO-6100 large format printer in the year 2020.
The record organizers were able to cover the entire Schattenbergschanze ski jump in Oberstdorf, Germany. A monumental print measuring 109 meters (309.7 ft) in length, took 16 hours to produce, and consumed approximately 1,37 liters of ink.
The ink is a precious liquid
There is no doubt that if someone compiled a list of the ten most precious liquids in the world, the printer ink would be among the top ten. It would cost you approximately $2000 for one gallon of ink for your printer. As an example, human blood is much cheaper at around $180 – $300 per pint, which translates to $1440 – $2400 per gallon.
Harry Potter holds the world record
Everybody knows Harry Potter, right? It is the most successful entertainment franchise in history: it has sold more than 400 million copies, been translated into dozens of languages, and created a new generation of fans that has brought the stories to life in real life.
As far as the size of the single print run goes, the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows first printing was the largest. A total of 12 million copies were printed in a row. There are a great deal of printer parts in there, that’s for sure!
Gutenberg started the printing revolution
The list of 7 fun facts about printers would not be complete without mentioning Gutenberg.
One of the most important inventions of the Renaissance, the Gutenberg press is regarded as the first real mass-production printing machine (also called the printing revolution). This was in the year 1440. Could you imagine what the innovator would say if he saw a 3D printer? And it was Johannes Gutenberg who started it all with the publication of (mass-produced) Gutenberg’s Bible.
Laser printing almost failed
Chester Carlson invented the first laser printer in 1938, but it was hated by everyone at the time. In fact, the first laser printer is probably just as famous for being the first failure of its kind.
Carlson was an experienced engineer, but his machine was far from the most advanced model of that time. It used a vacuum tube and was prone to breakdowns, and it was so slow it couldn’t even print half a page a minute.
The result? Almost no one bought his invention. In fact, it didn’t even work as a prototype. So, why is this first laser printer remembered? Because it ignited a revolution.
It was only once Xerox entered the scene and teamed up with Carlson that the USA was taken by storm in terms of printing technology. We at Photoopia are a testament to this change in mindset.
Printing is a Hot Stuff
With laser printers, the temperature of the fuser can reach up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toner is melted into the paper when that happens. It is also the same temperature that is needed to prepare a delicious key lime pie.
What is the fastest desktop printer in the world?
HP OfficeJet Pro X is the fastest series of desktop printers. On the basis of the documented Guiness Book record from 2012, both HP X551dw and X576dw models were capable of printing 500 copies in a mere 7 minutes and 19 seconds.
