Xerox plans printable electronics

Xerox has unveiled ink technology for printing electronic circuitry on everything from clothes to roll-up computer displays, reports CNET News.

Xerox's process uses ink containing silver metal that can be used to wire up processing circuitry. It works on surfaces such as plastic that earlier have shown an inconvenient tendency to melt under the high temperature of liquid silver; Xerox's process works with an ink compound with a much lower temperature, the company said.

"We've found the silver bullet that could make things like electronic clothing and inexpensive games a reality today. This breakthrough means the industry now has the capability to print electronics on a wider range of materials and at a lower cost," says Paul Smith, laboratory manager, Xerox Research Centre of Canada.

Buying group Integra Office Solutions has teamed up with used cartridge specialist K2 Supplies to provide members with a Web site to manage their recycling activities, states Computing.co.uk.

The site will allow Integra members to order Freepost envelopes or arrange collection for the recycling of inkjet and toner printer cartridges, as well as mobile phones. It will also provide a returns price list.

Updated information on recycling procedures will also be provided to help users advise their customers and free recycling boxes will be provided by consumables specialist Antalis. The first 50 members to arrange a collection through the Web site will be rewarded with free cinema tickets.

OKI Printing Solutions unveiled its C100 series, its latest offer to the small office/home office and micro business markets, says AMEInfo.

According to OKI, the C100 is a cost-effective printer which offers both colour and mono capability. The series comprises of the C110 and C130n which deliver high quality output and flexible connectivity at a highly competitive price for users, says the company.

"In the current tough economic climate, like their larger competitors, micro businesses have to maintain tight control of expenditure. Yet, at the same time, the need to maintain visibility and promote their business effectively has never been greater," says John Ross, GM, Middle East, India, North East Africa, OKI Printing Solutions.