Today nobody can imagine a workflow without MFP. One such device is replaced, at least, a printer, scanner and copier, helping to save space and money. Manufacturing companies offer a huge choice in the market MFP different categories, and customers often are looking for the perfect price / quality ratio. Panasonic offers a new affordable multifunction device KX-MB1900 for use at home and working groups.

Released in July 2010 device provides sophisticated software and features to ensure fast and efficient workflow. KX-MB1900 combines printer, scanner and copier, which features did not yield individual devices. Print speed MFP is the highest for this class of devices and is 24 ppm. Scanner resolution is up to 9600×9600 dpi.

In addition to the cost of the device, each buyer worries the price of consumables, and how much they have enough for daily use. Multifunction KX-MB1900 is compatible with the KX-FAT411A7 toner cartridge, which is enough for 2,000 pages, and the 6,000-page KX-FAD412A7 drum. Thus, the ordinary user printing an average of 500 to 1,000 pages per year, the drum will last for 6 years.

A set of functions KX-MB1900 make the work with the device easier. For example, the ability of MFP to scan both sides of cards or a few pages of the document and quickly propagate them in a format 2-in-1, 4-in-1 or 8-in-1. Reduce consumption of consumables and paper helps the program Easy Print Utility for easy printing. It allows you to combine into one document files created with various Microsoft applications and print on one sheet.

Here it is, the cornucopia.

American scientists have developed the concept of food printer called «Cornucopia», which operates by cooling ingredients, mixing them and making layers of  them. Using these kayers, a dish is printer on a tray. The concept was presented by two students from the Massachusetts University of Technology (MIT).

The process of food printing begins with the selection of needed refrigerated food containers, which are then mixed in a blender. After that, a dish is prepared from different layers. These layers are placed on the tray and are heated or cooled immediately after the mixing in the printhead.

Researchers say that food printing brings cooking to a new level in the digital age we live in. The concept enables creating aromas previously unknown and flavors unavailable in conventional cooking. Developers claim users will be able to control the nutritional value, quality and taste for every meal, using a touch screen and downloading new dishes from the Internet. The printer also allows you to order the ingredient, if needed one has ended, or else offers a replacement ingredient.

The researchers hope that their concept would provide a new look at the new aesthetic and cultural opportunities that can be brought to a new, digital standard.

Interesting stuff, but you won’t get by without buying food anyway.

The Z Corporation introduced two new devices for three-dimensional printing: ZPrinter 150 and ZPrinter 250 and described them as “available for purchase and operation”.

The first 3D-printer falls into the “business quality” category according to the classification of the manufacturer, and the second has earned the title of “cheapest multicolor” 3D-printer. Among the potential users of the devices are designers, engineers, architects.

The advantages of the printers are compact size allowing them to be installed in a shop, lab, classroom or office. Moreover, according to the manufacturer, the ZPrinter 150 and the ZPrinter 250 are easier to use compared to budget 3D-printers, have higher resolution and the lowest in the industry cost of operation (cost per “print”).

In addition, draws attention the high speed of printing. By this parameter, the ZPrinter printers are way greater than other devices, says the manufacturer. A key advantage of ZPrinter 250 is the support of simultaneous printing with multiple colors. Main technical specifications of the ZPrinter 150 and the ZPrinter 250 are the same:

• Resolution of 300 x 450 dpi;
• The dimensions of the minimum replicable element is 0,4 mm;
• Printing speed in height is 20 mm per hour;
• Maximum size of a model is 236 x 185 x 127 mm.

The printers feature an automatic tuning, automatic loading of supplies, the level of self-control of consumables level and status of the job. When printing, devices do not make any noise and do not pollute the environment.

Manufacturer’s recommended retail prices for ZPrinter 150 and ZPrinter 250 are $14900 and $24900.

Konica Minolta launches a new device for everyday office black-and-white printing: bizhub 164 can easily print, copy and scan documents up to A3. It features an attractive and compact design, ease of management and low cost – all that makes the bizhub 164 ideal for small businesses and workgroups. High-capacity consumables can reduce operating costs, and the use of latest technology ensures friendliness to the environment.

The bizhub 164 MFP quickly copies various documents, including diagrams and newspaper at the speed of 16 ppm. Users benefit not only from the convenience and ease of use, but also from high quality printing. Simitri HD polymerized toner guarantees the high quality with fine details, which is especially important when printing drawings and projects.

Printing and scanning functions of the bizhub 164 bring the functionality and convenience in any office environment. MFP can print virtually any document on a large range of printed materials. Using TWAIN-Scan, users can create archives of the most important documents to provide easy access to them in the future and, if they need to complete printing.

High efficiency of the compact and lightweight bizhub 164 is particularly attractive to users. It is due to high energy-saving features that are supported by Energy Star standard.