Removing printed toner on paper, similar to how we use an eraser to clear pencil writing, is not something entirely new, but there has never been a feasible approach for the mass market.
However, researchers at the University of Cambridge now claim that ultrafast and long-pulsed lasers can be used to save printed paper from the trash bin and prepare it for reuse.
According to a paper published in Proceedings Of The Royal Society A, a 532 nm green laser light with a pulse length of 4 nanoseconds can evaporate printed toner from paper without significantly damaging it. The process works two to three times before damage would become apparent via a slight yellow tint of the paper, the scientists said. They do not claim that the process is perfect, but they believe that they are on a promising path to enable an un-printer at some point.
According to a press release released by the University of Cambridge, the print removal would be much more environmentally friendly than recycling and producing new paper. Compared to recycling, the un-printing process would save an estimated 50 to 80 percent of carbon emissions.
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15arvalin_dakaria , March 16, 2012 9:24 AMBut would it be cost effective?
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14keyanf , March 16, 2012 9:32 AMSomething tells me fixing the print code so you don't wind up with various pages with 1 line each in the first place is more cost efficient...
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15arvalin_dakaria , March 16, 2012 9:24 AMBut would it be cost effective?
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14keyanf , March 16, 2012 9:32 AMSomething tells me fixing the print code so you don't wind up with various pages with 1 line each in the first place is more cost efficient...
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9Genny , March 16, 2012 10:44 AMIt's far better suited for destroying confidential documents than any sort of 'green initiative'--erase ink then shred. I can see it serving a purpose.
