The assault of solid-ink technology on the imaging market is continuing to gain momentum in the industry. With the latest introduction of ColorQube, the Xerox portfolio is growing with these types of devices, building on the successful releases of the Phaser 8560, Phaser 8860 series printers and MFP’s. However, critics argue that images won’t have the longevity or durability vs. traditional laser technology.

In a May 2009, a comprehensive study from Buyers Lab (BLI) (a private 3rd party company used for imaging evaluations) found no evidence that suggested solid-ink had any less “image permanence” than that of laser technology. BLI evaluated the Xerox ColorQube 9203, Canon ImageRunner C5180, HP CM6040f and the Ricoh MP C5000 – all utilizing laser based systems except the ColorQube. They judged the machines with four tests: abrasion/smudge resistance, offsetting, document feeding and writeability. Multiple samples that were taken from both laser and solid-ink devices scored the exact same performance ratings. Simply put, there was no difference between the two technologies. In fact, BLI went on to summarize that their findings “clearly demonstrate that Xerox’s solid-ink imaging technology provide image permanence that is comparable to that of color laser imaging technology and is well suited to standard office use.”

Labels: Buyer's Lab (BLI), ColorQube, Phaser 8560, Phaser 8860, solid ink