Anyone old enough to remember their very first printer will understand why modern printing technology is such a blessing to the contemporary office. The loud noise often accompanied by the slow processing of dot matrix printers made printing documents very time-consuming, especially for large print jobs. Inkjets and laser printers came along soon after and offered consumers a range of options that quickly made the dot matrix printers a thing of the past.

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In the middle of all of this invention, Hewlett Packard, commonly referred to as HP, has been at the forefront of creating innovative printing technologies. In fact, HP was the first to introduce the much quieter, more efficient laser printer. This technology made it possible to print large documents without the snags associated with older printers. However, HP has not stopped there and in the last forty plus years, the company has pioneered many new technologies.

Continue reading to learn how HP has pioneered modern printer technology and given us more capabilities than we could have ever imagined.

3D Printing 

HP has flipped printing on its head to create technology that does much more than just print on paper. Instead of completing print jobs with standard HP printer cartridges, individuals and companies alike can now create 3D objects using the new Jet Fusion printers. Using a powder-based system, HP 3D printers have surpassed expectations allowing objects with layers as small as 80 microns to be outputted. And, while other 3D printers fail to produce polished results, the Jet Fusion technology provides users with the finest detail imaginable.

Security

Another way that HP is improving printing technology is by providing security to modern office printing. The first innovation came just around 2015 when HP pioneered anti-fraud technology that identified imitation cartridges and enforced office-wide printing policies to conserve costs. This same technology also provides protection for confidential prints by storing documents until the person claims the print job. Lately, however, HP has stepped up its security by creating a platform that prevents security breaches from the PC to the printer. Ultimately, the company has made printing security an important priority in improving the printing experience.

E-Printing 

HP has also pioneered technologies that would allow users to print from any location with a wireless connection. In essence, it has made it easier and more convenient to print from any location. Finally, and arguably, more importantly, it has freed many people from the cables and wires that can make desk space awkward to use and appear messy bringing order to offices that previously suffered from cable-chaos.

Cloud-Based Apps

One of HP’s updates, FutureSmart4, will make it possible to connect to cloud-sharing programs. For businesses and individuals, this means that these apps will not necessarily need a server to run on. In essence, you can print from any device connected to the program. For businesses, cloud-sharing that is connected to printing programs is one more way that HP has streamlined the number of tasks associated with accessing and printing documents from any location.

Printing Analytics 

For companies who are concerned with the efficiency and effectiveness of their printers, HP printers provide businesses with a program that gives statistics on how the printer performs. These analytics will measure the volume of work, how much colour is being used, and where many of these prints are taking place. This same update can show businesses how to maximise their prints as well.

Pioneering Printing Technology

In the past, HP was known for making its mark on technology by improving printing quality. Today’s HP technology has made printing so much more efficient simply because it has connected technology to the apps currently being used by individuals and businesses alike. When looking at the company from its beginning, HP has made it a part of its mission to take existing technologies and apply them to newer ones, making it one of the most innovative, competitive companies to date.