Reprographics has taken new leaps since the introduction of digital printing. While other areas of printing may be rising steadily or holding firm in this new age, reprographics seems to be enjoying a new wave of interest in a wide variety of fields.
What are Reprographics?
A combination of “reproduction” and “graphics”, reprographics are reproductions using photography or xerography. Most people see reprographics in catalogs and archives, but it is also heavily used in the architectural, construction and engineering fields. Today, large format printing has advanced far enough along to include this particular reproduction effort in its field. The future of this technology has raised serious speculations which very well may change how so many fields are currently operating.
Reprographics & Color
The use of large format color printing has allowed this particular field to be expanded into new areas and augment the ones that it currently serves. For example, the representation of buildings, infrastructure and details in municipal plans can be more efficiently represented by color printing. It’s use can help reduce the cost of construction dramatically.
In addition, the speed in which such data can be recreated and used has allowed for greater access to the technology and different applications as well. With data coming from smart appliances, nanotechnology-empowered surfaces and many other sources, the future of reprographics is certainly impressive. Basically, surfaces with nanotechnology will be able to tell maintenance departments about the condition and what is needed to keep the area clean. For instance, fire departments may access nanotechnology for the floor plans of a building that is consumed in smoke and know where to go when checking all locations. However, the possibilities do not end there.
Europe and the Future of Reprographics
Until recently, it was largely in the hands of US firms, but today European companies have worked very hard to elevate the status of their businesses in order to properly compete. Currently, the annual sales of these particular firms alone approaches $100 million and will no doubt go up in the future.
This means that the future is likely to be very robust as these smaller firms are more likely to grasp new technologies and use them in more creative ways.
The Advent of 3D Printing
One of the most exciting aspects of the reprographics industry is the advancement of 3D printing. The architectural, construction and engineering fields are taking advantage of 3D printing techniques which provides a great deal of flexibility and potential. Imagine ordering online and then printing up the product in your home instead of waiting for it to be delivered? It is simply amazing just how far this large format printing process can reach when the right materials are available.
There are other areas which are now benefiting from this technology and will no doubt grow in the future. Memjet printers are one that people are looking at while the expansion of this technology on the internet is another. Social media outlets allow for the rapid spread of information which means that reprographics will continue to evolve, particularly in how it is shared with the world.