Well, you would have thought that we’ve already reached the point where we can do just about anything with the lowly computer printer, right? I mean, we have all sorts of different kinds of printers, from the ubiquitous inkjet printer found in just about every home, to the laser printer everyone in almost every office is trying to get to first to print out their reports with, but that’s all we think of when we come across printers – just a tool to print out documents and photos.
Would you believe that French researchers have found another application for printers – laser printers, specifically? Apparently, laser printers are an excellent means to cut paper. If you’ve had to print out a bunch of labels, cards and other odd-sized media and spent hours in frustration later because you’ve had to cut out the parts one by one (I’m bad with scissors though, so is it just me?), this is probably is for you.
Of course we won’t be getting printers that cut out origami for you just yet. We need paper that’s pre-printed with light-absorbing ink at the points where the cutting should occur. Imagine the possibilities for your duplex colour laser printer. Imagine all of the time saved, too.
Okay, I don’t think we can use laser printers as weapons. Tough luck for you guys planning to strap their laser printers to the nearest shark or bear and going on a rampage – it just can’t be done. You would probably have to douse your enemies with the light-absorbent ink, and I think they won’t think kindly to you pouring ink on them. I’m sorry, but I don’t think that would be feasible.
That last bit of kidding aside, I think this is a fantastic new application for printers, and I sure hope I see consumer-grade laser printer/cutters in the future.