Affordable printer to give businesses a 3D edge

Dubai Forget 3D printing and ditch that digital camera. HP has now put the power to create 3D scans of objects in the hands of ordinary people with the launch of an affordable multi-function printer (MFP) — TopShot LaserJet M275. "The M275 enables micro and small businesses to create materials that help differentiate them from the competition, and the flexibility to reach their online customers quickly," Amin Mortazavi, general manager, HP imaging and printing group Middle East, told Gulf News. He said the printer represents a new category and a great milestone in printing technology as it is equipped with a 8MP camera that's embedded into a hinged arm above the device. Customers no longer need to set up a complicated photo shoot, he said and added that it is a more convenient alternative than to having a DSLR which would also require proper lighting. "Overall market of hardcopy peripherals [printers, copiers, MFPs] in the Middle East and Africa region declined by nearly two per cent in 2011 compared to. 2010," Joanna Pupkowska, programme manager, imaging and hardcopy at IDC, told Gulf News. She said the overall market of hardcopy in MEA is expected to increase 6-10 per cent this year due to the low base in 2011. Mortazavi said it is a relatively easy process to scan an object and open the image directly on to your PC, without even having to connect the printer to a computer. All it requires is a WiFi or a local area network (LAN) cable to send the images to a networked folder or email address. The technology captures a total of six images of a single 3D object — three with flashes from different angles, and three in ambient light conditions with different exposure levels — then combines them into a single high-resolution 3D-like image, either as a copy or as an electronic image file with incredible depth of focus. The six images captured are combined into one 2D image using an algorithm which removes shadows. "The launch of this 3D printer will bring the printing industry in a whole new scope. We can do a lot of things using the 3D printer and among the industries that will highly benefit from this are from the architecture, education, oil and gas, hospitality, medical and dental sectors among others. Through the 3D printer, you can prototype products such as scanning and printing the spare parts of a particular product and see how it works.," Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky's Electronics, said. The printer is designed to allow small businesses to print their shop merchandise items, such as jewellery or cards, without having to pay for a photoshoot. Mobile devices like iPad and iPhone have an app for printing directly from their device. From gulfnews