Manufacturing moves fast, especially when it comes to printers. Models land on store shelves, and they’re obsolete less than a year later. That’s because consumers and the competition demand ever more features and conveniences in their electronics–so says Allison and Vince in this episode of The Product Design Show.
Yet, as the industry adds models and options, not everything changes. Not for Epson, the manufacturer featured in this episode. While Epson is one of the most successful printing manufacturers in the world, capable of designing new models in 12 weeks, the company also knows when to stick with what works.
In 1990, it developed a unique technology for inkjets, using mechanical pressure to fire ink onto the page. Other print manufacturers use thermal systems that vaporize the ink. Epson says its Micro Piezo system is more precise, looks sharper and smoother, and operates at a lower temperature. The company believes it’s still the best technology for inkjet printers today, 20 years later.
In 2000, the company made another lasting decision: it introduced 3D direct modeling . Managers at Epson say Creo’s direct modeling approach was easy for its 2D users to learn and adopt, and they’ve been working in 3D ever since. In fact, in 2006 they stopped designing new printers with 2D all together. Direct modeling technology has remained a “keeper” for the company because it continues to unlock value as engineers re-use and adapt existing models to meet the latest market demands.
