Printer Ink Cartridges Used In Circuitry? October 21, 2011 10:08 by Matt Bird

The use of printer ink is spreading so far and beyond the office supplies environment that it's hard to know when the revolution will stop.

We've blogged about using ink cartridges for medical purposes.

We'e blogged about how the technology in laser printers can be used as a weapon.

And now, material researchers at the University of Illinois have detailed an amazing new printer ink that may revolutionise the production of circuitry.

Conductive Silver Printer Ink

Following a "complex" production technique, the researchers show how a simple pen can have ink refills of the conductive silver ink. At present only used in a home pen that has been cleaned, the potential (if commercialised) for use in printer ink cartridges could open up a fantastic avenue for the home environment.

Though it may require a small battery power source, imagine if it could be powered by the touch of a human? Personally I look forward to printing a birthday card with my hp printer, handing them to someone and as soon as their hands touch the printer ink the card comes alive!

It might be a way to go yet, but this is a brilliant start.

To see more on this article, and the complex process which will need mass producing if this ever spreads to printer ink, watch the demonstration video below:

I hope you found this article as fascinating as I did. Your existing printer ink cartridges may seem a bit old-fashioned once you return to your printer, but fingers crossed these are available soon!