In 2008, a brand new printing technology was released to the public - Zinc Imaging. Developed by ZINK?, this is the first chance consumers will have to print images without the use of ink. Zero Ink, the alternative name for Zink Imaging, will rapidly hit the marketplace with flying colors.

This being said, the technology is not ready to replace our existing way of printing. However, it is ready to replace the way you print images from your digital cameras and cell phones.

The combination of a Zink-enabled device, along with ZINK Paper, is needed to print with Zero Ink. The paper is the backbone of this concept, as it contains the secret ingredient to print gorgeous images.

Each piece of ZINK Paper? is embedded with thousand of dye crystals, which are invisible to the naked eye, and coated with a layer of polymer overcoat. If you compare a regular piece of printing paper with ZINK paper, there is no visible difference.

This is where it all ties together. When this paper is used, with Zink-enabled devices, the heating mechanisms melt the crystals. With each pass of the print head, crystals are melted to specific colors, based on predefined melting points. At this point, the crystals are no longer in a solid-state form, but a liquid-state form giving them visibility. This is what gives you your final image on ZINK Paper.

Polaroid had the original idea, or concept, behind this form of printing. However, their unfortunate bankruptcy caused them to stop development of their newfound ideas, including a product called PoGo (Print on the Go). A few years later, in 2005, a few of these employees started their new venture called ZINK?, with Polaroid becoming their very first partner.

Polaroid was the first to partner with ZINK. This partnership gives Polaroid the ability to continue their PoGo concept and be one of the first to introduce a pocket-sized printer, to the world.

Alps Electric Co, Ltd, Foxconn Technology Group, and TOMY Company, Ltd have also joined this new venture. The combination of these companies is phenomenal, as Zink-enabled devices can now be manufactured, taking advantage of Zink Paper.

Professional quality photos are hard to come by, when printed from home. With the implementation of Zink Imaging, this is now possible. The paper is of such high quality it rates right up there with professional photo paper. Not only can consumers now print high quality images, but also they no longer need to waste endless dollars on ink cartridges, nor do they need to hassle with disposing of them.

Currently there is only one size of Zink Paper available - 2 inches x 3 inches (the exact size that Polaroid's PoGo can print). For a package of 10 sheets, you can expect to spend around $2.00.

Zink Imaging is a baby technology, and will probably go through many phases before minor, annoying flaws are fixed. (Zink Imaging has not been out long enough to pin point and of its flaws.) Regardless, it is a technology that makes printing photos nearly effortless. It saves consumers from having to dispose of old cartridges. It cost effective as there is no need to purchase additional cartridges. Whether it is in your current budget or not, it is definitely worth looking into.