10 Uncommon Printing Facts That Might Surprise You

Printing is deeply embedded in our daily routines. Printers play a crucial role in preserving treasured photographs, creating client reports, and completing last-minute school assignments. In this post, we explore 10 intriguing facts about printers and their significant evolution.

Oldest Printing Publishing House: Cambridge University Press, established in 1537 with funds from a royal charter by Henry VIII, is the oldest printing and publishing house still in operation. It has continuously published since 1584, producing over 2,000 books and 150 journals annually in 200 countries.

Costly Printer Ink: Black printer ink is one of the priciest liquids, surpassing the cost of oil and even space shuttle fuel, with a price tag of over $2,700 per gallon.

World's Tiniest Printed Book: Japan holds the Guinness World Record for the smallest printed book, featuring 22 pages with illustrations of seasonal flowers. Measuring only 0.74 x 0.75 mm (0.0291 x 0.0295 in), it's a quick read, but you'll need a magnifying glass to avoid eye strain.

Biggest Printed Catalogue: In 2005, Aviall Services Inc. released a colossal catalogue titled 'Aviall Product and Catalog Book.' This massive publication, weighing 7.4 lb (3.4 kg) and measuring 7.1 cm (2.8 in) thick, featured 2,656 pages.

First Mechanically Printed Book: The Gutenberg Bible, printed around 1455 in Mainz, Germany by Johann Henne zum Gensfleisch zur Laden, is generally accepted as the first mechanically printed book. However, some scholars argue that Chinese printing predated it by several centuries.

Quickest Printed Postage Stamp: In Schaan, Liechtenstein, a postage stamp was printed in under an hour, including the design selection process. This speedy creation celebrated the 100th anniversary of the country's first stamp.

Fastest Office Color Printer: The Hewlett-Packard Officejet Pro X551dw Printer set a record by printing 500 color sheets in just seven minutes and 18 seconds, outpacing other models in its class.

Environmental Impact of Printers: Printers contribute to environmental waste, with discarded printer cartridges forming a chain that could circle the Earth over three times in a year.

Largest Initial Print Run for Fiction: J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, particularly Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, set records with an initial print run of 12 million copies, showcasing its massive popularity and cultural impact.

Edible Sushi Printing: Chef Homaro Cantu of Moto in Chicago pioneered the use of a Canon i560 inkjet printer with edible ink to create sushi dishes in 2005. Known for his innovative approach, Cantu's experimental tasting menu has earned him a reputation as a culinary scientist.

The evolution of printing technology has shaped our world, providing us with everyday items like books and magazines. These 10 facts highlight the ongoing influence of printers on our lives and the future.

Comments

Make a Statement with Flyers: 5 Things You Might Not Know About Effective Design

Flyers have been around for decades, but they’re anything but old news. In fact, when done well, they can be one of the most cost-effective and attention-grabbing tools in your marketing mix. The trick? Knowing what most people miss. Here are five flyer design strategies that often go overlooked—and how you can use them to your advantage. 1. Headlines Don’t Have to Explain—They Have to Stop People Your headline isn’t a label. It’s a hook. A lot of flyers start with something safe: “Annual Clearance Sale” or “Join Us for Our Spring Open House.” That’s fine—but it’s also forgettable. If you want someone to actually read your flyer, the headline has to stop them in their tracks. Some options to consider: Ask a question: “Tired of Overpaying for Car Repairs?” Use urgency: “This Weekend Only. No Extensions.” Go bold: “You Bring the Crowd. We’ll Bring the Fireworks.” You can always explain more in the subhead. But the headline’s job is to earn that second glance. 2. White Spa...

Showcase Your Brand with Unique Printing Techniques That Reflect Your Style

Your print materials don’t just share information—they express who you are. Whether you’re designing brochures, business cards, or product packaging, the finishing choices you make can help your brand stand out in ways that are memorable, tactile, and entirely you. But not every technique fits every brand. What feels premium to one customer might feel over-the-top to another. Here’s how to think about pairing your brand’s personality with unique printing techniques that leave a lasting impression. The Bold and Energetic Brand You’re not trying to blend in—you want to get noticed. For brands with a high-energy identity—think entertainment, retail, hospitality, events—the goal is to attract attention fast. That doesn’t mean going over the top. It means choosing finishes that emphasize movement, light, or contrast. Examples to consider: Spot UV that highlights just one element (like a logo or product image) against a matte background Neon inks for a punch of color that sta...

When to Start Planning Your Year-End Print Projects (with Stats to Back It Up)

As the leaves start to turn, savvy marketers and business owners know it’s already time to think ahead; way ahead. Year-end print projects like calendars, holiday cards, and branded gifts aren’t just festive extras; they’re powerful tools for brand visibility, customer loyalty, and employee appreciation. But timing is everything. Here’s a breakdown of when to start planning each major print category and the data that proves why early birds really do get the worm. 🗓️ Calendars: Start Planning by July–August Why so early? Calendars are long-lead items that require design, proofing, and often bulk mailing. They’re also one of the most visible branded items used daily, all year long. Stat to know: 80% of consumers hang onto promotional calendars for the entire year, and 76% recall the brand on them months later. Pro tip: Finalize your design by September to allow for production and distribution by October. 💌 Holiday Cards: Start Planning by August Whether you’re sending...

Marketing Your Way to Success

Search This Blog