4 ms·

Now there's an idea! An appliance you load with regular TP which has a button you press to get a pre-configured number of one- or two-ply 4.5"x3.7" sheets, prin

Now there's an idea! An appliance you load with regular TP which has a button you press to get a pre-configured number of one- or two-ply 4.5"x3.7" sheets, printed with very latest tweets. Connected via WiFi. Configured via an internal web server. What kind of hardware do you need to print on TP?

drivebyacct2 15y ago
We might need a new protocol. TP/IP.
nullflux 15y ago
Taking this too seriously, but you could probably do it by hacking up a mobile inkjet printer and turning the ink volume way down to control ink bleed. Edit: Looks like some guy already did this: http://blog.makezine.com/2011/09/26/toilet-paper-printer/ http://blog.makezine.com/2011/09/26/toilet-paper-printer/
Kliment 15y ago
Doable but expensive. A wifi version would need at least: wifi chip plus antenna - $30 microcontroller + associated bits - $8-15 or so stepper motor drivers (you need two) - $8 or so stepper motors - $6 min printhead and ink - $12, replaceable Battery and charging circuitry And that's not counting manufacturing and profit. Would you pay $70+ for printed toilet paper? If a couple people would, I'm willing to design the device, sell a couple, and open source it.
- corin_ 15y ago
  I would, if it didn't mean a.) having to wait ages to get a piece of paper, then the next one... b.) any ink rubbing off on fingers or elsewhere.
  - Kliment 15y ago
    Speed is traded off for resolution. The thicker the paper, the more it would absorb the ink, and the less would rub off. I would not recommend this for thin (2 layer) paper. If you are actually interested in doing this, I'd be up for doing the project. I actually have the motors, motor drivers, microcontroller, and inkjet cartridge full of red ink already. I also have a 3d printer for mechanical prototyping, and a good supply of toilet paper. If you are interested in working on this with me, email me at kliment.yanev at gmail.

drivebyacct2 15y ago

We might need a new protocol. TP/IP.

nullflux 15y ago

Taking this too seriously, but you could probably do it by hacking up a mobile inkjet printer and turning the ink volume way down to control ink bleed. Edit: Looks like some guy already did this: http://blog.makezine.com/2011/09/26/toilet-paper-printer/ http://blog.makezine.com/2011/09/26/toilet-paper-printer/

Kliment 15y ago

Doable but expensive. A wifi version would need at least: wifi chip plus antenna - $30 microcontroller + associated bits - $8-15 or so stepper motor drivers (you need two) - $8 or so stepper motors - $6 min printhead and ink - $12, replaceable Battery and charging circuitry And that's not counting manufacturing and profit. Would you pay $70+ for printed toilet paper? If a couple people would, I'm willing to design the device, sell a couple, and open source it.

corin_ 15y ago
I would, if it didn't mean a.) having to wait ages to get a piece of paper, then the next one... b.) any ink rubbing off on fingers or elsewhere.
- Kliment 15y ago
  Speed is traded off for resolution. The thicker the paper, the more it would absorb the ink, and the less would rub off. I would not recommend this for thin (2 layer) paper. If you are actually interested in doing this, I'd be up for doing the project. I actually have the motors, motor drivers, microcontroller, and inkjet cartridge full of red ink already. I also have a 3d printer for mechanical prototyping, and a good supply of toilet paper. If you are interested in working on this with me, email me at kliment.yanev at gmail.