Japanese designer Mugi Yamamoto has an interesting idea bringing back interest in the tired world of printers-- the Stack, a compact inkjet printer that "eats" its way down a stack of paper.

The concept eliminates the paper tray, the bulkiest element in most printers, and allows for a simplified, compact design the size of an A3 sheet of paper. It is also admittedly attractive, something we never imagined saying in reference to a printer!

Currently available in working prototype form, the Stack consists of a lightweight aluminium structure holding together components cannibalised from from various mobile printers. Rubber wheels regulate paper flow, pulling paper through the machine and allowing it to make its way down the stack.

Printed sheets of paper appears on top of the Stack.

“I imagine this printer being used in exposed places where people pass frequently,” Yamamoto tells Wired. “It is much more interesting to show this printer to your visitors than an ordinary one.”

Of course, the Stack concept is not without concerns-- one needs a very orderly tower of paper for the printer to work efficiently, if at all! Even so, Yamamoto is currently looking for OEMs interested in taking the idea to market.

Go Stack

Go A Printer That Eats its Way Down a Stack of Paper (Wired.com)