Printing technology emerged with the Tang Dynasty in China (601-906 AD) when craftsmen first used ink-embossed wood blocks to print Buddhist images and scriptures. Since that time, printing advances have come along slowly and steadily – until the last few decades.

Now, we’re seeing such rapid progress in the science behind ink and toner technology, that it can be difficult to know what to expect from the various market offerings. What’s in a single drop of these important substances? A ton of HP research and development.