THE TECHNOLOGY: Espresso Book Machine makes self-publishing easier. The machine also can make copies of out-of-print editions.
HOW IT WORKS: The machine uses two PDFs, one for the cover and another for the text. The cover and text, both generated from digital files, are printed simultaneously on opposite sides of the machine. They meet in the middle section of the machine, where they are bound, before dropping to a trimming station on the bottom. The book is dispensed through a chute.
SCOPE: Through a partnership with Xerox, the company has machines in about 70 bookstores and libraries around the world.
