This post aims at drafting a blueprint for future implementation in Ubuntu Linux.
Any comments and suggestions are welcome!
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Duplex printing [1] is currently available only to mid-high-end printers.
However same goal can be achieved with minimal effort and minimal user interaction also on simplex low-end printers via a software hack.

Procedure:

This has been achieved for example by Samsung windows drivers. These paginates the printing queue so that sheets are printed

1. firstly rotated 180 degrees and filed in reverse order
2. then the driver prompts the user to put printed sheets back into the tray ‘as they are’ (no manual weired rotating and flipping needed)
3. finally printed normally

The resulting is a paginated duplex printed document.

Advantages and Benefits:

With manual duplex printing a wide range of users with low-end printers such as Samsung ML-2010 series are enabled to:

• print documents on both sides of paper
• make professional looking booklets
• lower the usage of paper
• lower the home/office environmental impact

References:

Blueprint: https://blueprints.launchpad.net/system-config-printer/+spec/manual-duplex-printing

Bug report: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/system-config-printer/+bug/193088

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duplex_printing