Future Links April 16th 2015
Here are our daily links with the most important news from the printing industry. Today they feature the impact of 3D printing on the economy, an IP dispute about printed buildings, a short film made entire of 3D printed pieces, FINAT’s recycling awards, BJ Ball’s purchase of Access Paper, Kodak’s predictions for the packaging market, smart sensors for packaging machinery and Paperlinx Benelux’s entry into bankruptcy proceedings.
Turning consumers into craftsmen
3D printing has the potential to turn ideas into reality – in a fast and inexpensive manner. An article on CNN Money discusses what effect the technology has on the economy and how it will change the way we create and relate to objects.
More at CNN Money
IP dispute about 3D printed houses
The Chinese company Winsun made headlines when it claimed it printed a 6-story apartment building a few months ago. Now, allegations have been published stating that Winsun’s claims have been unfounded and that the company copied the intellectual property of another company.
More at 3D Print
Short film made entirely of 3D printed pieces debuts
It was a true labor of love: Two years in the making, the short film “Chase me” has been selected for the Annecy International Animation Festival and Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival. The film consists of 2500 figures made on a Form 1 and SLA 3D printer.
More at 3D Printing Industry
FINAT calls for entries for 2015 Recycling Awards
FINAT, the European association for the self-adhesive label industry, has announced the launch of the second FINAT Recycling Awards Competition. Companies that have their paper and/or film release liners recycled are invited to apply, and get recognized for taking steps to lower the environmental impact.
More at Graphic Repro Online
BJ Ball acquires Access Paper
As part of its growth strategy, paper merchant BJ Ball has purchased the family owned business Access Paper. This move is intended to increase BJ Ball’s presence in the wide format market.
More at i-Grafix
Kodak sees opportunities in the packaging market
After its reorganization, packaging has become a central part of Kodak’s strategy. The company predicts an increasing demand for shorter runs and one-to-one communication. It also sees a need for more environmentally friendly systems and solutions.
More at Labels & Labeling
Smart sensors improve the operation of packaging machinery
Detailed and reliable data are necessary to assess and improve one’s business process. Intelligent sensors are allowing packaging machinery manufacturers and their customers to get more data from individual sensors via a variety of interfaces, resulting in operational improvements.
More at Packaging Digest
Paperlinx Benelux enters bankruptcy proceedings
Paperlinx’s troubles continue: The company is exiting Europe altogether. Its Benelux operations have been put into administration with the rest of its European operations described as being in a sale or “realisations process”.
More at Print Week