Future Links August 10th 2015
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers the evolution of 3D printing over the past two decades, the continuing need for document fraud protection, a mentoring program for women in the packaging industry, how 3D printing can bolster the African economy, new antibacterial packaging for milk, a survey of industry leaders and Xeikon’s new technology center in Tokyo.
3D printing aids tooling and product development
While many recent breakthroughs in 3D printing came out of university labs, some companies have employed additive manufacturing techniques for several decades. James Janeteas, CEO of Cimetrix Solutions Inc. who founded his company in the early 1990s shares his views on the evolution of 3D printing from rapid prototyping to manufacturing initiatives.
More at Durham Region
A new arrest emphasizes need for fraud protection for documents
Despite strong efforts to strengthen fraud protection for official documents such as drivers’ licenses and passports, there are still incidences in which criminals attempt to distribute counterfeit documents. U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than 300 fraudulent U.S. driver’s licenses, printing equipment, hard drives and blank driver’s licenses in a traveler’s luggage at the Abu Dhabi Preclearance facility. While the preclearance controls are an important element in fraud prevention, additional measures are still in demand.
More at Imperial Valley News
Mentoring program aims at supporting women
AIP, the Australian Institute of Packaging, in collaboration with training specialist emberin, has opened registrations for the 2015 Ignite Packaging mentoring program, aimed at women working in the food, beverage, manufacturing, and packaging industries. Designed to support women to reach their career potential, the program caters for women beginning their career or women who feel their career needs a kick start.
More at i-Grafix
Innovative 3D printing applications to support the African economy
Several innovations in 3D printing aim at helping the African economy grow and prosper. Ranging from artificial trees to transmit energy to custom-made prosthetics, they can help unlock the manufacturing potential of many African nations by circumnavigating shortages in infrastructure and centralized production capabilities.
More at Mail & Guardian Africa
New packaging keeps milk fresh
Especially in the warm summer months, keeping milk fresh on the shelves can be a challenge. A new packaging solution can help: Researchers in Brazil found a way to add silver-based micro-particles with bactericidal, antimicrobial properties into the plastic packaging, thus prolonging the shelf life of milk and other beverage that spoil easily. The packaging solution has won the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is expected to be launched in the U.S. and European markets soon.
More at The Dieline
Industry leaders voice their opinions on biggest trends
In its annual survey, Digital Output magazine asked leaders in the graphic arts to share their point of view on the state of the industry. New technologies—software, hardware, ink, and media—are the focus, from improvements to existing products and solutions to those on the forefront of changing the market landscape. One big topic was workflow automation and how it affects the industry.
More at Digital Output
Xeikon opens technology center in Tokyo
To expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, Xeikon has opened a technology center in Tokyo. The new technology center features Xeikon technology for the production of labels and packaging, as well as for document and commercial printing applications. Equipment installed includes a 3500 digital press, designed for folding carton printing.
More at Labels & Labeling