Future Links August 17th 2015
Here are our daily links with the most important news from the printing industry. Today they feature possible savings through inkjet printed solar cells, a 3D printing business that wants to get women involved, digital textile printing as a growth driver in the global printer market, China’s first pediatric 3D printing research facility, TetraPak’s new carton water bottle, a scientific breakthrough in wearable light-emitting displays and Scheufelen’s move into the packaging market.
PV Nano Cells sees savings in inkjet printed solar cells
Fernando de la Vega, Founder and CEO of PV Nano Cell (PVN), believes that inkjet printed solar cells can bring great cost savings in energy production. PVN focuses on the mass production of conductive inks based on nanoparticles of an average size around 70 to 80 nm. The company’s process reduces the usage of silver, an expensive metal, and increases efficiency.
More at R&D Magazine
3D printing business wants to get more women involved
A jewelry making business that uses 3D printing technology to develop its designs aims at getting more women involved in science and engineering. The founder of the business, Suz Somersall, sees her shop with 3D designed jewelry as a platform for women to learn about technology. She is launching a Kickstarter campaign to create a website to make jewelry design lessons available to anyone who has Internet access.
More at Newsplex
Report: Digital textile printing is a growth driver in the printer market
Research and Markets has published a new report titled ‘Global Printers Market 2015-2019’. The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. It identifies digital textile printing as one of the growth drivers in the global market for printers.
More at Globe Newswire
China opens first pediatric 3D printing medical research center
China has been on the forefront of medical 3D printing. In the past few months alone, Chinese doctors have performed a 3D printed hip replacement surgery and helped repair a woman’s atlantoaxial dislocation condition. To further advance 3D printing in the medical field, especially for children, Shanghai Children’s medical center opens the first pediatric 3D printing medical research facility.
More at 3ders
TetraPak launches carton-based water bottle
Glass or plastic are the most common material options for water bottles. TetraPak is aiming to add a new material: Carton. To score high on the three dimensions of sustainability, shelf appeal and product protection, TetraPak developed a bottle made with 53 percent paper that can be recycled. The paper is sourced from managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance.
More at Packaging Digest
Scientists achieve breakthrough in light-emitting wearable displays
A team of researchers from the School of Electrical Engineering at KAIST has developed fiber-like light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which can be applied in wearable displays. The research findings were published online in the July 14th issue of Advanced Electronic Materials. The scientists predict that producing wearable illuminated signs will eventually become as easy as making clothes.
More at Printed Electronics
Scheufelen is moving into the packaging market
After the German company Scheufelen decreased its graphic paper production, it is strengthening its bright white Phoenolux range to appeal to packaging customers. The bright white silk card was released in April. Since then, the company has developed a two side-coated product that it is discussing with potential buyers. An uncoated board is in development.
More at Print Week