Future Links CW 46
Here are our weekly links with the most important news from the printing industry. This week they feature drupa’s role for Heidelberg’s positive Q2 results, the development of self-healing printable electronics, the collaboration between FLEXCon and FiberLok, forecasts for the global medical devices packaging market, and the launch of Coveris‘ range of linerless labels .
drupa Responsible for Heidelberg’s Positive Q2 Results
In its recently published second quarter results, Heidelberg reported its first positive Q2 net results in 6 years, which amount to € 9 million. Thanks to a strong drupa order book, the company made across-the-board improvements and registered an increase in the incoming orders for the first six months which were up 6 percent on the previous year’s figure. Additionally, Heidelberg stated that its Q1 and Q2 order backlog was 19 percent higher than in the same period in 2015. Its first drupa-launched PrimeFire 106 B1 inkjet press to be sold will be installed by the end pf this year.
More at Print Week
Researchers Develop Self-Healing Printable Electronics
Scientists from University of California San Diego have created a magnetic ink able to produce electronic devices with self-healing capabilities. Therefore they loaded the ink with a magnetic material called neodymium, so that its microparticles pull themselves together when they are near a magnetic field. This allows them to repair tears as wide as three millimeters within milliseconds. Thanks to this property the printed electronics become extremely robust which makes them viable for many new application scopes.
More at IEEE Spectrum
New Category of Lextra Pressure-Sensitive Dimensional Graphics by FLEXcon and FiberLok
FLEXCon Company Inc., innovator in adhesive coating and laminating, has just announced to further collaborate with FiberLok, which produces high-end, dimensional graphic heat transfers, patches, and stickers. Together they aim to develop a category of applied dimensional graphics for durable, prime label and Point of Purchase applications. This new product range will offer permanent and temporary sticker options, able to adhere Lextra products to different surfaces beyond their traditional applications.
More at WhatTheyThink
Forecasts for the Global Medical Devices Packaging Market
The report ”Global Medical Devices Packaging Market Forecasts from 2016 to 2021“ reveals that the global medical devices packaging market is about to grow from US $ 19.31 billion in 2015 to US $ 26.45 billion by 2021. This means that the annual growth rate will amount to 5.38 percent. These developments are inter alia driven by increasing investments by public and private players in Europe Middle East, Africa, China, and India.
More at MedGadget
Coveris‘ Launches New Range of Linerless Labels for Aldi
For Aldi’s new premium steak range “Specially Selected Aberdeen Angus Steaks“ Coveris has applied an innovative printing process combining multiple decorative effects in-line. During the label production process, they have been relying on an advanced linerless label printing technique. Thanks to a mix of inks, varnishes, and cold foil, the global packaging manufacturer was able to create a multi-sensory, luxury appearance reflecting the steaks‘ high quality.
More at Labels & Labeling
