Future Links December 22nd

3D printing for underwater robotics
Much of the underwater world is still unexplored even though efforts are underway to learn more about the oceans. Blue Robotics, a Southern California company that specializes in manufacturing products for underwater robotics, has turned to 3D printing technologies to help develop, prototype, and manufacture certain parts for submarine drones.
More at 3ders

Heidelberg UK to sell Gallus label products
It seems like the natural next step forward: Heidelberg has wholly owned Gallus since August 2014 and the UK has been selling its packaging portfolio for the last two years. Starting in April 2016, Heidelberg UK will also sell Gallus label products.
More at Graphic Repro Online

Akzo Nobel operates new packaging ink facility in China
Akzo Nobel is aiming to strengthen its position in China. The company has started operations at a new facility for packaging inks at its site in Songjiang, China. The plant, located at the company’s biggest site for packaging coatings in the world, will produce inks used in beverage and can packaging.
More at Ink World Magazine

Laser printing on cartons eliminates labels
The removal of ink and labels from the factory floor can yield significant savings to many manufacturers. That’s why printing directly onto corrugated cardboard is gaining traction as an efficient way to laser-code cartons and cases while eliminating the need for print-and-apply-labels. Packaging Digest caught up with Videojet’s commercial manager to discuss the benefits of the technology.
More at Packaging Digest

Are YouTube stars behind the growth in book sales?
It sounds ironic but Money Magazine asks the question whether the recent growth in book sales is due to YouTube stars turning off their webcams and writing print books. Nielsen BookScan measured paper book sales at 571 million for the year, a decisive increase from the 559 million bought in 2014. Coloring books and the controversial Harper Lee comeback also boosted the numbers.
More at Money

Cimpress acquires ‘WIRmachenDRUCK’
Cimpress N.V., a company specializing in mass customization, announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WIRmachenDRUCK GmbH, a German web-to-print company that serves small and medium businesses, graphic arts professionals and local printers via an e-commerce ‘upload and print’ model. Under the terms of the agreement, Cimpress will acquire 100 percent of the shares of WIRmachenDRUCK for a purchase price of approximately 140 million Euros net of any cash acquired. Wir machen Druck will continue to sell under its own brand.
More at What They Think 

New on the drupa blog: A glowing beer label for special occasions
The brewery Anheuser-Busch clearly understands the impact a label can have. For its Oculto brand, it has unveiled an innovative interactive label that engages customers and highlights the unique personality of the brand. Using smart label technology and LED lights, the company has started rolling out limited edition bottles for its Oculto brand that include illuminated labels.
More in the article