Future Links December 2nd 2014
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers studies that predict significant growth in the 3D printing space, RPC’s acquisition of Promens, the increase of wide format printers in industrial manufacturing settings, Agfa’s new direct-on-press plates, the role of electronics printed on paper in health care and the predictions of insiders from the labeling and packaging industry for 2015.
Reports say HP’s move into 3D printing could pay off
Several studies predict that HP will benefit from its push into 3D printing that was announced earlier this fall. One report predict that 3D printing could grow from 800 million USD in 2013 to 8 billion USD by 2025.
More at Silicon Beat
RPC acquires Promens to expand its reach
The British plastic packaging supplier RPC has announced the acquisition of Iceland-based Promens Group for 386 million Euros. RPC has been know for its innovations such as printing of braille directly onto packaging and all-over printing on plastic lids to provide a premium product. Promens will expand the geographical footprint of RPC, especially through its presence in China.
More at Print Week
Wide format printers gain acceptance in industrial manufacturing
Wide format printers were initially developed for printing display graphics and signage but they are increasingly used by industrial manufacturers. Often it even involves integrating the printing into a production process, as FESPA writer Nessan Cleary explains.
More at FESPA
Agfa Graphics presents new direct-on-press plates
Agfa Graphics is releasing its new chemistry-free direct-on-press Azura TE plates. According to Agfa, the plates will help to shorten time to press and reduce waste for commercial sheetfed printers. The press plates are supposed to bring in considerable energy, time and money savings.
More at i-grafix
Electronics printed on paper could bring down health care costs
Flexible electronic sensors based on paper — an inexpensive material — have the potential to cut the price of a wide range of medical tools, from helpful robots to diagnostic tests. Paper is inexpensive and makes an excellent surface for lightweight, foldable electronics that could be made and used nearly anywhere.
More at Printed Electronics World
Labels and packaging insiders share their predictions for 2015
Labels & Labeling asked a number of suppliers and partners across the supply chain to highlight some of the trends and topics they expect to influence business in the next year. See what they think about overall industry trends, environmental issues, digital printing and other issues that are expected to gain traction in 2015.
More at Labels & Labeling