Future Links December 8th
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers a new app to compare prices for 3D printing jobs, the first 3D printer on its way to the International Space Station, industrial printing becoming more versatile, Heidelberg’s exhibit motto for drupa 2016, PV Nano Cell’s focus on printable electronics and 3D printing, the exclusive appeal of print magazines and new on the drupa blog: German engineering firm uses 3D printing for greater label precision.
New app provides price quotes for 3D printing jobs
3D printing is an intriguing technology for many but information about services and pricing are not always easy to come by. df3D is aiming to change that: It launched a new app called Quote 3D. With this app, df3d offers a way to figure out pricing for 3D printing files using various 3D printing technologies.
More at 3D Print
First 3D printer on its way to the ISS
The International Space Station is about to receive its first 3D printer for use in space. The ‚Portable on Board Printer 3D‘ (POP3D) was primarily built by the engineering company Altran Italia, with the help of with Thales Alenia Space and the Italian Institute of Technology. It is meant to provide small replacement parts in space.
More at 3ders
Industrial printing is becoming more versatile
Industrial printing is expanding its range of applications across materials and techniques. Printing on metal, glass, textile, wood and plastic is gaining in popularity as the quality improves. Digital printing is also a clear trend across many applications and industries, including the automotive industry, packaging, decorative surface finishing or textile printing.
More at Printing News
Heidelberg exhibits at drupa under the heading “Simply Smart”
During drupa 2016, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG will be exhibiting the digitized future of the print media industry under the motto „Simply Smart“. Heidelberg will highlight the pressing need for print shops to continuously improve their efficiency and respond to the global demands of end customers in ever faster and more flexible ways.
More at Heidelberg
PV Nano Cell focuses on printed electronics and 3D printing
Conductive inks are a critical component in printed electronics, with unique properties required for inkjet and other printing processes. PVN was initially focused on the photovoltaic (PV) market, developing its Sicrys portfolio of single-crystal nanometric conductive nano silver and copper inks for inkjet printing on flexible substrates. Now, the company has branched out into a wide range of end uses, including sensors, RFID, touchscreens and printed circuit boards and 3D printing.
More at Ink World Magazine
Print can be innovative and exclusive
Many magazines are struggling and yet there are web based publications that are starting new print magazines, such as the Adventure Journal, Tablet, Politico, Nautilus and the California Sunday Magazine. For print to be successful, the article argues, the approach has to be different. This means in some cases, to be exclusive, indicated by a warning: This magazine may not be for everybody.
More at Columbia Journalism Review
New on the drupa blog: 3D printing for greater label precision
Large corporations as well as small and mid-size companies realize that 3D printing can bring considerable benefits, including time and cost savings. Case in point: Reitlinger Engineering. The German firm that works as a service provider for labeling machine makers uses the technology to make 3D printed clamps that hold products precisely in place for labeling.
More in the article