Future Links February 18th

Scientists 3D print a replica of mummified Otzi
3D printing is helping scientists in various ways. Now, 3D printing company Materialise has worked with researchers and engineers to scan and print a perfect copy of the mummified 5,3000 year-old iceman Otzi. Materialse used a CT scan and had to replicate missing parts such as a rib to recreate the 5’5 tall replica.
More at Tech Crunch

Sciaky’s print monitoring system reduces time needed for inspection
While industrial 3D printing methods have vastly improved in the past few years, the results are still somewhat inconsistent. 3D printed parts often require post-production improvements to smooth and shape the component into a usable condition and the finished parts also require post-testing to ensure there are no flaws that could cause the part to fail during use. Sciaky is now introducing a new way to monitor a metal 3D print while it is being formed. The process is a closed-loop control system called IRISS and is expected to reduce the post-inspection time and improve the final product with real time printing adjustments.
More at 3D Print

How to measure ROI from a print marketing campaign
If you can measure it, you can improve it is a truism used in many business contexts. Yet, compared to digital campaigns, the success of print marketing campaigns is notoriously difficult to measure. An article on Business2Community recommends using the ‘Power of Three’ strategy to see how many customers reached by a print campaign actually purchase the product.
More at Business2Community

3D printing is ready to aid in disaster relief
3D printing has been seen as a method that could help with fast and efficient relief in disaster-stricken areas. After four years of work, researchers from the University of Bath, Imperial College and University College London developed drones that can use an Additive Building Manufacturing (ABM) system to reach remote and disaster areas, and 3D print structures such as shelters and buildings, providing much needed help on site.
More at PhysOrg

Ryobi MHI Graphic Technology will present new equipment at drupa
Ryobi MHI Graphic Technology (RMGT) will introduce to the world its new logo, new corporate message and a lineup of printing equipment featuring a new uniform design. The design is inspired by the exhibition theme of ‘IRODORI — Colouring the World Together.’ The exhibit will feature three press models: the RMGT 10, 1050mm format offset press and RMGT 9, A1-size offset press, both with an LED-UV curing unit, and the RMGT DP7, B2-size liquid toner type digital offset press jointly developed with Miyakoshi Printing Machinery.
More at Graphic Repro Online

Flint Group to buy Siegwerk’s web offset business
The Flint Group has issued a binding offer to Siegwerk Druckfarben to purchase its web offset business. The offer includes the transfer of all technical expertise and product portfolios relating to Siegwerk’s heatset and news ink product lines. Siegwerk will continue to focus on its core business of packaging printing.
More at Ink World

New on the drupa blog: Watermarks connect products and consumers
As consumers desire an increasing amount of information about the products they buy, packaging designers often struggle to include all the extras while keeping the packaging clear and visually appealing. The Dutch company FiliGrade offers a solution: By embedding invisible watermarks, the customer can access a host of information and additional services via apps on their tablets and smartphones.
More in the article