Future Links July 3rd 2014

Worldwide digital printer growth in Q1
According to the International Data Corporation, the worldwide production print market achieved double-digit growth in both units and shipment value during the first quarter of 2014. The biggest key contributor overall growth was Western Europe.
More at PI World

3D printing in the army
In this blog post, the U.S. army’s manufacturing technology program manager Ryan Gilley takes a look at the benefits of 3D printing for the army. In his view, they need not only closely watch how the industry is applying the process, but also have an active role in shaping the technology and reducing the barriers to implementation.
More at Army Technology

Evolution of  Samsung packaging
In the past, Samsung had announced plans for their products to become more eco-friendly. In this infographic, the company illustrates how they improved the packaging of the Galaxy S series.
The Infographic

Printed electronics symposium
Registration for the SGIA/FlexTech Printed Electronics and Membrane Switch Symposium at 21th and 22th October 2014 has opened. There will be educational sessions and expert discussions focusing on new applications using flexible and printed electronics.
Registration and program

More interactive print ads
This article from the Printing Industry Exchange’s blog looks at different examples of print ads combining ink on paper with digital technology. We also recently dealt with this topic in our article about Nivea’s Sun Band mobile app.
More at Printing Industry

Paper for 3D Printing
When talking about rapid prototyping, people usually refer to plastic based 3D printers. In their white paper, MCOR claim paper to be a cheaper, safer and more eco-friendly option to demonstrate the form and function of ideas.
Download

Irish Multiprint Labels acquired
100 % of Multiprint Labels Limited in Dublin has been sold to MCC. The company specializes in pressure-sensitive beverage label production for Ireland and the UK.
More at Labels and Labeling

New large format technology
HP has launched a new inkjet-based PageWide Technology for large-format printing in order to produce high-quality prints at faster speeds and lower costs. The company claims the technology to disrupt the $1.3bn production printing market that is currently dominated by LED printers.
More at ProPrint

Patent for printing antibiotic implants
When applying antibiotics certain infections require a direct injection of the medication within the infected area.  However, in many cases the dosage can’t safely target the area where it’s needed most. To tackle this, the Orthopaedic Innovation Center Inc in Canada has published a patent for a process to 3D print implantable objects which have been infused with antibiotics or other antimicrobial drugs.
More at 3D Print

Paperboard weight reduction
International Paper has invested $60m into the modernization of the coated board machine for the production of lighter-weight board grades. They company claims the new coated paperboard product to represent a significant weight reduction in GC2 paperboard.
More at Packaging News

Multi-wall bag acquisition
Mondi Group has bought the multi-wall bag business of Graphic Packaging International, a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company. The deal includes 9 converting plants located throughout the United States and one kraft paper mill.
More at Packaging News

Former Montgomery Litho boss returns to print
Thomas Montgomery, the former owner of the collapsed Scottish print group Montgomery Litho, has taken part in a buy-in management buy-out team at DS Smith Plastics Print Solutions to form the new company, MBM Print and Supply Chain Solutions.
More at Printweek