Future Links October 1st
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers a prediction for 3D printer shipments in the coming years, Kanye West’s thoughts on 3D printing and the fashion business, a research grant for an all-in-one electronics printer, the Flint Group’s strengthened presence in Africa, Roland DG’s new Eco-Sol-Max inks, Epson’s industrial label printer and how to set up an online print shop by the book.
3D printer shipments to double each year until 2019
According to a new research report, shipments of 3D printers will double each year between 2016 and 2019. Worldwide shipments are expected to reach more than 5.6 million a year in 2019. The consumer market will be driven by demand from schools and universities, the enterprise market will be fueled by in finished-piece quality and materials.
More at Computerworld
University of Texas receives grant for 3D electronics printer
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has received 2.1 million USD in grant money from the public –private partnership ‘America Makes’ to develop an all-in-one electronics 3D printer. UTEP’s next-gen printer will be capable of 3D printing with multiple materials as well as assembling entire products, which will result in lower costs.
More at 3D Print
Flint Group enters agreement for stronger presence in Africa
Flint Group, Continental Printing Inks and Eagle Ink Systems have announced the completion of their joint venture agreement, which creates the now combined business, Flint Group Africa. The joint-venture will give the Flint group a greater footprint in Africa. It combines two of the leading ink and coatings suppliers to the packaging and print media markets in sub-Saharan Africa – positioning Flint Group Africa as the largest ink supplier in this growing market, according to the company.
More at Labels & Labeling
Roland DG launches new Eco-Sol-Max Inks
Roland has released a new set of Eco-Sol Max inks, along with a web-based Profile Center for its European customers. The inks are certified for use in schools and hospitals and are almost odor-neutral. The European Roland Profile Centre is a free online service that lets customers access media profiles for Roland’s eco-solvent printers and print-and-cut machines.
More at Output Magazine
Epson’s industrial label printer well suited for offices and factories
Printing on the job can be challenging but a new handheld label printer from Epson can help save time and money, according to the company. Designed for installers, maintenance contractors, builders and plumbers, the LabelWorks LW-Z900FK is suited for labeling electrics, cabling, including audio and video cables, data communications equipment, as well as pipes and machinery, in offices, factories, server rooms and construction sites.
More at Packaging Europe
How to set up an online print shop by the book. Literally.
A German entrepreneur has taken the concept of a case study to the next level. In the book ‘The Online Printing Principle’, Thomas Wieneritsch details how he set up a new, strongly regionally focused online print portal, which started in August 2014, and was well on its way to reach 1.5 million Euros in annual revenues after a few months. Wienteritsch says, among many other things, that the time factor is a gold mine in the online business.
More at ProPrint