Future Links CW 41
With our future links we give you an overview of current developments in the printing industry. This week we look at 3D printing at MIT CSAIL, new members in FINAT’s governing board, the investment of a Fujifilm Jet Press 720S by Greenshires Group, the installation of a Heidelberg Suprasetter A106 CTP at Streamline Press, and the merger of Rako Group, Baumgarten and X-Label.
MIT CSAIL Improves Future Robotics with 3D Printing
Researchers from MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) developed a 3D printed material to make robots more durable. The properties of the Programmable Viscoelastic Material (PVM) resemble the functions of human skin and can be customized to offer optimal protection. It consists of a flexible outer layer and a solid internal structure with injected liquid. This fluid is sealed and therefore does not cure so that it is able to absorb shock. Among the potential application fields of this new technology is its use for flying delivery drones or robotic warehouse workers.
More at MIT News
FINAT Welcomes New Members to its Governing Board
Recently Georg Müller-Hof and Marc Büttgenbach have joined the governing board of FINAT, the international association for the label industry. Müller-Hof, Senior Director Marketing for Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Material Europe (NL), is going to be the association’s new treasurer. Büttgenbach is currently the CEO at Bizerba Labels & Consumables GmbH, a member of the board of the German label association VskE, and President of the German Paper and Paper Converting association.
More at WhatTheyThink
Greenshires Group invests in Fujifilm’s Jet Press 720S
Greenshires Group has just announced the installation of a Fujifilm Jet Press 720S at its Leicester site. The commercial printer and design firm decided to invest in the B2 digital press because the company noticed a huge demand for high-quality, short-run work. At drupa 2016 Richard Dalby, Managing Director at Greenshires, has been convinced of the press’ performance. The Fujifilm Jet Press 720S is already used at 80 other locations worldwide.
More at Print Monthly
Streamline installs Heidelberg Suprasetter A106 CTP
Recently Steamline Press has invested in a Suprasetter A106 CTP from Heidelberg to replace an older model. The company chose the machine because of its durability and reliability. Additionally, the Suprasetter is able to run unmanned for about 24 hours. Thanks to this decision Streamline was able to increase its productivity: Within the last 12 months the company already installed a Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75, and a Heidelberg Linoprint CV.
More at Print Week
Rako Group, Baumgarten and X-Label join forces
Due to the merger of Rako Group, Baumgarten and X-Label formed the world’s third largest label converting group. It’s worth over half a billion dollars, 3.000 employees, and 30 production sites worldwide. Currently, the merger is still under review by the German Cartel Office. The closing of the transaction is expected later this year, and the full roll-out is likely to last through 2017. At the end of October the new name of the group is going to be revealed.
More at Labels & Labeling
