Future Links February 19th
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers 3D printed drones for the U.S. army, a forecast for the global print label market, green packaging for upscale cosmetics, Stratasys’ partnership with Massivit, how 3D printing helped make a replica of the original Oscar, Mimaki’s new fluorescent dye sublimation inks and new on the drupa blog: How creative multichannel strategies nurture brands.
U.S. army tests technology to 3D print drones on demand
Printing equipment as needed during a mission is an ideal scenario for troops in the field. And now, the U.S. army may be getting a step closer to this vision. In an upcoming experiment, researchers will test technologies that would allow platoons to 3D print drones tailored specifically to their real-time objectives. The project is part of the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments, which pulls early-stage technologies out of the lab and into field tests for soldiers to assess their progress.
More at Gizmag
Global print label market will see moderate growth
Changing needs of buyers, greater acceptance of color digital printing and demand for more personalized offerings are the growth drivers in the print label market. According to a report by Research and Markets, the global print label market is estimated to experience moderate growth to reach 43.57 billion USD by the end of year 2020 at a CAGR of 5.91 % from 2015 to 2020.
More at BusinessWire
Green packaging for upscale cosmetics
When it comes to cosmetics, consumers are increasingly aware of the provenance of the ingredients and demand eco-friendly, healthy choices. Not only the product itself should be green, the packaging should also be made from sustainable materials. Ethique, a New Zealand-based skincare company is responding to this need by refusing to use plastic of any kind, opting for paper and cardboard instead.
More at Treehugger
Stratasys partners with Massivit for large-scale 3D printing
Massivit 3D Printing Technologies has made a name for itself through its large-scale 3D printer and its unique gel dispensing printing technology. Now, Stratasys is investing in Massivit to support the company in further developing its proprietary super-sized, fast 3D printing technology. Massivit primarily targets the visual communication market, where its solutions serve to create large display objects for point-of-sale branding, advertising, exhibitions, theme parks and other applications.
More at TCT
3D printing helps recreate the original 1929 Oscar statue
Hollywood is embracing 3D printing technology and is even reserving a special spot for it at the Academy Awards. The 2016 Oscar statue is modeled after the 1929 original with the help of 3D printing technology. Even though the gold statues themselves are not printed, the mold for the cast for the statue was 3D printed.
More at 3D Print
Mimaki launches fluorescent dye sublimation inks
Fluorescent inks are popular choices for sports apparel and eye-catching signage. To respond to the increasing demand, Mimaki USA announced the availability of Sb410 fluorescent pink and yellow, and light black dye sublimation ink. Fluorescent inks produce bright colors beyond the range reproducible by process color printing, while light black ink creates smooth gradations. These original Mimaki inks are for use in the TS300P production dye sublimation printer.
More at Ink World Magazine
New on the drupa blog: Multichannel strategies nurture brands
Printed Electronics, holograms and three dimensional design are proving it: Paper isn´t just paper. Depending on technology, it takes on new forms that are delightful for the consumer. At drupa on 3rd June, big players of the industry are showcasing various scenarios.
More in the article