Future Links January 12th
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers innovative 3D printers and materials at CES, Südpack’s investment in digital printing, 3D printing with rust and metal powders, new legislation requiring childproof nicotine packaging, ways to convey a brand’s identity through packaging design, Hexis’ new solvent-free film and new on the drupa blog: Ink researchers find magic in algae.
New 3D printers and materials shine at CES
The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is a Mecca for professional and amateur techies. The rapidly advancing 3D printing methods, devices, and materials were clearly attracting a lot of attention. Among the noteworthy exhibits were 3D Systems’ ProJet 5500X model, Mcor’s new Arke full-color 3D printer and XYZ Printing’s Da Vinci.
More at Extreme Tech
Südpack offers personalized packaging options
Customization has long been recognized as one of the main trends in packaging. Südpack Verpackungen is now embracing this opportunity. The company has invested in an HP Indigo 20000 to add digital to its printing capabilities and offers personalized packaging. Südpack, which operates 35 sales offices and production sites in Germany, France, Poland and Switzerland, specializes in producing hard/soft films and plastic bags.
More at Labels & Labeling
Scientists explore 3D printing with rust and metal powders
A team of Northwestern University engineers has created a new way to print three-dimensional metallic objects using rust and metal powders. While current methods rely on vast metal powder beds and expensive lasers or electron beams, Northwestern’s new technique uses liquid inks and common furnaces, resulting in a cheaper, faster, and more uniform process. The Northwestern team also demonstrated that the new method works for an extensive variety of metals, metal mixtures, alloys, and metal oxides and compounds.
More at Phys.org
New legislation to require childproof nicotine packaging
In the U.S., the House sent legislation to the president’s desk on Monday that will require manufacturers of electronic cigarettes to create childproof packaging for their liquid nicotine products. The bill, passed by voice vote, demands that manufactures follow the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s standards and testing procedures in making sure liquid nicotine products are difficult for children under the age of five to open. Calls for safer packaging came last year after a toddler in upstate New York died from swallowing the liquid chemical used in e-cigarettes.
More at The Hill
How packaging can tell a brand’s story
Communicating a brand’s values and identity effectively is an important aspect of connecting with the consumer. In an interview with Packaging Digest, Sheri L Koetting, co-founder and chief strategist of MSLK, explains how the visual design, the shapes, colors and textures of packaging, as well as the words, can convey a strong message.
More at Packaging Digest
Hexis UK launches new solvent-free film
Hexis UK has launched a new solvent-free film for hot transfer applications. HFlex 100p, a thin, opaque, solvent-free cast polyurethane film, is suitable for application onto pre-washed cotton, polyester and Lycra and for the printing of designs onto sportswear, t-shirts and hats.
More at Print Week
New on the drupa blog: Ink researchers find magic in algae
There has been a lot of talk about sustainable ink lately, which mostly referred to soy-based inks. Now, Living Ink is taking a radically different approach with inks made from algae. And: Some of the inks disappear and reappear when exposed to sunlight, allowing for designs with a touch of magic.
More at drupa