Future Links January 26th
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers Lexmark’s perspective on managed print services, India’s food packaging market, new materials and methods in 4D printing, the digital potential of metalized foils, Flint’s new letterpress printing plate and Xerox’ plans for drupa.
Lexmark says MPS may not be perfect for everybody
Managed print services (MPS) have seen a boom in recent years and recent reports expecting managed print services to grow by 12 to 13 percent in SMB markets. Yet capitalizing on those opportunities has its obstacles. Brian Henderson, Lexmark’s director of global channel marketing, said that the business model and billing methods associated with managed print services are not necessarily what every business wants.
More at Channelnomics
India’s food packaging market likely to reach 18 billion USD by 2020
The food packaging market in India is set for strong growth. According to the Indian Institute of Packaging, the food packaging market will grow from currently 12 billion USD to 18 billion USD by 2010. One of the main growth drivers is fruit and vegetable packaging.
More at The Economic Times
Scientists take cue from nature for 4D printed structures
While 3D printing is inching closer to becoming mainstream, 4D printing is still in its infancy. Scientists at Harvard University looked to nature for new 4D printing methods and materials. They developed a material consisting of wood and acrylamide hydrogel, a gel that expands under water. The scientists work on forms necessary for a variety of uses not just in medicine, but also smart textiles, soft electronics, and tissue engineering.
More at 3D Print
Digital potential of metalized foils are focus of open days event
Ways of tapping into the full digital potential of metalized foils, including gold and silver, are to be explored in a series of open days jointly hosted by Apex Digital Graphics and Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS). The event will take place in March at Apex’ premises in Hemel Hemstead and is aimed at commercial printers across the board interested in every aspect of the process, from presses right through to finishing.
More at Print Week
Flint Group strengthens portfolio of letterpress printing plates
The Flint Group reacts to a growing demand for high-quality specialty print products. The company introduces the new nyloprint WF-S plate. The nyloprint WF-S can handle more flexible applications while its softer surface will provide improved ink transfer, which in turn results in optimal ink lay-down, according to the Flint Group.
More at Print Monthly
Xerox at drupa: Supporting print service providers
Xerox is helping print service providers capture key market opportunities with the unveiling of new products and other innovative offerings at drupa 2016, in Düsseldorf, Germany. With the theme ‘Let the Work Flow,’ Xerox is gearing up to showcase how providers can solve their biggest challenges, propel business forward and work better by becoming more automated, integrated and productive in their operations.
More at What They Think