Future Links January 5th
Here are our daily links with the most important news from the printing industry. Today they feature ESA’s vision of a 3D printed lunar village, new tough and heat resistant printed ceramics, MakerBot’s Smart Extruder+, smart labels offering information and stirring controversy, the pros and cons of wax printing, CCL’s acquisition of Mabel’s Labels and Heritage Envelopes’ way of reducing waste.
European Space Agency considers a 3D printed village on the moon
Every great endeavor started with a vision that many deemed impossible. That could be the case with ESA’s ambitions, too. In a recent symposium called ‘Moon 2020-2030—A New Era of Coordinated Human and Robotic Exploration’, the ESA proposed a significant push towards prioritizing the moon, rather than Mars, as humanity’s next deep-space destination, and it believes this will be possible within the next 15 years thanks to a 3D printed, life-sustaining ‘lunar village’.
More at 3ders
3D printed ceramics are tough enough for jet engines
Ceramics are amazing materials, they are strong and light and have characteristics that makes them well suited for even extreme environments and uses. Now, researchers have developed a new way to 3D print the materials more effectively than in the past using stereolithography. The results can withstand temperatures of 2,500°F, which makes them usable for jet engine parts.
More at Gizmodo
MakerBot presents new version of its smart extruder
After its predecessor has had some problems, MakerBot has now introduced a new version of its Smart Extruder. The Smart Extruder+ is supposed to make Replicator printers simpler to use, more reliable, and more future-proof. It automatically detects when the printer’s filament runs out and pauses the job, notifying users via a desktop or mobile app. It also can be quickly swapped out upon wearing out or becoming obsolete.
More at The Verge
Smart labels can help consumers but also stir some controversy
Consumers are getting increasingly educated and curious about the products they buy. Whether it’s gluten content, natural ingredients, the absence of fat, or the presence of whole grain, it seems the food label reflects consumers’ most timely concerns. Smart labels that link to websites with information about a product’s suppliers, certifications, GMO content and other information can be a great resource for consumers. They have also led to some controversy regarding labeling rules and regulations.
More at Packaging World
The pros and cons of wax printing
While most office printers use ink or toner, there are instances when wax printing is better suited for the job. This could be the case when large amounts of photos or high-quality documents have to be printed and preserved. The article illustrates some real-life uses of wax printing and highlights some of the pros and cons.
More at VapoLife
CCL acquires Mabel’s Labels
CCL Industries has acquired Mabel’s Labels and Mabel’s Labels Retail, privately owned companies with common shareholders based in Ontario, Canada, which it will integrate into its Avery segment. CCL acquired Avery in 2013. Mabel’s Labels is a well-known North American brand for durable, personalized identification labels for children and families. The acquisition is valued at about 12 million USD.
More at Labels & Labeling
Heritage Envelopes strives to reduce waste with new product
Heritage Envelopes has launched PackMail, a new packaging format that does not require conventional boxes. The new form of packaging relies on cardboard ends and film wrapping instead of boxes to pack envelopes. PackMail could reduce the corrugated waste of mail production businesses by more than 60 percent, Heritage Envelopes said.
More at Print Week