Future Links January 8th
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers 3D printed objects from meteoroid dust, a low-cost robotic arm for 3D printing, researchers working on a 3D printed touchscreen, McDonalds new packaging, using wool to keep pharmaceuticals cool, Papergraphics’ acquisition of CWE Solutions and new on the drupa blog: Epson’s PaperLab recycles right in the office.
3D printing company made object from meteorite dust
3D printing is an incredibly dynamic field and entrepreneurs all over the world are pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible. Newest example: 3D printed objects made from alien materials found in space such as meteorite dust. The company Planetary Resources aims to utilize asteroids and other objects in space that are loaded with resources, according to the company. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Planetary Resources presented the first 3D printed object made from a meteorite that landed in Argentina in prehistoric times.
More at Engadget
Carbon Robotics presents 3D printing-ready robotic arm
While robots are used widely in industrial production, they are not common in the consumer realm. Carbon Robotics is trying to change this with its low-cost modular robotic arm named KATIA (short for Kick Ass Trainable Intelligent Arm). Their robotic arm can pick up, rotate and put back down anything that weighs up to 1 kg.
More at 3ders
Researchers used Nanodrip method to print a touchscreen
A team of researchers at the technical university ETH in Zurich, Switzerland, has developed a 3D printing method called Nanodrip that they recently used to print the smallest inkjet color image on earth. The technology relies on a process called electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing, allowing for miniscule 3D structures to be built up drop by drop. Now, the ETH team was able to print gold and silver nanowalls at 80 to 500 nanometers thick that can be used in touchscreens.
More at 3D Print
New packaging at McDonalds aims to make the brand fashionable
McDonalds has revamped its fast-food packaging to make it more appealing to customers and convey a modern, fashionable image. The bold colors and letters are designed to work with the existing supply chain by playing nicely with the brown paper bags, which are part of McDonald’s plan to use 100 % recycled fiber by 2020.
More at Fast Company
Company uses wool to keep pharmaceuticals cool
WoolCool has developed a new kind of packaging that uses wool to keep perishable food and pharmaceuticals cool during transportation. WoolCool’s product named ‘LifeGuardian’ exceeds World Health Organization standards for transportation of medicines and vaccines, according to the company. Compared to a standard box using polystyrene insulation, a LifeGuardian box is 25 % smaller, 50 % lighter and still has 25 % more space inside for the product.
More at Packaging Europe
Papergraphics acquires CWE Solutions in friendly merger
After several discussions over many years, the two companies decided the time was right to join forces: Wide-format hardware and media supplier Papergraphics has acquired ‘friendly competitor’ CWE Solutions in what the two companies have called a ‘merger by acquisition’. Papergraphics will benefit from CWE Solutions’ extensive coverage in the south of England, while CWE’s operations will gain from Papergraphics’ Scottish, northern English and European presence.
More at Print Week
New on the drupa blog: Epson’s PaperLab recycles right in the office
Even recycling isn’t always as efficient as many would like it to be. Paper is usually recycled in an extensive process that involves transporting waste paper from the office to a papermaking facility. Epson strives to shorten the process and recycle paper where it is used: Right in the office.
More in the article