Future Links June 17th 2015
Here are our daily links with the most important news from the printing industry. Today they feature printed pharmaceuticals, top 5 reasons for managed print services, 3D printed lab rats, Heidelberg’s new print media center, Xeikon’s new metallic toners, the goals of the open source nano replicator initiative and Two Side’s sustainable printing fact-sheets.
Printed pharmaceuticals include children-specific shapes
As we reported a few weeks back, researchers at University College London (UCL) are working on 3D printed pills that can accommodate individual medical needs and preferences. While the 3D printed pills have great potential in personalized medicine, the researchers just pointed out one very promising niche after completion of their first trial: Medication for kids that is specially formulated for their individual and changing needs. The pills come in special shapes, for example dinosaur shapes, that make taking the pills more fun and thus ensures compliance with the prescribed medical regiment.
More at 3D Print
Managed print services grow as printing becomes more complex
As printing in organizations becomes more complex and its cost-saving potential becomes clearer, many companies opt for managed print services (MPS). The managed print services market is expected to grow to $12.3 billion USD through 2018, up from 10 billion USD in 2014. ITPortal shares the top 5 reasons that companies need managed print services.
More at ITPortal
Couple develops 3D printed lab rats
Dissecting rats is common practice in many biology labs around the world. An estimated 6 to 12 million animals are dissected in the United States alone each year. Bart Taylor, a necropsy technician for a medical research institute, and his wife Tara Whittle, a wildlife biologist, came up with the idea to develop a 3D printed true-to-life animal model. They founded the company NecropSynth, which has the goal of replacing biological dissection specimens in education with high-quality synthetic facsimiles.
More at TreeHugger
Heidelberg presents new print media center
To adjust to dynamic market conditions and changing customer demand, Heidelberg has presented its new strategy and a focus on the global market’s future growth segments, especially digital printing, consumables, and services. This strategic shift is also reflected at the new Print Media Center (PMC) Commercial in Wiesloch-Walldorf, which marks the start of the run-up to drupa in 2016.
More at Packaging Europe
Xeikon adds metallic toners for premium labels
Xeikon announced the introduction of two new toners, MatteSilver and PalladiumSilver. The two special silver metallic toner colors will enable more creative possibilities for designers as well as label and package printers and converters using Xeikon’s digital printing technologies.
More at What They Think
Open Source Nano Replicator Initiative shares ambitious goals
The Open Source Nano Replicator Initiative announced that it is working on a machine that could potentially change the way anything is produced. The replicator it is basically a machine that can 3D print virtually anything, using single atoms as its feedstock. Scientists have been discussing this opportunity for decades but the jury is still out on whether it will become a reality in the near future.
More at 3D Print
Two Sides publishes sustainable printing fact-sheets
Two Sides has released a series of fact sheets to argue the sustainability of print and paper, tackling a number of environmental and social critiques. They fact-sheets include common themes such as recycling and electronic versus printed communications and also focus on sustainable forestry, the carbon footprint of paper and whether wood-based or non-wood paper is more eco-friendly.
More at Output Magazine