Future Links June 29th 2015
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers a look at how 3D printing is changing the world, a Swedish project to print cellulose-based houses, a new conductive ink for smart clothing, an analyst’s prediction about 2D printing firms entering the 3D printing market, Barclays loan for MOO’s R&D, Coveris’ entry into Latin American market and Innovia’s new compostable packaging film.
A look at how 3D printing is changing the world
Forbes Magazine has been following new developments in 3D printing closely. Now, the magazine has published an article that shows how 3D printing will impact different areas of people’s lives, ranging from entertainment to food and clothing to printable electronics.
More at Forbes
Sweden funds project to print houses from cellulose
Lately, there has been a lot of activity aiming at 3D printing large structures for the construction industry. The newest development comes from Sweden: The Sliperiet space at Umeå University’s Umeå Arts Campus is embarking on a project to 3D print homes using a cellulose-based material. The project receives about 4 million USD in funding, parts of the financial support comes from the EU.
More at 3D Printing Industry
Japanese researchers develop new conductive ink for smart clothing
Conductive inks have been hailed as the new solution for wearable electronics. While this is true, most conductive inks couldn’t be printed on stretchable, soft materials or were not conductive enough for applications other than sensors. Researchers at the University of Tokyo have found a way to make inks that have high conductivity and stretchability and can be printed with a simple one-step process.
More at Digital Trends
Analyst predict more 2D printing firms will enter 3D printing market
HP made a big splash with its announcement that it will bring its Multi Jet Fusion 3D printer to market in 2016. Wide format inkjet press manufacturer Mimaki has also revealed its plans for the 3D printing market with the first products planned for 2015. A Gartner analyst predicts that the market entry by Canon, EFI, Epson, Konica Minolta, Ricoh or Xerox cannot be far off. One or more of them may be quicker to market than HP.
More at Channel Life
Barclays loans 3 million British Pounds to online print and design firm
The online business card printing business Moo received 3 million British Pound from Barclays’ Fast Growth Technology Fund to invest in marketing and R&D. The online printing business for customized business cards has experienced rapid growth in the past years.
More at The Drum
Coveris enters Latin American market through acquisition
Coveris has acquired Olefinas, an agricultural plastics company with operations in Guatemala and Mexico, in a deal that signals Coveris’ entrance into Latin America. Olefinas manufactures packaging for a full range of agricultural products as well as mulch and fumigation films, insect traps, modified atmospheric packaging and shrink films.
More at Labels & Labelling
Innovia Films launches new compostable film
Innovia Films has added NatureFlex NK Matt to its range of compostable cellulose-based packaging films. The film has a premium natural paper appearance and is already being used by Fairtrade and organic companies for products in the confectionery, dry foods, snacks and beverage sectors.
More at Packaging Europe