Future Links March 16th

New print technologies turn books into collectors’ items
Renowned museum like the Getty in Los Angeles are producing beautiful art books at impressive rate, according to an article in the New York Times. The books create tactile sensations and are cherished by buyers. The popularity of the books is due to new printing technologies that make the books’ colors more vivid and their textures more interesting.
More at The New York Times

Caldera launches textile printing software
Caldera is hoping to capitalize on the increasing trend for digitally printed textiles with its new product, a textile print suit names TextilePro, which allows designers to use a Photoshop plug-in for colorizing patterns and swapping swatches quickly. TextilePro keeps all colors in RGB, even at ICC profiling level, meaning the final result is closer to the color intended.
More at Print Week

iMcustom prints insoles in-store and on demand
3D printing is hitting Main Street. iMcustom is offering dynamic 3D foot scanning, custom insole design, and finished, custom 3D printed foot insoles available same-day and entirely in-store. This is the first time that a tailor-made insole is 3D printed entirely at a store so that a customer can try it on in under two hours. The service will be available at select Sam’s Club locations as well as other retailers and medical service providers in the U.S.
More at 3D Print

Hibiscus introduces new printing solution for hazardous goods
Hibiscus, a leading supplier of labels to the hazardous goods and chemical industries, has announced the introduction of the Hibsoft Compact Labeling Station, the most compact waste labeling station available. Providing a complete solution for printing full colour BS5609 compliant labels, in a compact and self-contained set-up, Hibsoft was designed for harsh environments and limited space.
More at Packaging Europe

How digital print influences the design process
With the rise of digital design and application, building brand images has taken a leap forward. Digital has enabled the design process to become almost limitless in imagination – faster, clearer, more colorful, quickly adaptable, with an array of formats and typefaces. New technologies allow brand owners to print on paper, fabric, wood, walls, plastic, floors, and so on. There’s less fuss, faster turnaround, and fewer expensive blunders with the wrong color. All this equals greater brand consistency.
More at bizcommunity

Kodak to divest enterprise inkjet division
Kodak is in the middle of a strategic realignment: The company is in talks with prospective buyers over offers to purchase its enterprise inkjet business, including the Prosper press platform, Prosper S series imprinting systems and related products, according to media reports. Kodak is also to divest its silver metal mesh touch sensor businesses following in-depth management reviews of this business operation, and that of enterprise inkjet, and discussions with customers, partners and other industry participants.
More at Labels & Labeling