Future Links March 20th 2015
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers Volvo’s cuts in production time and costs, Konica Minolta’s Metal Mesh Transparent Conductive Film, Indian Offices remain paperless only on paper as prints increase, Schur’s new building in Europe, Videojet’s launch of new ink, a discussion about Web-to-Print, Colour communication in corrugated supply chain, Xaar’s future in sheetfed inkjet.
Volvo trucks cuts production costs with 3D printing
Last year, German automobile manufacturer Opel had started using 3D printing for manufacturing hardware. Now, another car company benefited from the technology. Volvo Trucks has decreased turnaround times of critical assembly line manufacturing tools by more than 94 % since incorporating additive manufacturing technology into their engine production processes. Using Stratasys AM technology has cut the time it takes to design and manufacture a variety of tools once produced in metal from 36 days to just two days by using thermoplastic ABSplus and the Stratasys Fortus 3D Production System.
More at 3D print
Colour communication in corrugated supply chain
There are several problems with using low film weight inks to achieve low dot gains. „Print Monthly“ discusses those problems and explains how to resolve issues surrounding the use of inks and other coatings off press using FlexiProof or one of the other colour communication devices designed and developed by RK Print Coat Instruments Ltd.
More at Print Monthly
Office prints are going up in India
While industry and governments have been insisting on the concept of paperless office in India, contrary to popular opinion, actual prints are going up, say printer industry players. Digital technologies have helped in the exponential increase of prints over the past decade by enabling individual customizations.
More at mydigitalfc
Schur is building Europe’s most modern folding box plant
Schur Pack Germany is currently building Europe’s most modern high-tech folding box facility, according to the company, and is massively investing in this new location. With the purpose of providing a sustainable corporate development, a 28.000 square metre plant is presently being constructed.
More at Packaging Europe
Web-to-Print: Best or worst investment?
Today’s print service providers are facing a number of challenges, and leading companies are pursuing several strategies to overcome them. One such strategy is the pursuit of operational excellence by automating production with Web-to-print software. “What They Think?“ explores why some companies succeed with Web-to-print while others fail.
More at What They Think?
Xaar sees future potential in sheetfed inkjet
Doug Edwards, fresh Xaar chief executive, was upbeat about future prospects, while acknowledging it had been a difficult year for the business. Edwards is aiming to expand the use of the firm’s technology in commercial print and has inkjet replacements for today’s mid-range electrophotographic digital presses in his sights as a potential market.
More at Printweek
Videojet launches new ink to enhance adhesion
The topic of food labeling regulations continues to lead discussions within the packaging industry and it has never been more important to ensure merchandise is coded accurately with readable use-by dates. In response to this demand, Videojet developed the new ink range V418 enhanced adhesion ink. formulated specifically to improve adhesion and abrasion resistance on flexible film packaging commonly used in meat, poultry, fish and seafood manufacturing facilities.
More at Packaging Europe