Future Links March 23rd 2015
Here are our daily links with the most important news from the printing industry. Today they feature 3D printed living algae, the British pre-election budget, Diguru buying systems from Heidelberg, Formlabs coming to Germany, a new printing patent filed by Boeing, mobile printers from Zebra, AR packaging expanding in Europe and sustainably packaged kitty-litter.
German researchers 3D print living microalgae
Every week sees exciting new applications for 3D printing in the field of medicine. Recently, researchers at the TU Dresden managed to create algae-laden hydrogel scaffolds. In the long run, the ability to print living, oxygen-producing microalgae alongside human tissue could be the perfect method of supplying the human cells with the oxygen it needs.
More at 3D Print
British pre-election encouraging for print
Last week, the British treasury published its pre-election budget. The announcement has been described as “encouraging“ by the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF). Longer-term measures that the BPIF found promising included an increased support for energy industries, with paper among those mentioned, and a pledge to further reduce the rate of corporation tax.
More at Print Monthly
Diguru uses digital printing systems from Heidelberg
Hampshire–based commercial printing company Diguru is the first British company to use the Linoprint CV digital printing system from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen. With this acquistion Diguru wants to satisfy increasing demand and respond to the trend towards higher-quality digital print products.
More at WhatTheyThink?
Formlabs brings 3D printers to Germany
Formlabs has announced that they will be opening new offices in Berlin, their first outside of the US. This way the company wants to firmly establish its European presence. Additionally, the company will start selling its Form 1+ SLA 3D printer in brick-n-mortar locations in Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Oldenburg, Hamburg and Hannover through a distribution agreement with the largest German retailer iGO3D.
More at 3D Printing Industry
Boeing files patent for printing aircraft parts
Recently, Boeing filed a patent application for manufacturing aircraft parts through 3D printing. This application outlines a detailed process of turning a 3D design file into a 3D printed object through a central database management system. The database can be used by Boeing and its customers to fulfill spare part orders.
More at The Motley Fool
New rugged mobile printers from Zebra
Zebra Technologies launched a new ZQ500 mobile printer series for field-based applications. The 3-inch ZQ510 and 4-inch ZQ520 printers are portable, print-on-demand devices that combine military-grade design with simple functionality. Possible applications include parking enforcement, field sales and service receipts as well as transportation tickets and car rental receipts for vehicle return.
More at The Jakarta Post
AR Packaging acquires tobacco folding carton business
AR Packaging Group has bought the Europe-based tobacco folding carton business from MeadWestvaco as it looks to further its plan to expand in profitable segments. MeadWestvaco specializes in the manufacture and printing of hinge-lid boxes, display cartons and high-impact cigarette packaging, as well as folding carton packaging for some chocolate confectionery and consumer apparel segments.
More at Labels & Labeling
Sustainably packaged kitty-litter from Nestlé
Nestle Purina PetCare has partnered with Ecologic Brands Inc. to create a sustainable packaging for its Purina Pro Plan Renew premium natural cat litter. Both the jug and the friction-fit cap are made from 100 % recycled paper and can be recycled in curbside programs as they contain no plastic. And although the pressure-sensitive paper labels and an adhesive used in the package are not made from recycled materials, they are fully recyclable as well.
More at Packaging Digest