Future Links May 7th 2015
Here are our daily links with the most important news from the printing industry. Today they feature Oxford University Press’ digital printing deal, 3D printing’s role in the future of manufacturing, a new 4D printing material, an innovative inkjet process for solar cells, potential buyers for Tullis Russell, new packaging options for beverages, Stratasys’ Airbus activities and Antalis’ acquisition of Paperlinx packaging business.
Oxford University Press signs contract with digital print provider
Oxford University Press has appointed Hong Kong-based CTPS to provide an end-to-end solution covering digital printing using HP inkjet web and HP Indigo technology, mailing solutions, inventory management, warehousing and distribution of printed products to subscribers in 27 countries throughout Asia Pacific and beyond.
More at Publishers Weekly
The future of manufacturing relies on sensors and 3D printing
Consulting firm McKinsey paints a picture of the future in which 3D printing takes on a central role. According to its research, the evolution of manufacturing in the United States, Germany, and Japan will increasingly rely on a combination of in-factory sensors, analytics, in-factory use of augmented reality, and drastic increases in how 3D printing is used for the mass market.
More at Fast Company
Hydrogels represent big step forward in 4D printing
Just as 3D printing is entering the mainstream, researchers are conquering the next frontier: 4D printing, a name that describes 3D printed materials that morph into new structures, post production, under the influence of external stimuli such as water or heat. A group of scientists have now developed hydrogels that change their characteristics if water is present.
More at Asian Scientist
Researchers develop new inkjet process for solar cells
A research team at Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) has developed an inkjet printing technology to produce kesterite thin film absorbers (CZTSSe). Based on the inkjet-printed absorbers, solar cells with total area conversion efficiency of up to 6.4 percent have been achieved. Although this is lower than the efficiency records for this material class, the inkjet printing minimizes waste and has advantages for industrial production.
More at Nanowerk
Potential buyers for papermaker Tullis Russell
One week after the Scottish paper manufacturer Tullis Russell initiated insolvency proceedings, the first suitors have expressed interest in a potential acquisition. PG Paper has confirmed that it is among the suitors but no offer had been made.
More at Euwid Pulp and Paper
Packaging options for beverages drive growth
The development of new package formats and sizes is expected to drive growth in the beverage packaging market, according to a recent Packaging Digest survey. A large percentage of respondents said they expect their beverage portfolio will increase in 2015.
More at Packaging Digest
Stratasys manufactured more than 1000 parts for Airbus
3D printing is taking hold in the aviation industry: A statement by Stratasys just revealed that the company has manufactured more than a thousand parts for the new Airbus A350 XWB jet in December 2014. It is believed that this is a new record in the number of 3D printed parts included in a single airplane.
More at 3ders
Antalis buys Paperlinx packaging business
Antalis has taken over Paperlinx packaging business. This brings the combined value of both companies’ packaging operations to more than 80 million British Pounds. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
More at Print Week