Future Links November 12th 2014
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers a module-based all-in-one 3D printer, Barnes and Noble’s print service for authors, Novitex’s cloud-based managed print service, a real full-size printed surfboard, a new conductive filament for printed electronics, a free packaging design ebook, MTex’s additional textile printers and Sidel’s food declaration management initiative.
Interchangeable parts make FLUX fit for the future
A new all-in-one 3D printer and scanner for the home market has just been launched. The new FLUX can be fitted with a handful of interchangeable modules that attach and detach using strong magnets. That makes the FLUX adaptable to any user’s needs and preferences. It can also be updated over time as technology advances.
More at Gizmodo
Barnes and Noble offers print-on-demand service for authors
Following Amazon’s print-on-demand service, U.S. book seller Barnes and Noble is also starting a printing service for authors who want to print their books in smaller numbers than traditional publishing houses. The service lets writers create their own paperback or hardcover book, selecting paper-type, colors, trim-sizes and more.
More at The Next Web
Novitex with new cloud-based managed printing service
Novitex Enterprise Solutions uses a vendor-agnostic, data-driven approach to handling an enterprise’s on-premises and mobile print services. Employees are thus able to print documents from virtually any device to any nearby printer. The field of cloud-based managed printing services has been growing steadily over the past few years with several brand name companies competing for market share.
More at eWeek
Father and son print a full-size surfboard
It all began with a conversation over breakfast when a father wondered out loud whether it was possible to print a full-size surfboard. Possible or not, it would definitely be way cool, was the son’s opinion. And so a project started that took them 164 days to complete. The costs were similar to a regular store-bought surfboard but the feeling of having actually made something cool was priceless. More at 3D Print
Conductive filament could be a breakthrough in printed electronics
A new filament, named Functionalize F-Electric, is currently seeking funding in a Kickstarter campaign. The inventor of the filament says that consumer-level PLA-capable 3D printers can use the new filament to print circuits, wires, sensors and other electrical components.
More at Venture Beat
The Dieline shares free packaging design ebook
An ebook with popular structural designs, as well as tried and true standards, is online now. The book is meant for students and professionals alike and can be imported into Adobe Illustrator to scale, edit, and print. It contains photos, descriptions and design guidelines.
More at The Dieline
MTex plans to unveil new textile printers
MTex continues to show a strong presence in the direct-to-textile market and will introduce two new printers at Viscom Frankfurt 2014. The 1.6m MTex Blue is an entry level direct-to textile printer, while the MTex Vision at 1.85m is aimed at the production needs of transfer print market.
More at Output Magazine
Sidel shares its expertise in food declaration management
Sidel presented its knowledge about ‘Food Declaration Management’, at the European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group’s (EHEDG) 2014 annual world congress. The EHEDG is a worldwide network of experts, which provides guidance and practical assistance to manufacturers of food processing and packaging equipment, food manufacturers, national and international regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.
More at Packaging Europe