Future Links November 13th 2014
Here are our daily links with the most important news from the printing industry. Today they feature new opportunities for inkjet printing, GE’s new 3D printing facility, adidas’ customized sneakers, a more precise 3D printing method, Langley’s acquisition of DruckChemie, a range of substrates for wide-format printing and a successful recycling partnership.
“Matjet” printing brings new opportunities
Inkjet printing has proved to be an amazingly versatile technology showing rapid growth in areas such as textile printing. The newest trend, matjet or materials jet printing could be even bigger, according to experts. With drop-on-demand technology, electronic circuit boards, RFID tracing tags and special varnishes for security purposes could be printed.
More at Web Printing and Imaging
GE builds 32 million USD 3D printing facility
General Electric plans to build a 32 million USD facility near Pittsburgh International Airport to develop 3D printing and other high-tech manufacturing processes. In this location, the facility is in close proximity to Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University, which have well-respected research programs related to 3D printing and other manufacturing methods.
More at CBS Pittsburgh
Adidas takes customization to the next level
With its new photo app, athletic-gear manufacturer adidas lets users customize their ZX Flux trainers. Whether it’s the favorite color, a floral picture or an image of one’s favorite pet, any Instagram image can adorn the sneakers that were originally designed in 1989 and have been modified since. The ZX Flux is a part of the miAdidas brand, a customizable platform that lets you design and purchase your own colors and patterns.
More at Pocket Lint
Researchers develop more precise 3D printing method
Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a new manufacturing process that can create 3D printed metal components with an unprecedented degree of precision. The process manages the solidification of metal parts in each layer on a microscopic scale. The material properties can thus be better controlled, which can have a profound impact on the strength, weight, and function of 3D printed metal components.
More at Arch Daily
DruckChemie to be bought by Langely
DruckChemie, the leading European manufacturer of print chemicals that went into bankruptcy proceedings in September, is about to be acquired by the British industrial group Langley Holdings, after cartel clearance. Langley entered the print sector in January 2012 with the acquisition of Manroland Sheetfed.
More at What They Think?
Versatile substrates suited for wide-format printing
In a FESPA article, Nessan Cleary discusses different types of rigid media suitable for sign and display use, including wood and metal as well as stone and glass. Today’s flatbed printers will work with a wide range of substrates but some will need special inks or primers.
More at FESPA
Recycling partnership was a success
“Every can counts” was the motto of the recycling partnership that encouraged people to recycle beverage cans when they are out of their homes. Carlsberg UK funded a program that motivated music-lovers at the Latitude, Reading and Leeds festivals to exchange their empty beer cans for rewards.
More at Packaging Europe