Future Links September 3rd 2015
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers Simplify 3D’s software upgrade to widen compatibility, HP’s appointment of a senior executive for its 3D printing business, Stratasys’ redesign challenge, RepRap’s new version of its wide format printer, Heidelberg’s improved Printec print and media workflow, a study showing strong growth for the in-mold labeling market and Siedel’s move to help Pepsico save energy.

Simplify 3D expands its range of compatible printers
As more 3D printers hit the market, Simplify 3D, a provider of professional 3D printing software, has expanded the compatibility of their tools. The software can now work with more than 30 additional machines from different geographic regions. Before this latest set of additions, Simplify3D already supported more than 150 different 3D printers, and the company says the list will continue to grow with each new release.
More at 3D Print
HP’s new appointment emphasizes the importance of 3D printing
Hewlett-Packard has taken a big step to increase the importance of 3D printing after the company splits into two separate businesses on November 1, according to Fortune. Steve Nigro, HP’s senior vice president of imaging and printing, will take charge of the 3D printing business for the newly created HP Inc., the company that will focus on printers and personal computers.
More at Fortune
Stratasys now accepts entries for its redesign challenge
Stratasys is inviting students worldwide to participate in its Extreme Redesign 3D Printing Challenge. Students in the fields of engineering, design and art or architecture are called to design a new product that improves how a task is accomplished or to redesign an existing product. The winners in each category will receive scholarship money.
More at Market Watch
German RepRap releases new version of its large format 3D printer
RepRap has just released a new version of its large format printer the X1000. The original 3D printer X1000 has undergone further enhancements and is now available for purchase as the X1000 V2. The V2 was made with industrial requirements in mind and can print on a large scale and, if necessary, multiple parts at once.
More at 3ders
Heidelberg improves Prinect Print and Media Workflow
Heidelberg is adding a host of new functions to its Prinect print and media workflow. The new functions will result in more intuitive operation, enhanced process integration between management information system (MIS) and production workflow, and the possibility of complete color reports to provide end users with documented proof of quality.
More at Graphic Repro Online
Market for in-mold labeling is expected to grow rapidly
The 2015 ‘Labels study’ from The Freedonia Group Inc. indicates that in-mold labeling (IML) will experience the strongest growth rates of all primary-packaging label technologies through 2019, with stretch, sleeve and heat-shrink labels also showing solid growth. For IML, the study reveals an annual growth rate of 4.7 percent between 2009 and 2014 and predicts a growth rate of 5.4 percent between 2014 and 2019, based on U.S. demand.
More at Packaging Digest
Sidel helps Pepsico Ukraine save 42 % energy
Sidel, a leading provider of PET solutions for liquid packaging, has supported PepsiCo in Ukraine to save 42 % energy in its beverage production and PET bottling processes. Siedel upgraded two of Pepsico’s blowers to achieve a significant reduction in the consumption of electricity and compressed air.
More at Packaging Europe