Links November 17th
Here are our daily links with the most important news from the printing industry. Today they feature a book series to highlight digital textile print, a robotic platform for 3D printed composites, a surprising object printed in space, digital print as a game changer in packaging production, eco-friendliness as an important packaging trend, automated cutting solution for wide-format printers and a new bio-based packaging laminate.
Book series to highlight digital textile print
Much has changed in the world of fashion over the years. While 3D printing is not quite mainstream yet, digital textile printing has found its space in fashion production. A new book series titled ‘Beyond the Silk Road’. The Textile Industry in the Era of Digital Print’ will highlight the changes. The book is the work of the Textile Solution Center (TSC), a center of excellence founded in Como (Italy) by Epson and For.Tex.
More at fibre2fashion
Robotic platform for 3D printed thermoplastic composite parts
Arevo has developed a robotic additive manufacturing platform (RAM) for faster and more efficient production of ultra-strong thermoplastic 3D printed composite parts. The platform allows for the 3D printing of high-performance carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, resulting in complex composite parts that can be used in defense, aerospace, automotive and other demanding industries.
More at 3ders
First objects 3D printed in space included a backscratcher
Science or fiction?, one might wonder. But according to an article on AL.com, one of the first objects printed in space was a backscratcher. Astronaut Barry Wilmore who is better known for 3D printing a wrench in space said in an interview that he also printed a backscratcher. The design worked and helped astronauts and the crew on land understand the demands and challenges of 3D printing in space a bit better.
More at AL.com
Digital printing changes the packaging game
Hyper-customization, ultra small runs and seasonal themes have all been recent trends in packaging production. Digital printing has clearly helped advance these trends. It allows brands to target and connect with the consumer anytime, anywhere. It also provides brands with the flexibility to get what they need, when they need it, and how they need it.
More at KDM
Packaging trends: Eco is king
The Eco Focus Trend survey found that consumers in the healthy beverage shopper category make a strong connection between their personal health and the environmentally friendly choices they make. They also have high expectations about packaging because of the impact it can have on the foods and beverages they buy and use. This has an impact on their shopping behavior: 55 % of respondents have avoided purchasing products from companies when they learned that they did not have environmentally responsible practices.
More at FoodBev Media
Automated cutting solutions can improve throughput
As printing directly onto substrates such as paperboard, wood, plastic and acrylic becomes more popular, many people in the wide format printing trade quickly realize that if they had to buy a flatbed printer to produce rising volumes of work, the increased throughput also justifies buying an automated cutting solution. There are many options available, each one with specifics benefits and drawbacks in certain situations.
More at FESPA
Bio-based packaging laminate developed for food products
A partnership between Innovia Films and Dutch company Bio4Pack has resulted in a bio-based packaging laminate structure being developed using renewable and compostable NatureFlex. The laminate is used by Aardse Droom for their organic Sapana Delibars products.
More at Labels & Labeling