Autor: Sven

Australian university houses first rapid nanoscale 3D printer
Melbourne’s RMIT University is becoming a pioneer in 3D printing and nanotechnology. The university launches a micro nano research facility that will house the world’s first nanoscale 3D printer. It also offers a unique 3D bioprinting master’s degree.
More at 3D Printing Industry 

More than 65 billion recycled PET bottles in Europe
In 2013, the recycling rate for PET bottles in Europe increased by 7 %, compared to 2012, making PET the most-recycled plastic in Europe. Around 56 % of PET containers in circulation were collected for reclamation or recycling. While this is encouraging, there is still room for improvement.
More at Packaging Europe 

A critical look at CRM systems for printers
As more customer interactions happen online, CRM systems should be a logical and valuable addition to any print MIS. However, there are several factors to consider so that the CRM software truly adds value and contributes to improved customer relationships.
More at What they think 

Smag and Spartanics join forces
Smag and Spartanics have entered into a partnership that will merge their core technologies to develop a digital converting system for the label market. The partnership will combine Spartanics’ laser cutting technology with Smag’s traditional roll-fed label converting system.
More at Labels & Labeling 

SpexyMe uses 3D printing to offer customized glasses
Finding a pair of perfectly fitting sunglasses can be a challenge. The Australian start-up SpexyMe is trying to help. Customers can take pictures of their faces with cameras on their computers or smartphones and select models that fit their faces. SpexyMe is in the crowdfunding stage and shows once more how 3D printing can take customization to the next level.
More at 3D Print 

Packaging design trends for 2014
Consumers are increasingly driven by environmental and health concerns. These trends influence their buying choices as well as the packaging material and design they find most appealing. Packaging Digest identified five emerging packaging trends for 2014.
More at Packaging Design 

Lake Image Systems recommended as “Must See”
At the Graph Expo 2014 at McCormick Place in Chicago from September 28 to October 1, many exhibitors will present their new products and processes. A panel of industry experts has found the ones that shouldn’t been missed and recognized them with a “Must See ‘Em” award. One of the companies is Lake Image Systems with their Discovery Enterprise inspection system in the color management and quality control category.
More at Print Week

Sweet packaging made of sugarcane
The demand for environmentally friendly packing is growing internationally and some promising solutions have entered the market. One is Green PE, a packaging material made of sugarcane that was developed by Braskem, the largest petrochemical producer in the Americas, and is distributed by Resin Trade Ltd. Resin Trade has now selected polythene bag manufacturer Duo UK to be the first UK-based manufacturer to produce mailing bags using Green PE.
More at Packaging Europe

Charlene Sims named ‘Printer of the Year’
The AMSP/NAPL/NAQP Printer of the Year Award recognizes a small commercial printer who operates a successful, customer-responsive business, demonstrating creativity, exhibiting service to community groups and industry organizations, and serving as a role model for future generations. Charlene Sims, president of The Master’s Press in Dallas, TX, received the award this year. She started her business in 1976 and has since led it with dedication and a strong customer-focus.
More at What they think?

Printers offer protection against check fraud
While the majority of payments in Europe are made electronically, the U.S. still relies on paper checks for a significant portion of its noncash payments. This poses a risk: Check fraud is still persistent, including forged checks, altered checks, duplicate checks and counterfeit checks. Secure magnetic ink character recognition (MICR), protected fonts and inks are solutions that can help combat fraud at the printer level.
More at Bai.org

3D printing industry expected to quadruple within four years
Research firm Wohlers Associates Inc. expects worldwide revenues in 3D printing and additive manufacturing to reach $12.8 billion by 2018. The growth will be driven mainly by the production of actual parts for manufacturing as well as by sales of personal 3D printers costing less than 5000 USD.  By 2020, Wohlers Associates forecasts revenues from all products and services in the industry to exceed $21 billion.
More at Plastics Today

In print decisions, volume and price are key factors
Brand owners are most strongly influenced by price and volumes when selecting a printing process, a new study by market researcher GfK found. The study ‘Demands by the brand owners for their packaging printing’ was commissioned by the European Rotogravure Association (ERA). According to the study, print quality was also an important factor while environmental aspects ranked lower on the scale of considerations that went into the decision-making process.
More at Labels & Labeling

Epson managed print services win silver medal
Epson’s managed print services are well received by small and medium-sized businesses (SMB). Epson was awarded with a silver medal in the Channel Pro Readers’ Choice Awards. The award highlights the products, technologies, services, and programs that best fit the requirements of SMBs and the channel pro organizations that serve them.
More at CNN Money

Research and Markets’ new report focuses on printing
The market researchers’ new analysis “Value-added printing and finishing for improved profitability” shows which value-added enhancements can be implemented with no additional capital investment, which services are in demand and how brand managers view value-added printing services. The 240-page report also covers specialized inks, coatings and substrates.
More at Businesswire.com

New compact print engine for flexible, custom OEM designs
Memjet, a leader in color printing technologies, introduced the Sirius-12G compact color print engine sub-system developed for OEMs. The printer easily integrates into existing media handling systems and is suitable for wide range of applications including label printing, package printing, mail processing, and print-and-apply labels in product manufacturing operations.
More at What they think? 

Paperlinx offers printing services and office space in London
Paperlinx’ customers often travel to London for business but find themselves stuck in crammed offices or noisy coffee shops when they need to answer emails or get an online quote to their clients. The printing company Paperlinx now offers its clients an alternative: Office space with printers, WiFi and desk spaces near Elephant & Castle in central London.
More at Print Week

3 million USD grant for university research
To find new 3D printing solutions and technologies, 13 different university programs in Pennsylvania will receive a total of 3 million USD for their research activities. The grant was provided by 3D Systems, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and ‘America Makes’. More than one million USD will go to Carnegie Mellon and Lehigh University for the development of medical instruments and devices.
More at 3dprint.com  

Business data and services can help printers expand their business
Columnist Jennifer Matt believes some printing companies do not fully integrate business data and other services into their presentation, which makes them vulnerable to competition from brokers, distributors and print management companies. She offers suggestions how printers can grow their business with additional services.
More at What they think