by Melissa Donovan There is major growth opportunity in the three-dimensional (3D) printing plastics market. Five main plastic categories—photopolymers, ABS/ASA, polyamide/nylon, polyactic acid (PLA), and other—are a focus for additive manufacturing (AM). The increasing supply of these plastics is part of the recent burst in interest. Research firm Markets and Markets published its 3D Printing Plastics Market report in January 2024. The report states that the global 3D printing plastics market is expected to be worth USD 4.4 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 22 perc ..read more

by Cassandra Balentine Sustainability goals in the manufacturing industry contribute to the trend of using UV-curing systems for three-dimensional (3D) printing processes—especially among additive manufacturing (AM) methods that work with resin. “Post curing is a crucial step in the AM process, especially when working with photopolymer resins. After a 3D printed part is built, typically in processes like stereolithography, digital light processing, or material jetting, it is not yet fully cured and often lacks the necessary mechanical strength or stability. Post-curing involves exposing the p ..read more

by Cassandra Balentine Continued advancement and adoption of digital print in the corrugate printing market has providers reconsidering the efficiencies of their legacy workflows. Among the most essential workflow software is MIS/ERP and MES. Jack J. Lafler, VP, sales and technical services, HiFlow Solutions, explains that an MIS/ERP provides umbrella software that allows corrugated converters control over every single aspect of their production and business landscape, starting from receiving the RFQ until the final product delivery. “It inserts automation into every process and streamlines a ..read more

by Industrial Print Magazine Staff Sometimes customers become partners. This was the case at the beginning of the year when Meltio and One Off Robotics joined forces. Meltio, based in Linares, Spain, takes metal additive manufacturing (AM) to the next level by developing high-performance, affordable, and easy-to-use metal 3D printing solutions using wire-laser metal deposition (W-LMD) technology. The current portfolio of metal solutions includes the Meltio M450 metal 3D printer; the Meltio Engine Integration, a 3D printing module that turns almost any CNC, robotic arm, or gantry system into a ..read more

by Cassandra Balentine Brewery and winery goers love their merchandise, including barware like pint and wine glasses. Direct to object (DtO) printing technologies make it easier than ever to offer short runs of custom glasses commemorating anything from the company’s logo to a limited edition drink. Above: Innovative Digital Systems’ entire UV rotary printer line is capable of printing glassware in full color with proper adhesion. “Statistically, DtO printing in the glass industry is continuing to extend its market share,” offers Christian Maas, managing director, Koenig & Bauer Kammann G ..read more

by Cassandra Balentine The three-dimensional (3D) print—particularly additive manufacturing (AM)—world relies on a variety of materials for product and part building. Elastomers are rubber-like polymers with elastic features, which are ideal for seals, adhesives, and flexible parts. 3D printing processes that print elastomers include stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling (FDM), multi-jet fusion (MJF), and selective laser sintering (SLS). Each technology has some pros and cons, but Sam Houston, senior manager, Advanced Laser Materials (ALM) global, EOS, says it really depends on t ..read more

by Melissa Donovan Post-processing three-dimensional (3D) printed parts involve many processes, which depend on the material and print technology used. Multiple vendors provide hardware just for this purpose. However, 3D printer manufacturers are dipping their toes into post-processing to offer a full 3D printing ecosystem. Above: Solukon’s depowdering systems are approved for safe and reliable processing of powder materials, including tough-to-handle and reactive metal powders. For example, Formlabs—manufacturer of selective laser sintering (SLS) and stereolithography (SLA) printers—announce ..read more

by Melissa Donovan Direct printing on pre-manufactured objects continues to entice manufacturers from all verticals. Quick turnarounds, small runs, and personalization—which are strengths of digital printing—are trends seen on everything from water bottles to hand towels. With the holiday season upon us, toys including games/puzzles, action figures, cars/trucks, building blocks, and dolls is one vertical worth spotlighting in relation to digital printing. Many manufacturers in this space recently upped their game by partnering with well-known brands to offer licensed products with the likenes ..read more

by Cassandra Balentine Digital printing technology brings many advantages to the evolving corrugated print space, including the ability to print short run lengths and easily change designs. There are two ways corrugated is digitally printed to—direct and indirect. The direct printing method is just what it sounds like, directly printing onto the substrate—in this case corrugated material—with a digital print device. “Direct-to-board corrugated printing is an optimal process to maximize the efficiencies and advantages of digital printing. Direct printing is applied to the board after it is cor ..read more

by Melissa Donovan The ability to print to anything is credited to advancements in printhead technology, hardware configurations, software solutions, and ink sets. A fun segment to peek into is toys and games, whether for a hobbyist, children, or promotional products. Choosing Digital VIECO Inc. owns PromotionChoice.com out of San Diego, CA. In business since 1999, the company began with two employees and today staffs 15 out of 2,500 square feet of space to offer its customers decoration of promotional products as well as custom printing. Main categories include apparel and bags, drinkware, t ..read more