iTWire - Print Solutions

Networkpak Expands Capabilities with Installation of Screen L350UV SAI S, Enhancing Label and Packaging Offerings

2024-09-04T13:37:13+10:00

Networkpak, a well-established name in the Australian printing industry known for its high-quality printed folding cartons for leading brands, has taken a significant step forward in expanding its service offerings.

In collaboration with Jet Technologies Australia, Networkpak has installed the state-of-the-art Screen L350UV SAI S digital printer, positioning itself to meet a broader range of its clients' label and packaging needs.

This strategic investment is a bold move by Networkpak as it transitions from its traditional focus on folding cartons to include high-quality digital label printing. The new Screen L350UV SAI S press is expected to play a crucial role in this expansion, allowing Networkpak to fulfil the increasing demand for premium labels and packaging solutions.

Paul O'Sullivan, Director of Networkpak, shared his enthusiasm for this new chapter in the company's evolution. "As a company with deep roots in printed folded cartons, we have earned the trust of leading Australian brands by consistently delivering top-tier products. The addition of the Screen L350UV SAI S to our lineup is a natural progression for us, enabling us to offer an even wider array of solutions to our clients. We can now meet their label and packaging needs with the same level of quality and reliability they've come to expect from our carton work."

The Screen L350UV SAI S, known for its vibrant colour reproduction, precision, and speed, is particularly well-suited to the demands of label printing. It offers Networkpak the flexibility to produce a wide variety of labels, from simple designs to complex, high-impact graphics, catering to the diverse needs of its clientele across various industries.

Jet Technologies Australia, a key partner in this project, has been instrumental in facilitating the installation and ensuring that Networkpak is fully equipped to leverage the capabilities of the new press.

"Since installation, we have been very impressed with the L350UV SAI S – it has done absolutely everything that we expected and has not skipped a beat. Jet Technologies have been outstanding with their service and support, ensuring that we have made a seamless transition into labels." O'Sullivan added.

David Reece, Sales Director for Jet Technologies said, "We are delighted to be working with Networkpak. Whilst they may be new in the label space, their team has significant experience in the market and their choice of the L350UV SAI S is a strong endorsement in the brand and our support."

As Networkpak continues to grow, the integration of the Screen L350UV SAI S is expected to significantly boost the company's production capabilities, reduce lead times, and open up new opportunities for creative packaging solutions. This move ensures that Networkpak remains a leader in the printing industry, offering comprehensive services that cater to the evolving needs of its customers.

Jet Technologies will be demonstrating the Screen L350UV SAI S at its Sydney HQ on Friday 11^th October 2024. To register please visit: https://info.jet-ap.com/open-house-2024

Building a Sustainable Future: Government Regulations for 3D Printing

2024-05-21T07:54:58+10:00

3D printing technology has become a technology that we now associate with DIY. The most common use case seems to be fixing things around the house or creating physical art. However, this perception will likely change in the next few years, as some companies are leveraging it to automate far-and-wide industries.

3D printing has a few key benefits: it’s mostly automated, it cuts labour costs, and it is rapid in going from prototype to product. This makes it ideal for manufacturing, packaging, and automotive, but also in intricate production too, like orthotics and space.

The Current State of 3D Printing Regulations

Much like AI is currently experiencing, government regulations around the world for 3D printing are evolving to address the technology's rapid growth.

In the United States, the FDA has issued guidance for additive-manufactured medical devices, reflecting the need for rigorous testing and quality control. The U.S. also sees ongoing discussions regarding the regulation of 3D-printed firearms, a contentious issue that’s somewhat unique to the US, which balances innovation with public safety.

In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has begun implementing rules for 3D-printed medical devices, ensuring they meet the same safety standards as traditionally manufactured products.

The balance between innovation and compliance is exemplified by firms like Formero, adhering to ethical standards in 3D printing despite infant lawmaking.

The Australian government is also exploring regulations around intellectual property rights and consumer safety in 3D printing. Given that 3D printing is being involved in construction, proper regulations haven’t even addressed these developments despite some experts predicting that 30% of homes in the outback will be 3D printed.

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) review is looking to include 3D printing designs within the scope of product safety, because such designs are often available for public download. What if people begin printing medical devices at home for self-treatment, for example?

Lawmakers around the world are recognising the potential of 3D printing while acknowledging the necessity of regulatory frameworks to promote responsible use.

Importance of Regulations for Sustainability

Government regulations play a pivotal role in ensuring the environmental sustainability of 3D printing — after all, this is a key USP of 3D printing things (waste reduction). These regulations can enforce the use of eco-friendly materials and efficient waste management. These will not likely impact DIY printers, but their use in industry. For instance, guidelines requiring recyclable materials and reducing hazardous emissions make 3D printing more environmentally friendly, but such regulations are mostly pre-existing and not 3D printing-specific.

Balancing Innovation and Ethical Practices

To sustain innovation in 3D printing while upholding ethical practices, regulators must use common sense. Issues like intellectual property infringements and the potential misuse of printed products are complicated areas, with both trying to fit in with existing laws. And, it’s important to hold manufacturers accountable for their sustainability claims, particularly when using new technology.

Conclusion

Regulation is always one step behind technology by its very nature. This means that many businesses begin a process only for it to be restricted down the line. However, this long-term view of compliance is an important strategy, meaning that firms should uphold ethical standards that are above and beyond the current law.

WatchGuard Technologies Appoints Kyocera Australia as a Platinum Partner in Australia and New Zealand

2024-03-20T12:42:24+11:00

COMPANY NEWS: WatchGuard Technologies, a global leader in unified security, today announced that it has appointed Kyocera Australia as a second Platinum Partner in Australia and New Zealand.

The relationship with Kyocera in Australia and New Zealand reinforces the relationship between the two companies in Japan where Kyocera has been a WatchGuard Technologies Platinum partner since 2018. During this time, Kyocera has offered the WatchGuard Firebox high-performance firewall as a complement to its overall multi-function printer device business providing users with enterprise-grade security.

This service will now be replicated in Australia further enabling Kyocera Australia to provide powerful performance and affordable printing while fortifying customer security. As part of the process, Kyocera undertook WatchGuard certification to validate its Platinum partner status in Australia and New Zealand.

Mark Vella, Head of Marketing & Business Planning at Kyocera Australia

Mark Vella, Head of Marketing & Business Planning, Kyocera Australia, said, “Kyocera is committed to managing our products and services with the most advanced security technologies possible for our customers. We take the security of our customer’s information extremely seriously and understand that in today’s rapidly evolving business environment, we must provide the most rewarding customer experiences that are second to none in the industry.

“Partnering with WatchGuard Technologies will ensure that customers will have additional confidence and peace of mind to move their documents securely and conduct seamless digital business operations with leading firewall technology.”

Kyocera Australia will offer the WatchGuard Firebox T-25W SD-WAN ready appliance ideal for customers with a few users and simple networking needs, such as remote virtual offices and homes, as well as the WatchGuard Firebox T-45CW firewall which is ideal for small to midsize organisations requiring a device with strong throughput and enterprise-grade security. Each package includes all the traditional network security services typical to a UTM appliance: IPS, antivirus, URL filtering, application control, spam blocking and reputation lookup. It also includes a centralised management and network visibility capabilities, as well as standard 24x7 support via WatchGuard.

Anthony Daniel, Regional Director Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, WatchGuard Technologies

Anthony Daniel, Regional Director Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, WatchGuard Technologies, said, “We have a great relationship with Kyocera in Japan and are excited to mirror this relationship in Australia while at the same time tapping into the digital business skills and experience of the company and its Huon IT expert managed services and cybersecurity organisation.

“The partnership presents unmatched synergies both from a channel alliance perspective, but also from their solutions capability coupled with Kyocera’s reach across Australian and New Zealand business.”

As a WatchGuard Technologies Platinum Partner, Kyocera Australia will have a dedicated WatchGuard executive sponsor and can attend an on-site visit with WatchGuard for integration, marketing and sales planning.

WatchGuard’s Technology Partner Program, branded under its award-winning WatchGuardONE Partner Ecosystem recognises and supports industry-leading technology companies and new innovators that integrate their products with WatchGuard's best-in-class network security solutions. The program offers three levels of partnership – Silver, Gold, and Platinum – to provide flexibility based on partner commitment.

Understanding print-on-demand from a bulk buyer's perspective

2024-01-11T09:19:27+11:00

GUEST OPINION: When purchasing merchandise for business promotions or other events, bulk buyers often face the challenge of sourcing and managing large quantities of products. In recent years, a popular option for them has been print on demand (POD), as this allows businesses to order customised merchandise in the vast quantities they need and have them created on demand.

In this blog, we will explore the concept of print on demand from a buyer's perspective, discussing its advantages, challenges, and other important considerations.

Benefits of Print on Demand for Bulk Buyers

Flexible Inventory Management

GUEST OPINION: One of the benefits that print-on-demand offers buyers is its ability to manage inventory more dynamically. With these methods, businesses can order large quantities upfront and face unpredictable fluctuations in demand, which often results in issues like overstocking or understocking that could be costly. However, with print-on-demand, bulk buyers can eliminate the need for forecasting and only produce items as orders come in.

Customisation Choices

Print-on-demand platforms offer a range of customisation choices, allowing bulk buyers to create designs that align precisely with their brand's image and message. This level of customisation helps businesses differentiate themselves from competitors and connect better with their target audience.

Cost Effectiveness

Compared to traditional manufacturing processes, where creating custom merchandise requires investments and minimum order quantities, print-on-demand provides a cost-effective solution for bulk buyers. Without additional costs or minimum quantity restrictions, businesses can create customised products without straining their budget.

Challenges for Bulk Buyers when Utilizing Print on Demand

Ensuring Quality Control

Maintaining print quality across products can pose challenges when relying on various POD providers. Therefore, bulk buyers should thoroughly research vendors before committing to one and consider requesting samples before placing orders.

Shipping and Fulfillment Logistics

Adopting print-on-demand may introduce hurdles for businesses accustomed to receiving bulk products and managing distribution. Bulk buyers should carefully consider how they will handle shipping and fulfilment – whether by partnering with a POD service that integrates seamlessly with their existing systems or outsourcing these functions.

Product Selection Limitations

Even though print-on-demand offers an array of customisation options, there may be limitations on the availability of certain products. For example, you should include niche items as they may have limited design options. It is crucial for bulk buyers looking to expand their product selection to research the offerings.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Print-on-Demand Provider

Pricing Structure and Profit Margins

Bulk buyers need to evaluate the pricing structure provided by print-on-demand providers, including considering base costs per item, variable costs for features or customisation, and shipping fees. Understanding the profit margins of each provider is vital in making the correct decision.

Integration Capabilities

When selecting a print-on-demand provider, bulk buyers should consider whether the platform seamlessly integrates with business systems they rely on, such as e-commerce platforms or inventory management software. Easy integration can streamline operations and reduce effort.

Customer Service and Support

Selecting a print-on-demand provider with customer service is essential for bulk buyers who value responsive communication when troubleshooting issues or seeking assistance with orders.

Here are some extra tips to enhance your experience as a buyer using print-on-demand:

Explore Collaborative Opportunities with Suppliers

Consider reaching out to print-on-demand suppliers for partnerships. Some providers offer collaborations, giving you benefits like discounted prices, more customisation options and priority support.

Conduct Thorough Market Research

Before finalising your order quantity and product selection, conduct market research to help you identify trends, preferences and consumer demands. This information will enable you to decide which products to offer and in what quantities.

Test Samples and Gather Feedback

It is crucial to order samples of your customised products to assess their quality, design accuracy and overall customer satisfaction. Encourage colleagues or trusted individuals to provide feedback before placing orders to ensure the final product meets your expectations.

Conclusion

Print on demand has revolutionised how businesses approach the production of customised merchandise by providing advantages to buyers seeking greater flexibility in inventory management, cost efficiency and customisation options without the need for substantial upfront investments or minimum order quantities. However, while print-on-demand can be highly beneficial for these buyers, it's essential to recognise challenges such as quality control and managing shipping logistics when considering this option. By considering the aspects outlined in this blog when selecting a print-on-demand provider that meets their specific needs, bulk buyers can maximise the benefits and successfully navigate any obstacles they may encounter during their print-on-demand experiences.

Prima PMI Expands with 10 Ricoh 9500s To Deliver Enhanced Value to End Customers

2023-12-04T09:25:55+11:00

Australia’s largest print-on-demand fulfiller, Prima PMI, has announced that it will deploy ten Ricoh 9500 production printers at its Melbourne facility.

The decision to select Ricoh follows the acquisition of PMI Imageworks in late 2022 when an extensive digital press RFP was kicked off for both organisations. The RFP involved a three-part process. The first incorporated a technology review and benchmarking period. This covered narrow web, electrostatic ink, roll and sheet Inkjet, B2 and SRA3 formats and toner. The District Photo Group, parent company of Prima PMI, has all these deployed.

After benchmarking all options to fit within space, power, ceiling height, sheet yield, service levels, finishing infrastructure limitations, CO2 and ROE targets, the toner was selected.

Prima PMI then engaged a number of toner manufacturers to propose solutions to a fixed output and supply the relevant business case. The final parties had due diligence undertaken in Japan on engineering, productivity, output quality and yield.

The new Ricoh 9500 deployment will complement Prima’s existing eight Ricoh Pro C9210 machines and a large fleet of Dye Sublimation, DTG, Latex, Aqueous and Eco-solvent printers.

Prima has had a long relationship with Ricoh starting with the Pro C9110s then moving to Pro C9210s and now Pro C9500s. Over the course of this six year relationship, both businesses have optimised offerings and infrastructure to push machines, service levels and technology to the limit to enable technology transitions some thought not possible on the platform and deliver more value to brands and end customers.

The 9500 was recently launched globally and this deployment is one of the largest in the world. The 9500 has improved yield by being able to change fuser temperatures faster when stock sizes change.

The device also has a fuser that can vary the look of the toner by reducing the gloss level of the toner and providing a matte look. The Ricoh Pro C9500’s new fusing unit enables printing of 40 gsm thin media, which has been traditionally challenging for digital presses to print. This improved capability further promotes the shift to digital printing, supporting the production of books and booklets, which require thin media.

New peripherals enable non-stop printing, continuous paper feeding and output up to 960 mm in length, making it easier for commercial printers to capture new business such as A4 size four-panel brochures or print on challenging stocks.

The Ricoh Pro C9500 machines have been designed to strengthen and future proof commercial printing businesses with improved automation, high-speed output, quality consistency, reliable and less redundant operations.

Amnon Judah, Managing Director, Prima PMI, said, “We’re very impressed with the high-quality production output of the C9500 units which is critical for us at a time when we’re experiencing growing print volumes.

“We selected Ricoh as we wanted to invest in the best technology to meet growing customer demand, and needed to ensure that the technology was reliable and that the support and training provided by the vendor would be second to none. A deep engagement with Ricoh management in both Australia and Japan helps enable us to remain at the leading edge of innovation in the industry and deliver successful customer outcomes through efficient fulfillment and larger capabilities.”

Prima PMI has a diverse group of global clients, many who track their carbon footprints and by extension want their fulfiller to become carbon neutral by 2030. Prima PMI in 2020 invested in solar to power around 70% of its energy needs and in 2023 moved to become 100% carbon neutral by only purchasing renewable energy for the balance. That energy need is more expensive than coal sourced energy so having print devices which don’t require huge energy levels to run chillers or dryers goes into its device consideration.

Mark Moro, National Ricoh Graphic Communications Sales Manager, Ricoh Australia, said “We are delighted to support Prima PMI in their next phase of growth and look forward to continuing to be a valuable partner by supplying scalable, industry-leading solutions for great customer outcomes for many years to come.”

Judah added, “I am confident we now have in place a digital printing infrastructure that can grow with the company and support operations well into the future. Ricoh continues to be a strategic partner for us and will help to ensure that their infrastructure will provide the performance and features that we require.”

Epson launches 4K projector display

2023-11-27T12:20:41+11:00

Japanese multinational company Epson has launched the EB-810E which sports the first 3LCD extreme short-throw lamp-free laser display with 4K enhancement technology.

It offers 5,000 lumens of colour and white brightness and three-chip 3LCD with 4K for sharper displays.

It features an optical and cooling engine that creates 80- to 160-inch 4K 5,000-lumen image from a short distance.

Available in a white chassis, the model weighs under 14kg.

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The chassis enables a “virtually impossible” .16 throw ratio, capable of producing an 80-inch image from as close as one inch from the wall for bold, bright obstruction-free viewing.

It can also produce larger-than-life images up to 160 inches – four and a half times larger than a 75-inch flat panel – while sitting 14 inches away from the wall.

The built-in split screen feature and free Epson iProjection 4 app allows easy simultaneous, multi-device casting in one-on-one device environments.

In addition, with a standard 16:9 aspect ratio and support for ultra-wide 21:9 and 16:6 displays, the EB-810E ensures that all participants can clearly see all the content being displayed during hybrid meetings and collaborative learning.

If offers a range of connectivity options including HDBaseT, HDMI, USB and RS-232, as well as a built-in dynamic dual speaker sound system and wired/wireless networking with Miracast support.

It can also be permanently installed with an optional wall mount.

Availability
The EB-810E 3LCD extreme short throw lamp-free laser display with 4K enhancement in white chassis is available now at www.epson.com.au, www.epson.co.nz and via all authorised Epson resellers and partners for an RRP of $6,499 GST and NZ$6,999 GST.

For more on the EB-810E 3LCD extreme short throw lamp-free laser display with 4K enhancement, click here.

For more on the EB-810E 3LCD Eextreme short throw lamp-free laser display with 4K enhancement with 120-inch UST Screen, click here.

Brother launches two new printing models

2023-11-15T12:22:18+11:00

PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT: Printer manufacturer Brother International Australia has launched two new printing ranges, the Compact Monochrome Laser and the Compact Colour Laser range for home and small offices.

The Compact Monochrome Laser range features print speeds of up to 34ppm, two-sided (duplex) printing and up to 50-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). Using the Professional Compact Monochrome Laser range can automate workflows.

Brother claims the range is the most compact, professional monochrome laser multi-function range.

It uses a separate drum and toner unit to support a range of printing volume needs and to reduce printing costs.

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Its replacement toners can print up to 5,000 pages, which reduces the frequency of replacements.

The Compact Colour Laser Range, on the other hand, combines print speeds, minimal maintenance, and long-lasting supplies.

Every component has been optimised to reduce the overall size of the device without compromising performance.

The streamlined design is engineered to print quietly whilst delivering speeds up to 25% faster than the previous generation.

Brother International Australia marketing manager (printing, labelling, and mobile solutions) Stefanie Matthews said the two new ranges offer a compact design with big performance.

“Whether you work from home or a busy office, the modern business environment has changed and we all need to be agile and flexible to keep up with this evolving workspace.”

“These two new ranges house professional performance within a compact design without compromising on quality. With their fast print speeds, minimal maintenance needs and long-lasting supplies, the Compact Monochrome Laser and Compact Colour Laser ranges have all the tools you need to work efficiently and effectively.”

Both ranges also offer security features to securely protect user data. The triple-layer security works at a device, network, and document level.

Brother customers also have access to a wide choice of software vendors, including PaperCut, Kofax and Ysoft.

Kofax advances Printix with ‘industry first’ integrated print and capture solution

2023-03-28T21:28:53+11:00

Intelligent Automation software for digital workflow transformation provider Kofax has announced the latest edition of Printix, its cloud print management SaaS offering.

Designed to provide a complete print infrastructure and environment for mproved efficiency, productivity, and cost savings, Kofax says its “industry-leading” Printix bolsters all-cloud strategies for organisations and eliminates the need for print server infrastructure.

Kofax says Printix, built to work and grow with today's modern workplace organizations , supports Single Sign-on (SSO) with Microsoft Azure Active Directory and can be deployed with Microsoft Endpoint Manager - and is scalable by design and can handle any number of users, printers, and multi-function devices (MFDs) for flexible and secure printing, mobile printing, and document capture workflows.

"This edition of Printix completely eliminates print servers from network infrastructure and replaces them with a secure, cloud-managed print infrastructure with next-generation integrated capture," says Rod Hughes, Vice President, Product Strategy at Kofax.

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"This significantly reduces on-premises infrastructure costs, services, support and maintenance fees, freeing up resources that organizations can reallocate toward innovation that helps move their business forward."

Kofax lists key features of the latest edition of Kofax Printix including:

Next-generation capture. MFD and mobile users can scan or capture documents to the Printix Cloud and generate PDFs with embedded OCR results, or Microsoft Word DOCX-formatted documents to submit to email, Microsoft SharePoint Online or Microsoft OneDrive.
Simplified print management. Printix Administrator allows organizations to centrally manage printers from web browsers and connect new printers from a smartphone, tablet or computer in just minutes.
Print-anywhere and print-later capabilities. Users can release documents from the Printix app when they arrive at the printer or release documents to a printer anytime with the Print Later feature.Automatic printer discovery. Printix allows users to automatically discover the print network and integrate printers and drivers or deploy and remove printers and print queues when users change.
Enhanced Microsoft integration. Printix supports full integration with Microsoft Azure AD including effortless deployment with EndPoint Manager and Single Sign-On providing confidence for users, while removing IT and administration overhead.
Full support for all network printers. Complete independent and multi-vendor support for an organization's mixed fleet of devices, enabling users to print to any printer from any device.

"The ease and convenience of handling multiple printer sites and separate networks can't be overstated," says James Barber, Service Owner – End User Computing at global customer Jotun A/S. "Cloud-based print infrastructure is the future for cloud-first businesses, and Kofax Printix supports that in ways we never thought were possible."

Kofax says the cloud continues to empower its Document Automation & Security solutions, creating new flexible services that reduce the typical back-office burden that comes with running a print infrastructure.

“With the introduction of a cloud-based capture solution that uses Kofax’s OCR scanning technology, Kofax is addressing the growing requirements for cloud solutions that drive increased productivity and efficiency” says Louella Fernandez, Director at Quocirca, a global market insight and research firm.

How 3D printing is changing the world

2023-03-28T12:10:13+11:00

GUEST OPINION: Technology like 3D printing is providing more and more benefits to manufacturing and design. Click here to read more about how it is changing the world.

3D printing has had a long and fruitful journey since its invention in the 1980s in Japan. From simple 3D models to more complex structures, it has astounded the world with its many practical applications.

The technology surrounding 3D printing has advanced enough that manufacturers can offer techniques like selective laser sintering (SLS). SLS is a fast, accurate process used for industrial 3D printing needs. It can produce usable production parts and prototypes with precision within 24 hours. Some 3D printing services like Sculpteo can give you an sls 3d printing quote and other specialized services.

Impact of 3D printing

Whether machines, computers, vehicles, or aviation, there could be a 3D-printed part in their construction. Furthermore, the industry just keeps growing. Scientists are adding more and more uses for the technology each year.

According to Statista, the global market for 3D printing could reach USD$37.2 billion by 2026. These figures reflect how the technology could penetrate other industries or be the solution for a new level of parts creation.

For a brief discussion of how 3D printing is changing the world one project at a time, continue reading here:

1. Bringing pictures to life

3D printing could help visually impaired or blind people appreciate photographs or art like paintings. Using the latest technology, artists can craft a 3D model from a photo or other image so the pictures come to life spectacularly. Doing so opens new doors for people to have a tangible experience.

Braille, 3D models, tactile graphics and other tactile tools let blind students feel information that’s too dangerous or delicate to touch. Data presented as images can also be turned into a tactile experience for the visually impaired.

Images are a critical aspect of the learning process. With 3D printing, students can study accurate tactile images representing the needed information.

2. Casting for broken bones

Gone are the days of having limited options for splinting broken bones. With 3D printing, doctors can visualize a specialized splint for their patients. Furthermore, the durability of the plastic printing material makes it a good option that will last for the length of the treatment.

The ease of removing the plastic cast is another benefit of these 3D-printed solutions. Overall, the advantages extend to both doctors and their patients.

3. Crafting prosthetic limbs

Prosthetic design is a complicated process. Patients used to sit through hours of fittings and plaster moulds before receiving their finished prosthetic limb. On the other hand, with 3D rendering from the exact measurements and scans, printing could be much faster.

A computer-aided program creates the blueprint after technicians complete their input for the design. After that, the 3D printer perfectly crafts a form-fitting prosthetic. The result may be more comfortable and precise than products from traditional methods.

4. Designing prototypes

Creating prototypes cheaply and quickly is a huge advantage for many businesses. Before 3D printing, manufacturers rely on time-consuming and expensive conventional methods to develop new products.

But with 3D printing, manufacturers can build prototypes in a much shorter period. Savings in time and money manufacturers help them to roll out new products to market much quicker. Consequently, innovations increase across industries, such as consumer products, medical devices, and industrial tools.

5. Reducing waste

3D printing has significantly reduced waste due to its efficient use of materials. As a result, many industries have reduced their environmental impact. This waste reduction is especially true in the medical field, especially in medical testing.

Medical testing may involve plenty of disposable items like nasal swabs. In addition to faster production rates, the 3D-printed swabs provide greater accuracy regarding the results. According to an article by TechCrunch, 63% of testing material stuck to the printed swabs, while regular fibre swabs could only transfer 36%.

Because of the increased accuracy with which scientists can perform their testing, it contributes to an eco-friendlier operation.

6. Improving education

Educational facilities are reaping the rewards from 3D printing technologies in many ways. Biology classes could have replicas of organs, Math classes abacuses, while Science classes have more cost-effective equipment for experiments.

Larger projects like constructing entire school buildings from 3D printed parts could also be a future reality. Scientists are currently working on designs that could revolutionize how rural areas address the lack of classrooms. Moreover, the World Economic Forum states that 3D-printed school buildings, like the one in Madagascar, allow for layered construction with less waste than traditional construction.

7. Making it possible to manufacture small parts accurately

3D printing gives manufacturers the ability to create small, complex pieces. For manufacturers, this opens up new design avenues that weren’t possible before 3D printing.

An article by MIT highlights that one of their professors helped develop the technology that makes 3D printing on a micron scale possible. It means that products barely visible to the naked eye can further technology like microfluidic chips, electronics, medical devices, tiny robots, and many more.

Conclusion

After coming a long way from primitive 3D methods to printing millimetre-sized items, this industry continues to impact how parts are created across sectors. With applications in science, the medical field, education, and electronics, among others, 3D printing has opened new avenues of design, making it possible to create durable, smaller, and more complex parts.

Epson WorkForce Enterprise AM-Series is 'most sustainable'

2023-03-22T10:20:19+11:00

Epson says its new WorkForce Enterprise AM-Series multifunction printers are "its most sustainable business printer range ever".

Using Epson's static line-head technology to achieve 40 to 60 pages per minute while using one quarter of the energy needed by laser printers, the Enterprise AM-Series also features a compact footprint and high yield ink cartridges to simplify operation and reduce waste.

Other features include a 10.1in touchscreen, automatic paper size detection and self-closing paper cassettes with 2,000 sheet capacity, 60ppm/120ipm scanning with optional OCR, and quick and efficient routine maintenance.

Maintenance is further simplified with support for managed print services, remote service, and Epson's Print Admin software.

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The modular design allows for upgrades as requirements change, and options include an inner finisher for stapling and punching, and a booklet outer finisher for stapling, hole punching, saddle stitching, and centre and tri folding.

The range comprises the AM-C4000, AM-C5000 and AM-C6000.

The WorkForce Enterprise AM-Series completes Epson's business inkjet line up from small workgroup units to high-speed production machines

Their announcement coincides with Epson's announcement of a $1 billion investment in sustainable innovation.