The tantalising potential of the emerging technologies of 3D printing on the packaging design and production processes is set to be a major highlight of PacPrint13, which opens in Melbourne today.
3D printing, and its application in packaging design and prototyping, will take its place among other cross-media and digital platforms such as image recognition (IR) and augmented reality (AR) at the show.
“With print and graphic communications changing by the day, the industry’s edges are blurring and businesses which would previously have been identified as ‘print service providers’ are now seeing themselves much more as full service providers offering not only a diverse range of printed communications but also other media options,” PacPrint13 chairman, Ian Martin said on the eve of the show.
“To reflect these changes, PacPrint13 has expanded its focus and those interested in the cross-media space will find plenty on offer with cross-media, e-commerce, IR and AR opportunities on show, as well as moving into an entirely new dimension with 3D print on show for the first time.”
Tasman Machinery, for example, will be demonstrating that ‘imagination has no boundaries’, with a range of 3D print solutions for every requirement and budget on its stand.
The company will focus on showing print professionals how 3D technology can open up opportunities to create vital new revenue streams by allowing them to create single or multi-colour 3D printed products in a wide range of sizes, resolutions and materials.
The company says its 3D printers are ideal for tasks ranging from product or packaging mock-ups to 3D architectural or ergonomic models, concept models and product prototypes.
Ricoh will use the PacPrint13 platform for the Australian preview of its ‘Clickable Paper’, following showings at the recent international Drupa and GraphExpo events.
Comprising a downloadable app for smart phones or tablets, Clickable Paper connects readers from the printed page to up to six different rich media links using image recognition technology via the device camera.
Currently undergoing pilot testing in Japan and the US, Ricoh's Clickable Paper is expected to be released to the market in the near future.
PacPrint13 runs from today until Saturday at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
The impact of digital technology and 3D printing on packaging will be a major focus of PacPrint13, which opens today in Melbourne.
