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This paper considers the influence of multiple ink jet printed layers and woven fabric thread count on the colour fastness to washing of printed polyester textile products. The goal was to investigate the possibility for optimisation of the number of ink layers and thread count in order to increase print quality and colour fastness to washing. Materials with the same composition and different thread counts were printed ranging from one to five ink layers. The samples were subjected to washing process after which colour fastness was examined according to appropriate standards. The colour fastness was judged subjectively by trained professionals using the standard grey scale, and objectively using spectrophotometric measurements, with calculation of colour differences caused by the washing. Surface changes were observed using SEM analysis. Results indicate that multiple layer printing gives more saturated colour due to better ink coverage, but on the other hand it enhances the ink wash-out effect. The research suggests the possibility of optimising the number of ink layers in relation to thread count number when print quality and colour fastness to washing is the objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From its beginnings, up to a few years ago, additive manufacturing technology was able to produce models or prototypes which have limited use, because of materials mechanical properties. With advancement and invention of new materials, this is changing. Now, it is possible to create 3D prints that can be used as final products or functional tools, using technology and materials with low environmental impact. The goal of this study was to examine opportunities for production of paper embossing tools by fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing. This study emphasises the use of environmentally friendly poly-lactic acid (PLA) materials in FDM technology, contrary to the conventional method using metal alloys and acids. Embossing of line elements and letters using 3D printed embossing tools was done on six different types of paper. Embossing force was applied using SHIMADZU EZ-LX Compact Tabletop Testing Machine. Each type of paper was repeatedly embossed using different values of embossing force (in 250 N increments, starting at 1000 N) to determine the optimal embossing force for each specific paper type. When determined, the optimal embossing force was used on ten samples for each paper type. Results of embossing were analysed and evaluated. The analysis consisted of investigating the effects of the applied embossing force and characteristics such as paper basis weight, paper structure, surface characteristic and fibre direction of the paper. Results show that paper characteristics determine the embossing force required for achieving a good embossing result. This means that with the right amount of embossing force, letters and borderlines can be equally well formed by the embossing process regardless of paper weight, surface characteristics, etc. Embossing tools produced in this manner can be used in case of the embossing elements that are not complex. The reason for this is the limitation of FDM technology and lack of precision needed for fine details. However, if the form is simple enough, results of pleasing quality can easily be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing of the embossing tools customary implies use of metals such as zinc, magnesium, copper, and brass. In the case of short run lengths, a conventional manufacturing process and the material itself represent a significant cost, not only in the terms of material costs and the need for using complex technological systems which are necessary for their production, but also in the terms of the production time. Alternatively, 3D printing can be used for manufacturing similar embossing tools with major savings in production time and costs. However, due to properties of materials used in the 3D printing technology, expected results of embossing by 3D printed tools cannot be identical to metal ones. This problem is emphasized in the case of long run lengths and high accuracy requirement for embossed elements. The objective of this paper is primarily focused on investigating the influence of the printing speed on reproduction quality of the embossing tools printed with FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) technology. The obtained results confirmed that printing speed as a process parameter affects the reproduction quality of the embossing tools printed with FDM technology: in the case of deposition rate of 90 mm/s was noted the poorest dimensional accuracy in relation to the 3D model, which is more emphasised in case of circular and square elements. Elements printed with the highest printing speed have a greater dimensional accuracy, but with evident cracks on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) demands constant attention in order to stay competitive in modern dynamic markets. FMCG consumers do not think about the purchasing product until they enter the place of purchase. This emphasizes importance of the communication in a place of purchase. Alongside promotional banners, displays and counters, packaging can be used for this purpose. While in-store promotional banners, displays and counters represent additional cost, the packaging as the integral part of the product can be used as an important marketing tool that does not add to product cost. Thus packaging becomes an important marketing tool that does not add to product cost. Marketers, distributors and researchers as well must take into consideration the complexity of consumer behaviour to achieve desired results. Alongside graphic design, material, colour, etc. packaging shape is considered as an important tool for product differentiation and promotion. Having this in mind, it is unclear why the influence of the packaging shape on the consumer remains the least examined of all packaging characteristics. The aim of this research is to understand the influence of packaging shape design on the consumer’s perception. The survey study conducted among the consumers of the fast moving consumer goods gave clear insight into the influence of packaging shape on the perception of packaging characteristics. The results can help to improve packaging shape design in order to achieve better market impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of mobile devices for the purpose of reading information from the packaging has already been present for some time. Today present applications that replace bar or QR code readers with a mobile camera interact with the database server successfully and transmit information about the product. This paper shows the conceptual solution for reading not only product information but also the condition of the product in terms of freshness, shelf-life and protection. The paper gives an overview of existing solutions of special inks that could be used in order to create smart labels, the algorithm for data reading through the camera of the mobile devices and mobile application. The aim is to set up a concept for the development of smart labels, from the standpoint of the materials and existing QR codes, but also to define the basis for the development of mobile application that can provide information on the state of the product in interaction with special inks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]