Additive manufacturing (AM) technology refers to the process of producing 3D objects by adding material in successive layers. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the AM technologies where objects are built by adding layers of melted thermoplastic filament onto the printing surface. Mechanical properties of FDM printed part depend on many influencing factors such as material composition, extruding temperature, printing parameters and environment temperature.

Utilization of eco-font for office printing is one of sustainable, “green” printing concepts, which besides obvious economic benefits, as a result has a certain effect on environmental sustainability as well. The fundamental problem that this practice faces is decreased quality of text printed using eco-fonts comparing to those printed with regular fonts. The aim of this research is eco-font efficiency estimation, i.e. determination of toner usage reduction level of ink jet printed documents typed with this font type, as well as estimation of the extent humans perceive differences between text printed with eco-font and the one printed by its „non-eco“ equivalent. Combining instrumental measuring method and digital image analysis, it was found that this simple principle (eco-font utilization) enables substantial toner usage reduction for an ink jet printing system, while visual test showed that visual experience of text printed using eco-font is sufficient. In addition, awareness of benefits that eco-font utilization brings, change users’ attitude towards eco-font quality.

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.

Throughout this research, evidence has been accumulating on the positive impact of educational games (serious games) on students' learning and achievement and the impact of non-educational games on different psycho-physical traits. Today's dynamic way of life and almost innate familiarity with technology opens many new possibilities for teaching and can facilitate a better understanding of specific topics. There are numerous applications of video games for educational purposes. This paper aims to give insight into these researches and propose potential applications in a Graphic engineering and design studies. There is not much literature describing and discussing applications of video games in this field of study, and only simulations for specific graphics-related processes are commercially available. Significant findings in various applications of video games are listed and discussed. Some game design guides for implementing video game technology as an educational tool in the field of Graphic engineering and design are proposed.

The embossing process in graphic industry utilizes custom made dies to create raised or lowered permanent relief patterns according to the design. It can be combined with other print finishing embellishments, such as foil stamping or pearlescent coating, but the simplest version of this process, the blind embossing is also a very effective technique to create a distinguished and sophisticated look. The quality control of embossing features was done only visually for a long time, but in the recent years it became an important target for graphic instrument manufacturers focusing on the embossing depth, as one of the most important parameters for high quality processing. This analysis was aiming to investigate the applicability of a simple flatbed scanner and the developed image processing algorithm for embossing quality evaluation. The results of detailed visual assessment of all scanned paper samples and the obtained values of average greyscale difference (shadow-based contrast), showed that single-level embossed samples can be realistically digitalized using a simple flatbed scanner, as an image acquisition equipment. Additionally, the proposed image feature, the shadow-based contrast had increasing tendency by increasing the applied compression force, in general, suggesting that it has a potential as an objective measure for the deformation rate in the embossing quality evaluation. The obtained results gathered for different combinations of observed parameters (paper grade, basis weight, type of test elements on the embossing dies) with the optimal compression forces, implied that the shadow-based contrast could be used as a reference parameter to ensure adequate visibility of embossed elements by defining the minimum value of needed contrast.