08:30

Registration and tabletop networking

09:10

Conference introduction

Peter Buttiens, ESMA

09:30

KEYNOTE: Agentic Print: How AI Is Fundamentally Changing Print Procurement

The next customer of the printing industry is not a human being. It is an AI agent that researches, compares, configures and orders on behalf of a brand owner, a procurement department or a production system – and it never opens a PDF price list. Agentic Print describes the closed loop that is now emerging: machine-readable offers, agent-driven procurement and fully automated production without manual intervention. In this keynote, Bernd Zipper explains what happens when Google's Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and agent-to-agent communication meet a print product that must be configured, preflighted and scheduled. He shows why price stops being the only decisive criterion, why delivery time, quality data and CO₂ credentials become machine-readable competitive advantages, and what industrial and functional printers must do now to remain visible, orderable and profitable. Not a vision talk – a roadmap with a checklist.

Bernd Zipper, Zipcon

10:10

KEYNOTE: The Future of Car Customisation: Digital Print Meets Robotic Precision

Since 2024, the partners have worked together to develop a robotic vehicle painting system that combines digital print technology, advanced coatings, and automated application over complex 3D car surfaces. The presentation will explore the application potential, market requirements, technical bottlenecks, and future developments required to bring digital automotive paint personalisation into OEM production environments. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of deep cross-industry collaboration among organisations with different technology backgrounds, languages, and cultures, highlighting how aligned incentives, continuous weekly technical engagement, and recurring face-to-face collaboration have been essential both before and after commercialisation. Videos and images will demonstrate the capabilities of the integrated robotic system, including high-resolution graphics and two-tone applications on car bodies, while also illustrating how new materials, print architectures, and business models are reshaping the future of automotive surface decoration. As the partnership has demonstrated, transforming industrial printing for automotive applications is a complex, but fulfilling journey best achieved as a collaboration: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.

Angus Condie, Dr Christian Engels, Hans-Georg Fritz

10:40

Coffee break and tabletop networking

11:20

Walking the Tightrope: High-Viscosity Aqueous Ink Design for Challenging Substrates

Nazdar have repeatedly shown the benefit of increased viscosity inks when it comes to higher ROD, lower ink usage, and improved print quality, especially when it comes to printing on absorbent substrates such as uncoated corrugated board. However, when it comes to the even more challenging non-porous or partially porous substrates used in high end packaging and industrial applications, other factors become critical to ink performance. On these low surface energy media even a well-formulated ink fluid can suffer catastrophic failure when it encounters the intended surface. Common problems include bleeding, excessive spreading or insufficient spreading, reticulation, and other related defects. Getting the balance right between these often-competing phenomena can be extremely difficult. This presentation will outline some of the fluid dynamic behaviours that Nazdar considers when it comes to developing the perfect ink for these high-end, high value, and often high-speed printing applications.

Mark Holbrook, Nazdar

11:45

Embrace the Future of UV Inkjet

UV inkjet has grown and matured throughout the years addressing a vast range of applications from traditional label, flexible and rigid packaging towards more novel applications formerly covered by other technologies. With the expansion of applications, substrates and grown quality criteria, the chemical foundation for UV inkjet is keeping up the pace and provides a sound basis for the next challenges to master. Be it good rheology even with shifting pigment qualities, long term stability or highest possible colour strength, be it wetting of novel and changing quality substrates, be it supporting the switch from conventional to radiation curing or even enabling true circularity of polymer materials – there is a sound chemical basis to tackle these challenges.

Dr Christian Schirrmacher, Evonik

12:10

Adoption of Water-Based inks: From Virtual to Reality

Growing regulatory pressure and sustainability demands have driven strong interest in water-based inks for challenging applications such as packaging, plastics, and metal decoration. While long considered technically difficult, recent advances have moved aqueous inkjet from theoretical feasibility to practical implementation. Progress in formulation chemistry, printhead compatibility, substrate adhesion, and durability has enabled water-based inks to meet many of the performance requirements traditionally associated with solvent- and UV-based systems. As a result, aqueous solutions are now being deployed in increasingly demanding industrial environments. This presentation will review the evolution of water-based inkjet technology, highlighting key technical breakthroughs and examples of how current systems are achieving reliable performance in real-world applications, while also identifying remaining technical barriers and opportunities for further adoption.

Phil Jackman, Sun Chemical

12:35

Decorative Designs on the Edge of a New Era

Inkjet printing has long been established in decorative printing, initially serving mainly special designs but now firmly established in production printing. This breakthrough has been driven by accumulated experience and the availability of all elements needed to control both the workflow and quality. Digital printing enables entirely new designs and products that would not be possible otherwise, while the limitations inherent in the design itself, as well as the quality control of the digital printing process, are being addressed. Consistent print output is of key importance in decorative printing. Consumables tuned to the print system and to the specific application form an integral part of this full solution approach, and the relationship between the consumables and the end quality is discussed.

Dr Marc Graindourze, Agfa

13:00

Lunch break and tabletop networking

14:30

Redefining Metal Decoration: Breakthroughs in IDFC Ink Technology

As the metal decoration and label industry faces increasing pressure to deliver short-run flexibility, faster turnaround, and strict regulatory compliance, Fujifilm Ink is leveraging its decade of inkjet expertise to meet these evolving challenges. Ink performance and trust is at the core of everything we do. Building on decades of chemistry expertise and a heritage of innovation, a portfolio of indirect food contact (IDFC) ink solution has been developed. Engineered specifically for the demanding metal decoration and label markets, these innovative ink systems are designed to accelerate the transition to digital print, ensuring that industrial print manufacturers and OEMs never have to compromise on safety, quality or productivity. This development marks the next chapter in Fujifilm Ink’s long term commitment to advancing digital decoration. By uniting industry-leading, world class formulation expertise, cutting-edge in-house R&D and advancing dispersion technology with the stringent safety assurance demanded by tomorrow’s industrial market, Fujifilm Ink continues to position itself as the trusted partner for the future of industrial print.

Oliver Mills, Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems

14:55

Development of Innovative Aqueous Pigment Inkjet Ink That Cures at 120°C on Any Fabric without Pretreatment

Traditional digital Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and textile inkjet printing systems rely heavily on high-temperature fixation and complex chemical pretreatments. These conventional finishing processes often cause severe fabric shrinkage, substrate yellowing, and elevated energy costs. To overcome these limitations, we engineered an advanced inkjet ink based on proprietary technology developed by Sitech. This formulation features a low-temperature cross-linking mechanism that fully cures at just 120°C, delivering excellent washing and rubbing fastness across diverse textiles, including cotton, polyester, nylon, non-woven fabrics, and Tyvek, entirely eliminating the pretreatment step. Furthermore, the ink’s unique binding properties enable direct application onto non-porous plastics like PET and opaque white polypropylene (PP). It achieves outstanding mechanical adhesion at this 120°C thermal profile without requiring chemical primers or surface treatments, offering manufacturers a highly efficient, low-energy production workflow.

Jason Wu, Sitech

15:20

From Concept to Certification: The Development of 3D Inks for Medical Device Manufacturing

The development of 3D printing materials for medical device manufacturing requires far more than formulation expertise alone. Success depends on the integration of material science, process validation, quality management, regulatory compliance, and scalable manufacturing. This presentation will provide an overview of ChemStream’s approach to developing advanced 3D printing inks and resins for medical applications, from initial concept generation through product validation and certification support. A key factor in successful development is understanding the intended final medical device and its regulatory requirements from the outset, as these define the boundaries for material selection, biocompatibility strategy, processing conditions, and long-term product performance. Drawing on practical experience in dental and healthcare-oriented projects, we will discuss how formulation development, risk management, ISO 13485-compliant quality systems, analytical characterization, stability testing, and pilot-scale production are combined within a single development framework. Special attention will be given to the challenges of balancing printability, mechanical performance, biocompatibility, and regulatory expectations. The presentation will illustrate how close collaboration between material developers, device manufacturers, and regulatory stakeholders accelerates innovation while ensuring patient safety and market readiness.

Dr Wim Van Beek, ChemStream

15:45

Coffee break and tabletop networking

16:25

Pumping and Flow Control of Advanced Inks 

The requirements for pumps used in ink supply and handling in DOD applications are varied and demanding. Some of these are exacerbated by higher viscosity or complex viscosity with shear-thinning behaviour. Positive displacement diaphragm pumps offer many advantages, but also present challenges such as pulsation. Solutions are presented that enable very low pulsation levels. This allows ink supply systems to be significantly simplified. Low pulsations pumps also enable flow measurement. A metering system for fluid supply with integrated flow sensing and adaptive flow control is presented, offering advantages such as dynamic control with a short response time, e.g. for robotic applications. The detection of entrained air is a welcome additional feature. Low pulsation also enables the simulation of the interaction between pump and fluid system – including pipework, restrictions, filters, etc. – using a new online simulation tool. Furthermore, the latest findings on the transfer of higher viscous inks and liquids are presented, extending to complex behaviours such as shear-thinning viscosity.

Stephan Kaufmann, KNF

16:50

DarkWave: The New Generation of Dryers for Water Evaporation

The DarkWave development is driven by the motivation to save energy. To achieve this goal, the physical drying of water was investigated in detail. The solution combines readily available components in a completely new dryer concept. The keys to increasing efficiency are reducing reliance on a single power source to generate both hot air and radiation in one step, using a quartz-free radiator with no filter for radiation > 4 µm, ensuring emission close to the main water absorption peak, and implementing a smart design with no piping required for external air management. To remove glycols from the process chamber, Duo Technik developed a drying box with a hot-air zone. This prevents glycol condensation and enables direct extraction.

Holger Zissing, Duo-Technik

17:15

Mind the Gap: LED Curing Integration for Direct-to-Object Inkjet Printing

The gap is not the only thing to consider in printing on complex shapes. Optics, working distance, dose, and irradiance directly influence LED curing performance in direct-to-object inkjet printing. In comparison to wide-format flatbed applications, printing on cylindrical and irregular objects introduces a far greater variation in cure distance and angle, which can directly affect surface cure, adhesion, gloss consistency, and ultimately print durability. We will discuss the new considerations in designing an LED curing system for industrial inkjet applications and the practical challenges of integrating LED curing into these complex applications. Covering how optics, beam angle, focal distance, exposure time, and system geometry all influence cure performance on three-dimensional objects. The session will also explore how rotation speed, transport speed, and object shape affect delivered dose and overall process stability across different ink types and substrates. Additional topics include thermal management, shadowing, and the challenges of achieving a consistent cure at production speeds. Real application examples will show how optimising optical design and curing parameters can improve print consistency, reliability, and production efficiency in high-speed direct-to-object inkjet printing.

Holly Steedman, IST INTECH

17:40

The Hybrid Energy Stack: How IR, UV LED and Process Intelligence Can Work Together in Next-Generation Industrial Print

The future of industrial printing will not be defined by UV LED or infrared alone, but by how intelligently multiple energy sources are combined. The Hybrid Energy Stack explores a new approach in which IR drying, UV LED curing and real-time process control work as one integrated system. By dynamically matching wavelength, power, timing and thermal load to each ink layer and substrate, manufacturers can move beyond fixed curing and drying recipes. The result is the potential for faster production, lower energy use, reduced substrate stress and new multi-layer applications that are difficult to achieve with a single technology.

Rob Karsten, Excelitas

18:30-20:30

Networking reception

11:20

Electrical Sensing for Nozzle Health in Production Inkjet Systems

Industrial inkjet reliability is often limited by nozzle failures that cause waste, downtime and visible defects. This paper presents a commercial, production-ready approach to nozzle health monitoring, based on electrical sensing inside piezoelectric printheads. Instead of imaging drops in flight or printing test patterns, a short diagnostic pulse is applied and the resulting residual oscillation (“echo”) in each chamber is measured through modified drive electronics. The impulse response is used to classify nozzle states (e.g., normal jetting, weak/non jetting, wetting, air ingestion or partial blockage) quickly and without dependence on ink colour or substrate. We outline system integration considerations for high nozzle count printheads, how the health data can trigger targeted maintenance, and how real time compensation software can mitigate defects when stoppage is undesirable. Early field experience in industrial applications demonstrates the potential to reduce unplanned stops and reprints while improving overall equipment effectiveness.

Clive Ayling, Meteor Inkjet

11:45

Beyond Print: Industrial RIPs for Connected Manufacturing

As digital printing becomes more integrated into manufacturing, the role of the RIP is expanding beyond traditional prepress and print production. Today’s industrial RIP must operate as a reliable software component within automated systems where printing is only one stage of a larger process. In these environments, simplicity is critical. Operators and integrators cannot be expected to possess specialist print expertise, so systems must deliver consistent results through intuitive configuration, automation, and robust process control. Industrial connectivity is also becoming essential. Modern RIP platforms must integrate with factory automation systems through standards such as OPC UA, enabling real-time communication, monitoring, data collection, and workflow orchestration within Industry 4.0 environments. Advances in embedded computing are also reshaping edge deployment. Powerful single-board computers and GPU acceleration now provide the performance required for sophisticated raster processing while maintaining compact footprints and low power consumption. This session explores the key characteristics of the modern industrial RIP and examines how simplicity, industrial connectivity, and edge-computing architectures are enabling the next generation of digitally driven manufacturing systems.

Eric Worrall, Hybrid Software Helix

12:10

Advancing Colour Control in Digital Industrial Printing

As digital industrial printing faces increasing economic pressure, colour control must contribute not only to accurate reproduction but also to more stable, efficient, and predictable production. Rising costs, tighter margins, demanding customer expectations, and the need to reduce waste make reliable process performance a key requirement across industrial printing applications. This presentation examines how ColorGATE’s established approaches to print data and colour management help address these challenges beyond traditional profiling. It highlights the importance of process control, standardisation, and automation in achieving consistent and repeatable results across complex workflows, different printing technologies, diverse substrates, and varying production environments. In addition, the presentation addresses the importance of application expertise and close collaboration during implementation. ColorGATE’s specialists support the translation of colour management strategies into stable production processes. Drawing from real-world projects across the digital industrial printing sector, the session will explore how controlled workflows, clear standards, and reliable implementation methods can reduce variability, limit rework, and improve production confidence. The focus is on practical production conditions and on how evolving colour control strategies contribute to measurable improvements in quality, consistency, waste reduction, and operational reliability under demanding economic and technical requirements.

Oliver Lüdtke, ColorGATE

12:35

From Halftone to Nozzle: An Integrated Path to Press-Level Precision

Single-pass inkjet presses depend on nozzle-level precision, and that precision only holds when the digital front end, the halftoning engine, and the press calibration data all speak the same language. The DFE sits at the centre of this process, controlling the screened data that drives ink deposition while providing a common framework for calibration and correction workflows. This session examines how Fiery integrates halftoning, chart generation, scan analysis, uniformity correction, and nozzle-out compensation into a single connected workflow. By bringing screening and calibration together within the same system, correction data can be applied directly to the print path without intermediate translation steps. This architecture helps ensure deterministic correction deployment, repeatable press behaviour, and efficient execution of calibration workflows in high-volume single-pass inkjet environments, enabling correction workflows to be executed as part of normal production operations rather than as isolated maintenance activities. 

Mario Kühn, Fiery

13:00

Lunch break and tabletop networking

14:30

TBA

TBA

TBA, Global Inkjet Systems

14:55

Robotic Spectral Colour Quality Control: Integrating Autonomous Colour Measurement into Industrial Printing Workflows

As digital industrial printing moves towards greater automation, colour measurement is becoming a more connected and intelligent part of the production workflow. Robotic spectral measurement opens new possibilities for automated and consistent colour quality control. Building on the Spectro Cobot qbV concept, this presentation explores the ongoing development of autonomous robotic colour measurement and its integration into industrial printing workflows. It looks at how robotics, measurement technology and software interact, how measurements can adapt to different products and substrates, and how spectral data can connect with production and quality processes. The presentation will also explore the potential of machine learning and AI to enable adaptive measurement strategies and more intelligent colour quality control, providing a perspective on the journey towards autonomous colour process control.

Viktor Lazzeri, Barbieri

15:20

From Defect Detection to Root Cause Resolution: Practical Methods for Verifying, Evaluating, and Optimising Inkjet Print Quality

Achieving consistent print quality in industrial inkjet applications requires more than detecting defects. It demands a systematic approach to identifying root causes and implementing targeted corrective actions. This presentation introduces practical, real-world methods for verifying, evaluating, and optimising print quality using integrated inspection, jetting analysis, and process monitoring tools. Through a series of application-based case studies, attendees will learn how common print defects can be traced to specific sources, including print process parameters, jetting behaviour, printhead performance, and material formulation. Examples will demonstrate nozzle sustainability during longer production runs can develop intermittently but be detected by periodic nozzle health monitoring and how print quality inspection systems can identify defects, reveal waveform and jetting-related issues, and when formulation adjustments may be required to achieve stable and repeatable results.

Jochen Christiaens, ImageXpert

15:45

Coffee break and tabletop networking

16:25

Motion Control and Dot Landing Analysis for Quality Printing

In high-precision inkjet printing, image quality is too often attributed to the printhead alone, when in reality it is fundamentally dictated by the mastery of motion. Every drop must land at the right place at the right time, yet conventional wheel and shaft encoders measure the motor or the belt rather than the substrate itself. The resulting blind spots — slip and decoupling from the transport mechanism, belt and pulley elasticity, eccentricity, thermal drift, torque ripple, and the complete absence of lateral information — translate directly into dot placement errors and visible defects such as stitching artifacts, colour shift and blur. This paper presents a non-contact optical motion-control technology that measures displacement directly where printing occurs. A high-speed camera and flash, coupled with AI-driven image processing embedded on FPGA, track the native microstructures of the material, requiring no optical rulers or printed marks. The system is bidirectional, resolving both advancement (X) and lateral shift (Y) on paper, corrugated, plastics and even conveyor belts. It achieves relative displacement resolution below one micron at speeds up to 6 m/s and generates a stable 1200 dpi encoder signal for direct integration into the print drive electronics, together with a time-resolved X/Y motion log for analysis. Case studies will be demonstrated through real-time slip correction and successive printheads alignment at 200 m/min, where standard mechanical encoders fail, and the identification of machine eigenmodes, using the optical encoder as a diagnostic "stethoscope." By eliminating kinematic-chain errors, this optical encoder enables ultra-precise stitching and dot landing, a critical enabler for high-speed and direct-to-shape printing architectures.

Didier Rousseau, Kelenn Technology

16:50

Print Integration Architecture

Cyan Tec’s expert machine design and deployment capabilities are built on a solid architectural foundation incorporating an excellent OEM supply chain, modular and bespoke design and world class after sales support. This presentation explores the architectural foundations of digital inkjet printing systems in industrial applications, focusing on process development from waveform production and ink system selection to final testing and commissioning. The discussion includes case studies such as robotic hard hat printing, high-performance running shoe projects, and double-sided token printers, illustrating the adaptability of both bespoke and modular system designs. Beyond inkjet-specific applications, the presentation also covers broader automation examples, including semi- and fully automated machines, work cells, and production lines. These examples highlight core competencies in robotics, automatic feeding systems, and high-speed gantry designs. The goal is to demonstrate how flexible architectural approaches – ranging from one-off custom systems to modular platforms – can address diverse industrial requirements while maintaining efficiency and precision.

Grant Copson, Cyan-Tec

17:15

From Prototype to Production: Software for Direct-to-Shape Printing on Complex 3D Surfaces

Printing onto products with complex three-dimensional geometries presents a significant challenge: conventional 2D artwork must be transformed into print data that corresponds to both the object geometry and the motion of the printing system. Building on decades of experience in direct-to-shape and digital printing, Polytype has developed dedicated software to address this challenge. An initial concept and prototype were presented at the IPI Conference in 2023. Since then, the approach has evolved into a substantially more capable and industrialised solution. The software combines surface geometry with printhead trajectories to calculate the required artwork transformation and generate print-ready data. Advanced algorithms partition and stitch printing areas across multiple printheads while accounting for physical printing conditions such as density variations and time of flight. Its modular architecture separates geometric processing from the machine concept, allowing the software to adapt to different axis configurations, printhead types and numbers, colour configurations, and single- or multi-pass printing. The presentation will describe the development from prototype to industrial software and discuss the technical principles behind.

Philip Kessler, Polytype

17:40

Tailoring Inkjet Chemistry to Press Architecture and Product Safety

The evolution of digital printing is increasingly driven by the need to balance print performance, press architecture, sustainability and product safety. As regulatory requirements tighten and brand owners demand safer, more sustainable packaging solutions (e.g. compliant with the PPWR), inkjet technology must move beyond standardised formulations. The approach at Siegwerk combines tailored UV and water-based inkjet chemistries with optimised primers to create fully integrated printing ecosystems: From low-migration UV inks for labels, pharmaceutical, and indirect food contact to water-based solutions for corrugated, carton, flexible packaging and paper products. Each formulation is designed around the unique requirements of the press and final application: Focusing on compliance, migration control, drying performance and production efficiency. This presentation highlights how collaborative development between ink manufacturers, OEMs and integrators enables future-proof inkjet solutions that deliver consistent quality, operational reliability and enhanced product safety while supporting given sustainability goals.

Ingmar Bohnert, Siegwerk

18:30-20:30

Networking reception

11:20

Spray-on-Screen for Advanced Printed Electronics and Smart Surface Integration

Spray-on-Screen (SoS) is an emerging deposition technology enabling the direct integration of ultra-thin functional layers onto a broad variety of substrates. By combining the versatility of spray coating with the precision of advanced process control through the screen mesh, SoS allows the deposition of homogeneous coatings below 20 nm. The technology offers a scalable and material-efficient route towards the fabrication of printed organic electronic devices while remaining compatible with roll-to-roll and large-area manufacturing. This contribution highlights the fundamentals of Spray-on-Screen processing, including droplet formation, wet-film control, and multilayer integration. In addition, several application domains will be discussed, ranging from printed photovoltaics towards light emitting diodes. The presentation will illustrate how SoS can bridge the gap between laboratory-scale functional materials and industrially viable printed systems.

Prof. Wim Deferme, Hasselt University

11:45

Print-Light-Synthesis (PLS) of Electrochemical Sensors on the Example of Ir/IrOx-based pH Electrodes

Print-Light-Synthesis (PLS) is a modular manufacturing approach combining digital on-demand inkjet printing with intense flashlight curing for scalable sensor fabrication. It enables the modification of mass-produced, low-cost conductive patterns (typically graphitic materials) with functional materials, in particular gold, platinum, ruthenium, and iridium for customisable sensing applications, such as biosensing, exhaust gas monitoring or pH detection. In PLS of metal electrodes, dissolved metal precursor solutions instead of nanoparticle dispersions are printed onto the conductive electrode support, minimising material consumption and eliminating the need for pre-synthesised nanoparticles. This drastically reduces nozzle clogging and simplifies ink formulation. Metal loadings can be precisely controlled via the printing parameters, such as drop spacing or precursor ink concentration, while simultaneous deposition of multiple precursors enables tailored alloy, mixed metal and composite formations. Subsequent or quasi-simultaneous treatment with high intensity flashlight converts the printed metal precursor films into active sensing layers composed of metal/metal oxides within seconds. The fully digital, roll-to-roll compatible process ensures high reproducibility and scalability, making PLS highly attractive for industrial sensor manufacturing.

Fabian Weyand, ETH Zürich/Empa

12:10

SelfiPBF: Selective Functionalisation in Polymer Powder Bed Fusion Using Carbon Nanotube Inks for Smart and Conductive Components

The SelfiPBF project explores the integration of functional properties into additively manufactured polymer components by combining Powder Bed Fusion with Infrared Radiation (PBF-IR/P) and the selective deposition of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based inks. The approach enables spatially controlled adjustment of electrical conductivity and tribological behaviour directly during the manufacturing process. A key focus lies in the development and parameterisation of a novel, water-based carbon nanotube ink compatible with high-precision inkjet printing. By merging additive manufacturing with functionalised inks, the project demonstrates how localized material deposition can be used to introduce functionality exactly where it is required. This creates new opportunities for multifunctional components that combine structural performance with embedded electrical properties. The presented approach enables a flexible production of advanced components for a variety of applications.

Dr Jana Hildebrandt, European Centre for Dispersion Technologies

12:35

Inkjet-Printing with Micrometre Resolution on Paper for Flexible RF Applications

Geometry is a critical factor in radio frequency design that directly affects the performance and efficiency of RF components and systems. In addition, performance metrics such as insertion loss and bandwidth of filters are also affected by the geometric configuration of resonant elements. This work explores the use of a non-commercial inkjet printer prototype to fabricate RF devices with microscale precision, achieving uniform spacing of 9 μm, conductor widths of 50 μm, and a filter that operate at 25 GHz. The paper material was chosen as a sustainable and flexible substrate. The design, fabrication and measurements of CPW transmission lines and passband filter are presented. The printed CPWs demonstrate attenuation of 0.5 dB/mm at 10 GHz. The band-pass filter achieves an insertion loss of −5 dB in the band pass. The performance of filters was studied with respect to the printing and annealing conditions.

Fawzi Bouakkaz, IEMN Lille

13:00

Lunch break and tabletop networking

14:30

Redefining High Viscosity Inkjet: From Jetting Technology to Manufacturing Systems

For many years, High Viscosity Inkjet has been discussed primarily in terms of fluid viscosity and jetting capability. However, as inkjet expands beyond traditional graphics applications into the fields of coatings, adhesives, functional materials, and advanced manufacturing, viscosity alone is no longer an adequate definition. This presentation proposes a broader perspective of High Viscosity Inkjet as an expansion of the material and application space of conventional inkjet technology. The key technological developments that have enabled this evolution will be reviewed, including advances in actuation, fluid management, monitoring, and process control. The presentation further argues that the key challenge is no longer whether a material can be jetted, but how robust and repeatable manufacturing processes can be achieved. Therefore, the concept of a High Viscosity Inkjet System will be introduced to highlight the complex interactions between materials, printheads, monitoring technologies, and process integration. Finally, the presentation will discuss the challenges that remain on the path from successful jetting to industrial manufacturing, and how research, innovation, and collaboration across the value chain can help address them.

Yoshinori Domae, iPrint

14:55

Enabling Sustainable 3D-Printing Applications with a Non-Newtonian, Water- and Bio-Based Binder System

The presentation shows how a non-Newtonian, water- and bio-based binder system can enable new sustainable binder jetting applications. Starting from the requirements of the final component, it addresses binder-powder interaction, printability, dimensional accuracy, green-part stability and final part properties. The application-driven development approach and its key learnings can also be transferred to other inkjet processes using challenging functional materials.

Jan Janhsen, Fraunhofer IPA

15:20

From Seconds to Minutes: Can Inkjet Latency Be Estimated Without Dropwatching?

iPrint is a research institute specialising in inkjet printing technology and is part of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland. This work contributes to our research on tools and methodologies to accelerate the optimisation of reliable industrial inkjet processes. Inkjet latency remains one of the many challenging aspects of ink development and printhead integration. Conventional characterisation methods often give little indication of how an ink will behave after periods of printhead inactivity. This presentation compares rheological characterisation with latency evaluations based on nozzle recovery after defined idle periods. The inks examined ranged from formulations showing nozzle failure after only a few seconds of inactivity to robust formulations capable of recovering after several minutes. The results demonstrate that rheological measurements can be linked to latency performance and support ink formulation and waveform, jetting, printing, and maintenance strategy optimisation. The work highlights opportunities for predictive characterisation methodologies that reduce reliance on extensive printhead testing and accelerate ink development.

Natalia Carrie, iPrint

15:45

Coffee break and tabletop networking

16:25

Printed and 3D Structural Electronics for Large-Area and Harsh-Environment Applications

CRM Group is a research centre where we develop structural printed electronics for integration on 3D surfaces, with emphasis on large-area devices, metallic substrates, and harsh-environment applications. Our work explores additive and direct-printing approaches that enable electronics to be fabricated directly onto complex 3D geometries, offering an alternative to the more established route based on flexible substrates adapted to shaped surfaces. This presentation will compare these two strategies, with particular focus on the potential of additive techniques for harsh environments and the related challenges in process adaptation and design. We will also describe our approach, from the development of a single functional cell to its scaling into a matrix of cells, followed by adaptation to 3D surfaces. Examples and demonstrators will illustrate how such approaches support functional surfaces with integrated monitoring capabilities, with potential extension to large-area and harsh-environment applications.

Dr Mariia Arseenko, CRM Group

16:50

Inkjet Printing for Advanced Manufacturing: PCBs, Flexible Electronics, Wearables & Beyond

The pressure on today’s companies to be competitive with products, innovation and price is constantly rising. This fact makes it necessary to rethink production processes and new technologies: Let’s talk about additive manufacturing with selective inkjet printing for special applications. By applying a unique printing strategy that utilises multiple printing stages to ensure clear, non-bleeding lines and fully covered edges, we can print etch and plating resists, solder masks, direct metal ink, legends, and other functional inks in various colours on a range of materials. Those inks can be used in traditional PCB manufacturing (structuring of layers, printing of solder mask and legend), but they can also be used for special applications, like flexible materials, high-frequency applications, as well as materials with conductive printing, injection moulding, cavity fillings or others like anti-fog or shock absorbing requests. Inkjet printing, in general, is a time-, energy-, and floor space-saving process that is more sustainable than conventional processes such as using dry film, curtain coating or screen printing. This, combined with the endless possibilities of various inks, may open new markets for customers, such as display production, wearables, and flex materials.

Milena Fritz, SAT Electronic

17:15

Printing Strategies of Room-Temperature Liquid Metal for a New Generation of Stretchable and Self-Healable Electronics

Room-temperature liquid metals (LMs) based on gallium combine metallic conductivity with extreme deformability, enabling electrically conductive structures that remain functional even under strains of several hundred percent. These properties make LM-based electronics highly attractive for emerging applications such as wearable systems, soft robotics, and mechanically robust interconnects. However, translating these materials into scalable and reliable manufacturing processes remains a key challenge. In this talk, we compare different LM patterning strategies and discuss the trade-offs between scalability, resolution, process stability, and material efficiency. Spray deposition offers a simple route for large-area fabrication, but suffers from overspray and material loss. Direct writing enables highly controlled, waste-free patterning, though process optimisation is considerably more demanding. We present recent advances from our research on improving LM printability, scalability, and process reliability, including new approaches for stable fine-feature printing, roll-to-roll compatibility, and robust electrical interfacing. The results highlight the strong potential of LM processing for future industrial manufacturing of stretchable electronic devices.

Maximilian Krack, Hasselt University

18:30-20:30

Networking reception

09:00

Registration and Tabletop Networking

09:25

KEYNOTE: Biology-in-a-Smart-Box: Patient-centric Biomedical and Life Science Solutions Enabled by Multimaterial 3D Printing Platforms

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Jan Schrooten, Antleron

09:50

KEYNOTE: Advancing AR/VR and CPO: EV Group’s Inkjet Solutions for Next-Generation Optics

Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL) is increasingly recognized as the leading patterning technology for the industrialisation of nano-optical devices, offering highest resolution, excellent overlay capability, and scalable high-volume manufacturing. In parallel, inkjet coating has evolved into a powerful technique for selective deposition of optical and functional materials, enabling efficient process integration and reduced material waste. The combination of NIL and inkjet coating is particularly relevant for the fabrication of AR/VR waveguides, where precise replication and alignment of diffraction gratings and coupling structures are critical for optical performance. Furthermore, these technologies support the manufacturing of metalenses, metasurfaces, and optical structures for co-packaged optics (CPO), providing a cost-effective route to high-volume production while maintaining the accuracy, uniformity, and yield required for next-generation photonic systems.

Johanna Rimböck, EV Group

10:15

KEYNOTE: Printing 1 μm Interconnections with XTPL Ultra-Precise Dispensing

As the microelectronics industry pushes the boundaries of extreme miniaturisation, achieving reliable micro-connections is a paramount challenge. This presentation introduces XTPL’s Ultra-Precise Dispensing (UPD), an innovative additive manufacturing technology engineered for High-Performance Interconnections with feature sizes down to 1 μm. Bridging the gap between standard inkjet technologies and complex photolithography, UPD enables the precise direct deposition of a versatile range of highly concentrated conductive materials. By supporting diverse functional inks, this maskless technology allows manufacturers to form robust, micrometer-scale conductive traces across complex 3D topographies. Leveraging these advanced interconnection capabilities, UPD also provides a transformative approach to Open Defect Repair (ODR). The 1 μm precision enables salvaging high-value architectures and maximising production yields. We will detail the application of UPD for maskless ODR across three highly demanding sectors: redistribution layers (RDLs) in advanced packaging, Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDI) PCBs, and next-generation high-resolution displays. By seamlessly restoring broken circuits and bridging critical micro-connections with High Performance Materials, XTPL’s technology recovers substrates that would otherwise be discarded. This presentation will demonstrate how ultra-precise dispensing provides a scalable, resource-efficient pathway for the future of industrial printed electronics.

Dr Witold Nawrot, XTPL

10:40

Coffee break and tabletop networking

11:20

From Lab to Production Floor: Mastering High-Viscosity Inkjet for Robust Digital Fabrication

The emergence of ultra-high viscosity printhead technology is driving a massive paradigm shift in digital manufacturing, unlocking functional application verticals previously considered unachievable. However, moving past traditional low-viscosity constraints requires a highly sophisticated, holistic approach. Printhead manufacturers, material developers, and end-customers must engage in trilateral collaboration to conquer the complex interdependencies of complex, high viscosity fluid rheology, manufacturing environments, and strict final material specifications - such as target layer heights, curing dynamics, and surface finishes. This presentation focuses on the foundational inkjet technology that enables transitioning high-viscosity jetting from a laboratory novelty into a robust, repeatable industrial process. By designing intentional system-level headroom that successfully absorbs raw material batch variations and environmental fluctuations, we get predictable, high-throughput digital fabrication. Ultimately, mastering these complex fluid interactions across the full process chain will define the next era of scalable, high-performance industrial additive manufacturing applications.

Ben Drummer, Quantica

11:45

Accelerate Implementation of High-Viscosity Inkjet in Industrial Applications

High-viscosity inks have the potential to unlock new possibilities for industrial inkjet, enabling higher functionality, greater material flexibility, and applications that have traditionally been difficult to address with conventional inkjet technologies. But turning this potential into practical industrial solutions requires overcoming significant challenges in productivity, print quality, and long-term jetting stability. We explore why high-viscosity inkjet is attracting increasing attention and how different printhead technologies can address the demands of challenging industrial applications. Introducing our broad printhead portfolio, including thin-film piezo, bulk piezo, along with solenoid and piezo-driven valve technologies, highlighting the distinctive strengths of each. We will examine the key challenges associated with high-viscosity jetting and share our approach to addressing them through the strengths of bulk piezo and valve technologies and their potential to contribute to the next generation of high-viscosity industrial inkjet applications. Finally, we will look beyond the technology itself to the challenges of bringing high-viscosity inkjet into real-world industrial use. Successful implementation requires more than a capable printhead – it requires collaboration across printhead, ink, system, and application technologies. Discover how we are working to move high-viscosity inkjet from technological possibility toward practical industrial implementation, and why partnership will be key to making the next generation of applications a reality.

Hiroshi Nishimura, Ricoh

12:10

TBA

Tba

TBA, Xaar

12:35

Unlocking High-Performance Industrial Inkjet Solutions

Industrial inkjet technology is increasingly adopted across diverse sectors, driven by the need for consistent, high-quality output that meets rigorous end-user standards. This session examines the key considerations for OEMs developing printing systems optimized for high-speed operation, predictable productivity, and cost efficiency, with a focus on applications such as coding & marking and packaging. We will explore the technical features of advanced inkjet printheads, including those developed by FUJIFILM Dimatix, such as piezoelectric actuation, REDIJET technologies, and fire-pulse mapping. These innovations contribute to enhanced performance, longevity, and reliability, enabling the development of robust printing solutions aligned with the evolving demands of industrial applications. The discussion will provide insights into how these technologies address the challenges of dynamic industrial markets.

Shane O’Neill, Fujifilm Dimatix

13:00

Lunch break and tabletop networking

14:00

Epson's Inkjet Printhead Technology for Direct-to-Shape Printing and Advanced Functional Material Deposition

By developing printheads with a highly compact form factor and the ability to jet specialised functional fluids, Epson is expanding its printhead technology portfolio beyond conventional paper printing into non-traditional inkjet applications, including direct-to-shape printing and functional printing beyond colour. Epson printheads are widely recognised for producing text and high-quality colour images on flat media for visual communication. However, specially engineered Epson printheads can also serve as high-precision digital deposition tools for industrial multi-material manufacturing. These printheads enable the accurate deposition of advanced materials for a broad range of applications, including electronics manufacturing, display technologies, photovoltaic devices, and biological and medical applications. In addition, Epson’s advanced printhead technologies support direct-to-shape printing on uneven, curved, textured, and other complex three-dimensional surfaces while maintaining high print quality and precision. This presentation provides an overview of Epson’s activities and technological developments in direct-to-shape printing and functional printing beyond colour, highlighting emerging industrial applications and future opportunities for inkjet-based manufacturing.

Dr Enrico Sowade, Epson

14:25

Per-Nozzle Drive Waveform Control for High-Gap Direct-to-Shape Printing

RISO Technologies (formerly Toshiba Tec’s Inkjet Business Unit) has been a trusted provider of high-quality piezoelectric printheads for the industrial inkjet printing market since 2001. In this presentation, we will introduce how independent drive waveform control per nozzle – enabled by a specialised driver IC – redefines printing capabilities. By individually tailoring the drive waveform for each nozzle, the system achieves optimal dot formation based on the exact gap between the nozzle and the substrate. This technology significantly improves image quality for direct-to-shape (DTS) printing on uneven surfaces, unlocking new possibilities for high-gap applications.

Sota Harada, Sho Nishikawa, RISO Technologies

14:50

Latest Developments in Inkjet Printhead Technology for Industrial Applications

Konica Minolta has extensive experience in industrial inkjet technology and continues to advance its printhead platforms for diverse applications. 600 dpi printheads, KM1800i series, introduced previously, has been further evolved to enhance industrial applicability through improvements in jetting performance and extended throw distance capability. These latest developments deliver long-throw performance exceeding previously reported levels, enabling more stable droplet placement over extended distances. This advancement addresses increasing market demands for high-resolution and multi-colour printing while supporting both scanning and single-pass systems. In particular, enhanced long-throw capability facilitates printing on non-flat and uneven surfaces, especially in décor and industrial applications. This presentation outlines recent technological progress across our printhead portfolio, including updates to jetting characteristics and system integration. Potential applications and future development perspectives will also be discussed.

Hideyuki Eguchi, Konica Minolta

15:15

Best Presentation Awards

15:30

KEYNOTE AND WRAP-UP: Mapping the Market: Where is Industrial Printing Headed Next?

Industrial printing is undergoing a structural shift driven by digitalisation, materials innovation, and the demand for greater efficiency across manufacturing workflows. From functional printing in electronics and medical devices to high-speed inkjet displacing analogue processes in packaging and publishing, the landscape is evolving fast. This presentation provides an expert overview of the sector, examining growth opportunities, which technologies are gaining ground, and how end-market dynamics are reshaping supplier strategies. Drawing on the latest market intelligence from Smithers – the worldwide authority for the printing, paper, and packaging industries – the presentation identifies the key inflection points shaping the next five years, and what they mean for technology adoption and competitive positioning across the industrial printing value chain.

Jon Harper Smith, Smithers

09:25

From Lab to Fab: Scaling Inkjet from Development to Industrial Production

Many companies achieve excellent inkjet results in the laboratory but face major challenges when transferring these processes into stable, high-speed industrial production systems. The transition from lab-scale feasibility to reliable manufacturing requires far more than scaling hardware; it demands a deep understanding of fluid behaviour, printhead integration, ink supply systems, maintenance concepts, and long-term process stability. Based on Inkatronic’s experience in both advanced laboratory testing and developing specialized industrial inkjet machines, this presentation will discuss key factors for successful industrialization across applications such as coating, decoration, conductive inks, adhesives, and functional fluids. The presentation will also introduce Inkatronics' industrial inkjet test platforms designed to bridge the gap between research and production early in the development phase.

Georg Boedler, Inkatronic

09:50

Compact Ink Delivery Systems and Heat Loss

The jetting temperature for a given printing application is often very different from one application to another. Also, industrial inkjet print systems vary hugely in their configuration and complexity. These factors contribute to different heat loss management requirements. Ink recirculation systems must be able to cater for heat loss issues so that stable jetting at the correct temperature is maintained, without damage to the ink or physical parts in the ink circuit, i.e. by staying within temperature constraints set by the manufacturers of the ink and the relevant circuit parts. Some ink circuit heat loss examples will be presented and discussed along with a few approaches that may be used to address heat loss.

Dr Adam Strevens, Neatjet

10:15

TBA

Tba

TBA, IACS

10:40

Coffee break and tabletop networking

11:20

How Watching Drops Is the Key to Inkjet R&D

Using optics to view drops in flight is one of the main methods to understand the potential of a new inkjet fluid to solve a new inkjet problem. Using commercially available third-party analysis equipment from several well-regarded vendors, we provide examples of the power of drop-watching experiments in characterising printhead performance and diagnosing ink-printhead issues. Experiments will be described that range from simple feasibility tests through to more thorough benchmarking, combining results with printing comparisons to verify the validity of hypotheses and gain confidence in what is important.

Dr Mark Bale, DoDxAct

11:45

Beyond the Limits: The Myths and Challenges of Jetting Ultra-High- and Ultra-Low-Viscosity Fluids

As printhead manufacturers increasingly focus on developing printheads capable of jetting higher-viscosity inks, it is worth pausing to revisit the fundamentals. How can the same printhead technology jet fluids at both ultra-high and ultra-low viscosity limits? More importantly, what can printhead manufacturers and fluid formulators do to extend these operating boundaries? Industrial inkjet is often defined by recommended viscosity ranges, yet viscosity and surface tension alone do not determine jetting performance. The printhead must generate sufficient pressure to eject the fluid, stretch and break the ligament cleanly, and achieve rapid meniscus damping so that each subsequent droplet can be produced reliably. It must also refill the ink channel quickly enough to prevent starvation at high firing frequencies. At the high-viscosity limit, the main challenges are fluid displacement, ligament break-up and channel refill. At the low-viscosity limit, excessive meniscus oscillation, weak damping and satellite formation can reduce reliability. Drawing on TriJet’s expertise in high-frequency rheology, printhead-mode analysis and waveform optimisation, this presentation will explore how printhead design, fluid viscoelasticity, temperature and waveform can be jointly optimised to extend the true jetting window.

Dr Tri Tuladhar, Trijet

12:10

Filter Technologies for Inks and Filter Testing with SPOS

Reliable filtering of inks is essential in inkjet printing systems in order to protect nozzles from clogging. Different types of filters are presented. Particle size distribution in inks and the quality of filtering processes can be measured effectively by optical techniques like SPOS (Single Particle Optical Sizing).

Dr Wolf-Dieter Wagner, Soliton

12:35

The Future of Waveform Development: Open Dropwatcher Interfaces Enable Standard AI as a Lab Assistant

Today, dropwatching is often still a specialised task that requires appropriate equipment, process knowledge, and manual evaluation. However, modern dropwatchers with open interfaces are fundamentally changing this situation. In this presentation, droptical demonstrates how widely available AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini can be combined with modern interfaces like TCP and REST API to create custom measurement and automation workflows in just a few steps. For example, an AI-generated script can independently communicate with the dropwatcher, perform measurements, capture the current status of a jetting process, and automatically generate a structured test report. Building on this, automated parameter studies – and even AI-assisted waveform optimisation – are conceivable. The droptical goal: to bring dropwatching out of the niche. Through affordable hardware, open interfaces, and standard AI, powerful dropwatching should become easily accessible to every user – from the laboratory to automated process development. Let us surprise you!

Daniel Föste, droptical

13:00

Lunch break and tabletop networking

14:00

Openair-Plasma® Treatment for Direct-to-Shape Printing

The adhesion of ink depends crucially on surface conditions. Low surface energy and the presence of release agents, oils, or dust can lead to wetting issues and adhesion problems. Therefore, reliable cleaning and activation are the foundation of stable printing processes. Openair-Plasma® pretreatment generates highly reactive species that remove organic contaminants and create polar functional groups on the surface. Surface energy increases, wettability improves, and coating layers adhere reliably. This dry, in-line, flexible process is suitable for targeted areas as well as the entire surface of large components. A key challenge is maintaining surface activation and preventing recontamination between treatment and printing. Advances in plasma control, process integration, and nanocoating technologies are opening new possibilities for reliable printing on challenging substrates. We will demonstrate the integration of Openair-Plasma® into direct-to-shape (DTS) printing, enabling high-quality, durable printing directly onto three-dimensional, curved, and irregular objects.

Bas Buser, Plasmatreat

14:25

Plasma Treatment for Perfect Printing on Amorphous Polymers

Inkjet printing on crystalline polymers, especially polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), can be improved with plasma treatment to enhance adhesion and wettability. However, when it comes to amorphous polymers, glass and metals, the treatment's effect is mostly due to the plasma's cleaning effect on the surface. We will investigate how plasma cleaning works, as well as lesser-known effects of plasma on contamination, combining this knowledge with the effects of improved wettability on contamination. Learn how to implement plasma treatment of amorphous polymers, glass and metals to achieve optimal adhesion and wettability results. To give a better insight, several examples will be shown and explained to show the impact of plasma treatment of contamination on the surface.

Peter van Steenacker, Tigres