Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson) will exhibit Direct to Shape Printing System, an inkjet printing solution for printing directly on 3D objects, at Automatica, in Messe München, Germany.
Direct to Shape Printing System is an innovative solution that combines Epson’s compact, high-precision S800 PrecisionCore printheads with an Epson industrial robot. The S800 is the smallest printhead in the PrecisionCore series. This small size allows printing on complex shapes such as grooves and curves. A 6-axis robot and lifting mechanisms1 that independently raise and lower the printheads are used in combination to allow Direct to Shape Printing System to flexibly accommodate printing on objects from different angles with quality and accuracy.
Direct to Shape Printing System digitalises traditional analogue printing, streamlining manufacturing processes by automating manual tasks and using space efficiently. Epson’s inkjet technology deposits ink only where and in the volume needed. Epson explained that this reduces the amount of material used and wasted. Inkjet systems also eliminate the need for plates or special materials for each operation, enabling cost-effective personalisation and customisation.
Direct to Shape Printing System is expected to be used in fields where there is a demand for printing on 3D shapes, such as helmets for athletics and industrial use, automotive parts (interior and exterior), home appliances, sporting equipment, apparel, accessories, and more. In addition to graphics applications, Epson envisions Direct to Shape Printing System being used in the functional printing, such as the printing of sensors with conductive ink and the coating of 3D objects.
From July 2025, the Direct to Shape Printing System system exhibited at Automatica will be permanently installed at Epson Deutschland GmbH, providing a test and evaluation environment for customer substrates and accelerating real-world implementation.
