Epson launches Direct-to-Shape printing system for three-dimensional objects

New solution combines greater production efficiency with enhanced creative flexibility for businesses and brands.

Epson today announces CONTOURJET, a new direct-to-shape printing system which combines Epson’s inkjet technology with its robotics technology. The offering helps customers to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact in their decoration processes, while enabling a wide range of design expression.

CONTOURJET combines the compact S800 PrecisionCore printhead, designed for highly accurate ink jetting, with a high-precision industrial six-axis robot. This enables direct printing on complex three-dimensional objects with curved and uneven surfaces for a broad range of products, including sporting goods, automotive parts, and industrial items. The system supports high-mix, low-volume production and personalisation needs through multicolour printing, including white ink and clear ink (varnish), providing a wider range of decorative effects from base-layer printing to texture effects.

By digitising conventional analogue printing processes, CONTOURJET reduces manual work and saves space, helping streamline manufacturing processes. By leveraging the advantages of inkjet technology – printing only where needed and only in the amount required – it also reduces material usage and waste, contributing to a lower environmental impact.

“Epson continues to create new inkjet applications that go beyond the boundaries of flat-surface printing by combining PrecisionCore printheads with robotics technology,” said Kan Igarashi, Director of IJS Europe at Epson Deutschland GmbH. “CONTOURJET contributes to improved customer productivity and reduced environmental impact and supports printing on large and long workpieces through the adoption of linear-motor drive and robots with increased payload capacity.”

Key features of CONTOURJET