Direct printing on sneakers and helmets, too ... Epson unveils “ContourJet” for curved and 3D surfaces

[Financial News] Epson has unveiled ContourJet, an industrial solution that prints directly onto the curved and contoured surfaces of three-dimensional products. The company plans to expand inkjet printing, traditionally focused on flat surfaces, to three-dimensional products such as sporting goods and automotive parts.
Epson said on the 22nd that it had introduced ContourJet, a new brand for its direct-printing solution for three-dimensional surfaces, which combines inkjet technology with industrial robots.
ContourJet is a system that combines Epson’s PrecisionCore S800 printhead with an in-house-developed industrial six-axis robot. It prints at a resolution of 600 × 600 dpi and can print on surfaces with grooves or curves using precise trajectory control and image-processing technology. Its vertical lifting mechanism operates independently of the robot’s movement, allowing the print direction to be adjusted and accommodating workpieces of various shapes.
Epson said ContourJet could broaden product design and manufacturing methods across a range of fields, including sporting goods, automotive parts and industrial products. By digitizing conventional analog decorative-printing processes, it reduces manual labor and the space required for installation, while enabling high-mix, low-volume production and customized designs without printing plates or special materials.
The system is designed to reduce material use and waste compared with conventional analog processes by spraying ink only where it is needed. Epson said this could help reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing processes.
The system uses linear-motor drive technology and an in-house-developed robot with increased payload capacity. This has expanded the printable range to include larger and longer workpieces. The system’s design has also been improved to allow maintenance, including printhead replacement, from the front of the equipment.
Support for multi-color printing, including white ink and clear varnish ink, enables a range of decorative effects, from base layers to surface textures.
Epson plans to go beyond supplying ContourJet equipment alone by also providing ink, software, implementation support and maintenance services. In collaboration with partners, it will recommend inks and operating methods suited to the materials customers use and their intended applications, and support product development and improvements to manufacturing processes.
In Japan, Epson is researching printing technologies for three-dimensional shapes and evaluating system performance, while in Germany it is helping customers conduct test prints on their actual materials. The company plans to use these locations to assess the technology’s applicability and expand collaboration with global partners.
Jun Morofushi, president of Epson Korea, said, “ContourJet is an example of broadening the applications of precision technology by combining Epson’s inkjet printing and printhead control technologies with its robotics capabilities.” He added, “We will continue to introduce solutions that boost customer productivity and reduce environmental impact.”
[email protected] Yoon Hong-jip Reporter