Epson’s new Direct to Shape Printing System

Epson has announced it will exhibit the Direct to Shape Printing System, an inkjet printing solution for printing directly on 3D objects, at Automatica, a trade exhibition for robotics and automation, in Messe München, Germany. With this event as a launchpad, Epson says it will begin full-scale global commercialisation of the solution.

The Direct to Shape Printing System is an innovation 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, allowing printing on complex shapes such as grooves and curves.

A 6-axis robot, combined with individual lifting mechanisms for each of the five printheads, enables precise and independent up-and-down movements of each printhead. This allows the Direct to Shape Printing System to conform accurately to the shape of the objects being printed on, delivering exceptional quality and precision from multiple angles.

The Direct to Shape Printing System streamlines the custom object manufacturing processes by automating manual tasks and using space efficiently. Epson's inkjet technology deposits ink only where it is needed on the object, and, only in the volume needed.

This reduces the amount of material used, and wasted, making the process more environmentally sustainable. Inkjet systems also eliminate the need for plates or special materials for each operation, enabling a much more cost-effective personalisation and customisation process. 

The 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, or accessories. 

In addition to graphics applications, Epson envisions the Direct to Shape Printing System being used in functional printing, such as printing sensors with conductive ink and coating 3D objects.

Key Features of the Direct to Shape Printing System
•    Precise and accurate printing on 3D objects
•    600 dpi x 600 dpi resolution with S800 PrecisionCore printheads
•    Flexible printing angles via a 6-axis robot and independent lifting mechanisms1
•    Precision trajectory control and image processing for curved surfaces
•    Supports up to 5 ink colours (e.g., C/M/Y/K/White), customisable 

Leveraging its accumulated expertise, Epson is also actively pursuing global partnerships for commercial deployment. The company offers the hardware and total solution, including ink, image processing, and after-sales support. Epson also supports ink selection and provides operational assistance in collaboration with optimal partners.
From July 2025, the Direct to Shape Printing System exhibited at Automatica will be permanently installed at Epson Germany, providing a test and evaluation environment for customer substrates and accelerating real-world implementation.