‘Direct-to-shape (DTS)’ is the name of iPrint’s joint project with two companies, Polytype and MABI Robotic. The trio aims to develop a more effective robotics-based method of printing directly on to large 3D objects.

When we think about inkjet printing, all too often many of us still see it in two-dimensional terms. Yet, this technology, which has developed in parallel with end user computing, has made a spectacular leap into the third dimension. According to Gioele Balestra, co-director of the iPrint Institute, inkjet printing could soon be entering the fourth dimension. Researchers at the Institute, which is part of the Fribourg School of Engineering and Architecture and based at the Marly Innovation Center, are leading the charge. “The location of our facility is highly symbolic – one of Switzerland’s oldest paper mills had operated on this site since the 15^th century.”

The team at iPrint, almost the only institute of its kind in the world, are firmly convinced that the future of printing, and production, lies with inkjet technology and are working on the development of new inks, substrates, equipment and applications. As Balestra explains, “Digital 2D printing is far from being a dying technology. In fact, it is experiencing a real boom in a few specific fields like packaging, labelling, and direct-to-object printing, starting with the decoration on ceramic tiles.”

As for the limitations of 3D printing, which consists in creating objects of all shapes and sizes by adding layer after layer of material using a 3D model, they are constantly shrinking thanks to the use of increasingly varied functional inks, from metal and ceramic nanoparticles, to polymers, cells, proteins, and even foodstuffs. The resulting products are used in a range of sectors, including the energy, biomedical, electronic, automotive and agrifood industries.

Printing emotions

According to Balestra, “This fully digital solution means that printing can be done at any time, so no warehousing needs, and anywhere, so no transport needs.” An added advantage is much less waste because it keeps the use of material to a minimum. Needless to say, these economic and environmental benefits are attracting a great deal of interest, especially from industry.

iPrint has recently created an inkjet ecosystem to assist firms to make the move towards this solution. The printing giant Epson Europe B.V. joined in 2022 and “We are currently in discussions with other internationally renowned groups.” At the same time, researchers at the Institute continue to pursue other innovative avenues, such as sensory stimulation and, in turn, the generation of emotional experiences. “Soon, printing will be capable of activating our sense of smell and taste. We really will be in the fourth dimension when this happens!”