Kyocera collaborates with iPrint to expand inkjet technology into new markets and applications

Digital printing, including inkjet printing, offers the advantage of producing the required quantity immediately based on image data, while reducing environmental impact by eliminating the liquid waste generated during the plate-cleaning processes. In recent years, the shift from conventional analog printing to digital printing has been accelerating, driven by diversified needs, greater demand for small-lot, multi-variety production, and advances in labor savings and automation at production sites.

Kyocera, leveraging its proprietary fine ceramic technology, fluid channel design, and manufacturing expertise cultivated over the years, has developed the “EX Series” inkjet printheads. Centered around these printheads, Kyocera boasts the top market share^*1 in textile and commercial printing, and continues to lead the digital printing market. Moving forward, Kyocera will enhance its technical bases in Japan and abroad to expand into new applications, such as 3D printing, coating, and printed electronics.

iPrint, a public research institute specializing in inkjet technology and affiliated with the School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg (HEIA Fribourg) at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), attracts engineers and companies from around the world. The institute drives research and development activities to meet diverse needs and offers cutting-edge R&D programs and training courses on inkjet technology. It is equipped with facilities that enable the handling of a wide range of inks.

Under this collaboration, Kyocera will establish a dedicated space within iPrint and utilize the latest equipment and technologies to evaluate special inks and materials that have traditionally been difficult to handle. Kyocera will accumulate and analyze the data obtained from these evaluations to enhance and streamline its technical supportcapabilities, as well as actively pursue initiatives to expand into new applications.

Through this collaboration, Kyocera will drive further the advancement of inkjet technology and expand its expertise. It will also open up new possibilities in industrial applications and contribute to achieving global environmental sustainability.

About iPrint
iPrint is a public research institute based in Switzerland and affiliated with the School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg (HEIA Fribourg), which is part of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO). The institute conducts applied research in diverse applications such as graphic printing, electronics, and biomedical applications, and pursues R&D in state-of-the-art inkjet technology. With its interdisciplinary structure, iPrint connects people and knowledge, fostering innovation that supports the development of valuable products for the well-being of society and ecosystems in a sustainable manner.

*1 Based on Kyocera research, August 2025.