Episode 250 - Inkatronic: Machine builder and inkjet development partner

The convergence of traditional engineering expertise with fresh innovative thinking can spark remarkable technological advancements. This fascinating dynamic is perfectly embodied by Inkatronic, an Austrian-based machine building and inkjet development company founded seven years ago but backed by decades of industry knowledge.

At the heart of this podcast is the compelling father-son partnership driving Inkatronic forward. George Bödler brings thirty years of inkjet experience and mechanical engineering prowess, while his son Mikael, who began working with inkjet technology at just 14 years old, now leads new business development with unbridled passion. Together, they've created a company that specializes in developing bespoke industrial inkjet solutions for manufacturing challenges that traditional methods struggle to solve.

What truly distinguishes Inkatronic is their comprehensive approach to technology selection and testing. Their R&D facility in Linz houses more than 30 different printer technologies, allowing them to thoroughly prototype and optimize solutions before machine development begins. This process includes waveform development, fluid characterization, and meticulous testing to ensure the perfect match between technology and application. From mechanical design through electronics, assembly, and implementation, the 18-person team handles everything in-house, giving them complete control over quality and customization.

The conversation reveals fascinating insights into emerging applications, with functional coatings representing a particularly promising frontier. Inkjet's ability to apply chemistry evenly and selectively to substrates like metal, glass, and electronics – all while remaining contactless – opens possibilities that traditional screen printing cannot match. Similarly, high-viscosity applications up to 250 centipoise, including epoxy adhesives and sustainable water-based inks for packaging, represent major growth opportunities that align perfectly with Inkatronic's capabilities.

Whether you're a manufacturing innovator seeking to digitalize processes, a chemistry developer looking for application expertise, or simply fascinated by the cutting edge of industrial print technology, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how specialized inkjet solutions are transforming industrial production. 

FuturePrint Events:

FuturePrint TECH: Industrial Print: 21-22 January '26, Munich, Germany