Episode 302 - Seiko & Fraunhofer: A New Model for Inkjet Innovation in Functional Printing and Advanced Manufacturing

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we explore an exciting new collaboration reshaping the future of industrial inkjet. Fabio Tallarico of Seiko Instruments GmbH and Jan Janhsen of Fraunhofer IPA join us to discuss how their organisations are working together to advance functional printing, high-viscosity jetting, and inkjet-based manufacturing.

Following the closure of Seiko’s in-house lab, the company sought a new approach to R&D — one that could provide scientific depth, hands-on experimentation, and access to advanced facilities. Fraunhofer IPA, one of Europe’s leading applied research institutes, became the ideal partner.

Together, the teams now collaborate on:

• waveform development and drop analysis

• print testing across varied substrates and ink types

• evaluating high-viscosity, conductive, UV, and water-based inks

• exploring jetting limits and application-specific performance

• investigating new functional applications including adhesives, coatings, and 3D structures

For Fraunhofer, the partnership ensures its research remains grounded in real industrial challenges. For Seiko, it broadens access to cutting-edge measurement tools, material expertise, and scientific knowledge — accelerating development of the next-generation RC2560 printhead.

The conversation also highlights wider trends shaping industrial inkjet:
 the shift toward sustainable materials, increasing demand for functional layers, advances in additive manufacturing, and the future potential of AI in waveform optimisation and process control.

This collaboration demonstrates how innovation grows faster when companies work together — sharing knowledge, testing boundaries, and combining scientific insight with practical engineering.

A must-listen for anyone interested in industrial inkjet, functional printing, advanced manufacturing, or collaborative R&D.

FuturePrint Events:

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