How Inkatronic is Powering the Next Phase of Industrial Inkjet

FuturePrint Editorial Team

In the heart of Linz, Austria—a city that straddles the majestic Danube—a small but ambitious company is redefining the frontiers of inkjet technology. Inkatronic, founded seven years ago by Georg Bödler, has emerged as a specialist partner for businesses looking to unlock the full potential of digital printing in industrial settings. Run by Georg and his son Mikael, the company combines engineering precision, technological curiosity, and a rare sense of generational continuity.

Click on the image to link to the podcast interview with Georg & Mikael Boedler

While many firms in the print technology sector operate within narrow confines, Inkatronic defies categorisation. Their core business lies in building bespoke inkjet machinery for a diverse set of clients—ranging from decor printers to manufacturers of functional coatings and electronic components. But it is their deep involvement in R&D and pre-commercial testing that sets them apart.

“We don't just build machines,” says Mikael, who leads new business development. “We begin by identifying the right printhead and ink chemistry through rigorous testing. Only then do we move to system design.” With over 30 different printhead technologies in their lab and advanced waveform and fluid analysis tools, Inkatronic functions as both integrator and innovator.

This hands-on philosophy stems from Georg’s three decades in inkjet. A mechanical engineer by training, Georg entered the industry in 1995 and has remained fascinated by its constantly shifting frontiers. “Inkjet is just starting,” he insists. “There are more possibilities than ever in bio-medical, electronics, and coatings. It's a continuous challenge, and that's what makes it exciting.”

Their work spans a range of implementations: a recent 3-metre-wide binder jetting module; a fully automated machine capable of handling 50,000 unique design formats; and precision equipment for coating electronics. But the secret to their success isn’t scale or automation—it is collaboration. Every Inkatronic machine is built in-house from scratch: mechanical design, CNC manufacturing, assembly, and electronics are all done under one roof. Their team of 18 handles everything.

A critical element is neutrality. Inkatronic is agnostic when it comes to ink, printheads, or software suppliers. Their machines are typically powered by Meteor electronics, but their dropwatchers, print stations and test platforms are entirely custom-built. “Every project starts with the customer's goal,” Georg notes. “We select the right technology for that specific need. One size never fits all in inkjet.”

That independence has attracted a wide client base—from materials scientists needing to test high-viscosity fluids, to manufacturers seeking to transition from screen printing to inkjet. “We increasingly see customers developing their own chemistries and needing a partner to help apply them reliably,” Mikael explains. “It’s not just printing ink—it’s adhesives, coatings, even epoxies.”

A particular focus area is functional coatings. Traditional screen or spray methods struggle with the precision and selectivity that digital can offer. “Inkjet brings better evenness and flexibility,” says Georg. “Screen printing is stable but inkjet is evolving rapidly.”

The push towards high-viscosity fluids—such as water-based inks for corrugated packaging or epoxy adhesives—is also shaping Inkatronic’s roadmap. Their systems are currently engineered to handle viscosities up to 250 mPa·s, with ongoing work to go even further. Mikael sees this as a key growth area: “Higher viscosity means broader applications. The whole industry is moving in this direction.”

Despite their base in Europe, Inkatronic keeps a close eye on Asia. “Asian markets innovate faster,” Georg observes. “They test and improve while Europeans are still evaluating.” But he also sees signs of change. “European manufacturers are waking up. The need to innovate is being taken seriously, especially in automation and AI.”

This spirit of reinvention underpins Inkatronic’s decision to partner with FuturePrint. “We see FuturePrint as a hub of like-minded companies passionate about pushing boundaries,” says Mikael. “It’s not just about showcasing what we do. It’s about learning, collaborating, and helping others.”

Their R&D centre plays a pivotal role here. Housing multiple test platforms, dropwatchers, and fluid analysis tools, it serves both internal projects and external clients. “We’re not protective of our know-how,” Mikael stresses. “When a customer visits, we train them, share our findings, and help them grow their internal capabilities. That’s how the ecosystem thrives.”

It is this mindset—curious, open, and deeply practical—that has made Inkatronic a valuable partner to chemists, OEMs, and technology developers alike. In a sector where proprietary systems and closed loops often stifle collaboration, Inkatronic’s open-door approach offers a refreshing contrast.

As FuturePrint prepares for its Industrial Print event in Munich, and as digital technology continues to reshape manufacturing in Europe, Inkatronic stands as a quiet but potent force. Not because it shouts the loudest, but because it listens, adapts, and engineers precisely what the industry actually needs.

In an era where progress increasingly depends on integration and agility, that might just be the smartest strategy of all.