Seiko Epson Corporation has announced the launch of Contourjet, a new brand for its direct-to-shape printing system, which combines Epson’s proprietary inkjet and robotics technologies.
Epson will provide a total solution under the Contourjet brand. The solution encompasses not only enhanced system performance, but also inks, related software, implementation support, and maintenance services.Â
It helps customers improve efficiency in decoration processes, reduce environmental impact, and deliver a wide range of creative designs. Epson will accelerate global expansion into markets where demand for decorating three-dimensional objects is expected to grow, including sports equipment, automotive parts, and industrial products.
Contourjet combines Epson’s compact PrecisionCore S800 printhead with an Epson-developed industrial six-axis robot, enabling direct printing on complex three-dimensional objects with curved and uneven surfaces.Â
The S800 printhead, together with Epson’s proprietary trajectory control and image processing technologies, delivers high-quality and exceptionally accurate printing even on objects with grooves, contours, and other complex geometries.
By digitalizing conventional analog printing processes, Contourjet reduces manual labor, saves space, and improves manufacturing efficiency. Moreover, inkjet technology deposits ink only in the locations and amounts needed, thus consuming less material, creating less waste, and reducing environmental impact than analog processes. And, since no printing plates or special materials are required, the system provides flexibility for short-run production and bespoke applications, enabling a vast range of decorative designs.
Along with the new Contourjet brand, Epson has enhanced the system with several new features. The system incorporates Epson-developed robots with linear motor drives and increased payload capacity, enabling printing on larger and longer workpieces.Â
A front-access design improves serviceability and maintenance efficiency. Support for multicolor printing, including white ink and clear varnish ink, further expands decorative possibilities. In addition, Epson works closely with partner companies to recommend optimal inks and operating methods tailored to specific applications and substrates, helping customers create new value.
From September 23 to 25, 2026, Epson will exhibit at Printing United Expo 2026, to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada, USA. Epson will showcase the solution’s features and capabilities with samples produced using Contourjet.
Going forward, Epson will continue to create new applications for inkjet technology beyond conventional flat-surface printing by combining PrecisionCore printhead technology with Epson’s robotics technologies, guided by its philosophy of developing efficient, compact and precise technologies. Through these efforts, Epson aims to enhance customer productivity, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the realization of a more sustainable society.
Key features
Contourjet combines Epson’s PrecisionCore S800 printhead, an Epson-developed industrial six-axis robot, and proprietary trajectory control and image processing technologies to enable direct-to-shape printing on complex three-dimensional surfaces with outstanding quality and precision.
*Equipped with Epson’s proprietary PrecisionCore S800 printhead, delivering high-resolution printing at 600 dpi × 600 dpi
*The combination of a six-axis robot and an independent vertical lifting mechanism enables flexible printing orientations and supports a wide variety of three-dimensional shapes
*Linear motor drive technology and Epson-developed robots with higher payload-capacity support printing on large and long workpieces
*Advanced trajectory control and image processing enable precise decoration of complex curved and irregular surfaces
*Front-access improves maintainability, including easier printhead replacement
*Supports multicolor printing with white and clear varnish inks
*Offers a range of decorative effects, from base-layer printing to texturing
Business model and partnerships
Epson has been conducting research and development, as well as evaluation and verification, of inkjet printing technologies for three-dimensional objects using Contourjet at its Inkjet Innovation Lab Fujimi in Fujimi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.Â
In addition, the Epson Experience Center in Neuss, Germany, provides European customers with a facility where they can use a Contourjet to produce and evaluate test prints using their actual substrates. Leveraging the expertise and know-how developed through these facilities in Japan and Europe, Epson is actively promoting collaboration with global partners to accelerate business development in the three-dimensional decoration market.
