iPrint

Digital manufacturing enabled by inkjet printing
The iPrint institute is specialized in inkjet technology and digital printing. Our multidisciplinary applied research develops these technologies and widens their field of application through the creation of new processes. iPrint also offers practice-based training courses on inkjet technology.

Expertise in inkjet-based digital printing

International network

World-renowned training center
Research focus areas
iPrint’s research focuses on technological innovation at every step of the digital printing process while also developing specific inkjet applications for a variety of industries.
Innovative technologies for digital printing
By focusing on technological innovation, iPrint is enabling the next stage of the digital revolution in industrial production. Every new print head and surface treatment method developed in our laboratories extends and diversifies the field of application of inkjet technology.
Digital printing process development
iPrint develops and optimizes digital printing processes for a wide variety of applications, including graphical printing (e.g. direct-to-shape printing, food packaging), printing for electronics (e.g. sensors, multi-functional structures) and biomedical printing (e.g. implants, diagnostic devices, regenerative medicine).
iPrint also specializes in combining inkjet with other digital printing technologies such as direct-ink-writing, valvejet or material extrusion to enable advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Services
iPrint’s partners benefit from the high-level expertise and experience of our staff and from access to industry-leading infrastructure.
Our services
iPrint provides high-quality R&D services in the following areas:
- Innkjet-related technology consulting
- Feasibility studies
- Ink characterization and optimization
- Surface pre-treatment for improved wettability and adhesion
- Optimization of printing parameters using drop watching techniques
- Post-treatment of printed layers
- Characterization of new print heads
- Development of new technology
Facilities
To carry out our advanced R&D projects with national and international partners from different sectors, iPrint relies on industry-leading facilities. The institute has more than 20 specialized laboratories and is fully equipped to develop and optimize every aspect of a digital printing process. In addition, we maintain close ties to suppliers of equipment such as print heads and pre/post-treatment units and of materials such as inks and substrates, which allows us to remain at the technological state-of-the-art.
Contact
Gioele Balestra
Full Professor UAS/Co-director competence center
Office
MIC_00_057
Phone
+41 26 429 66 27
E-mail
gioele.balestra@hefr.ch
Yoshinori Domae
Co-director competence center
Office
MIC_00_057
Phone
+41 26 429 69 03
E-mail
yoshinori.domae@hefr.ch
Gilbert Gugler
Full Professor UAS/Co-director competence center
Office
MIC_00_057
Phone
+41 26 429 68 27
E-mail
gilbert.gugler@hefr.ch