Seiko Epson has signed a capital and business alliance with Japanese materials specialist Cluster Technology, subscribing to a third-party share allotment for JPY 300m (USD 1.9m). The tie-up targets joint development of inkjet print head components and next-generation materials, part of Epson's plan to invest JPY 5bn (USD 31.6m) over three years in its inkjet solutions growth area.
Why this mattersA small equity stake signals Epson is securing specialist resin-moulding capacity to support growing demand for its inkjet print heads, used across printing and industrial applications.
- Epson subscribed to a third-party allotment of new shares in Cluster Technology for JPY 300m (USD 1.9m).
- The alliance targets development of inkjet print head components, high-function parts and next-generation materials.
- Epson plans to invest JPY 5bn (USD 31.6m) over three years in its inkjet solutions business under its ENGINEERED FUTURE 2035 vision.
- Cluster Technology specialises in precision resin moulding and customised materials for optical and printer components, and resin insulation materials for heavy-electric industry.
- The deal makes Epson a major shareholder of Cluster Technology, per the latter's regulatory disclosure.
- Agreement signed 9 October 2026.
Epson has appointed Engineered Printing Solutions (EPS) as its North American partner for CONTOURJET, a new robotic direct-to-object digital printing platform for decorating three-dimensional products. The system, unveiled at PRINTING United Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, combines Epson's printhead technology with robotics to print on complex shapes that fixed-head digital systems cannot reach. EPS will handle sales, applications development, installation, training and service across the region from the first quarter of 2027.
Why this mattersRobotic direct-to-object printing extends digital decoration to complex packaging and product shapes, widening the alternative to pad and screen printing for converters.
- Epson selected EPS as its sole North American partner for the CONTOURJET direct-to-object printing platform.
- CONTOURJET was launched at PRINTING United Expo 2026 in Las Vegas on 23 September 2026.
- The platform is the result of nearly ten years of development combining Epson printhead technology with robotic motion control.
- EPS will provide sales, applications development, installation, training and service support for the system.
- CONTOURJET is expected to be available through EPS from the first quarter of 2027.
- The system adds to EPS's existing portfolio of pad printing, screen printing and direct-to-object printing technologies.
- ContourJet uses a 6-axis robotic arm to hold the object while printheads move via linear-motor drive to follow its contour
- Printer uses Epson's PrecisionCore S800 printhead at 600 x 600 dpi with a single ink channel per head
- Configurable with up to seven colour channels; standard set is CMYK plus white, with a clear ink/varnish option for texture
- Installations already exist in Japan; European sales expected to start in 2027 after CE certification
