IPI 2026: industrial printing’s next frontier revealed

Europe’s biggest conference for industrial inkjet and other emerging printing technologies, Industrial Print Integration (IPI), returns for its fifth edition on 24 and 25 November 2026 in Neuss, Germany. Bringing together companies and institutions developing the next generation of industrial print applications, the 2026 programme explores three key trends: the rise of functional printing for electronics and smart surfaces, advances in high viscosity jetting enabling thicker and more functional inks, and the growing convergence of industrial printing and additive manufacturing.

Six keynote presentations will explore these developments from a range of perspectives. Bernd Zipper (Zipcon) will examine how AI is transforming print procurement and supply chain management. A collaboration between Axalta, Dürr Systems and Xaar will showcase a robotic vehicle painting system combining digital print technology with advanced coatings. Jon Harper Smith (Smithers) will provide strategic market analysis, while Jan Schrooten (Antleron) will demonstrate multi-material 3D printing platforms for patient centric biomedical solutions, highlighting the convergence of printing and additive manufacturing. Witold Nawrot (XTPL) will showcase ultra precise dispensing technology for 1μm interconnections, and Johanna Rimböck (EV Group) will present inkjet solutions for next generation AR/VR optics.

Technical sessions will delve deeper into the technologies driving new industrial applications. Topics include customised print systems for functional printing on diverse substrates, printhead designs optimised for high viscosity inks, and advanced ink formulations. The programme will also address UV-LED curing and IR drying for industrial environments, big data and AI for process optimisation, sustainability in manufacturing, direct to shape printing for complex geometries, plasma treatment for challenging materials, and sustainable 3D printing approaches leveraging industrial printing technologies.

On 23 November, a pre-conference programme will offer a tour of the Epson Experience Centre in Neuss, where attendees can explore innovations in printhead technology, robotics and automation through interactive demonstrations. The programme will also include Ink Delivery System Training and a preview of a new ESMA Academy course on inkjet for functional applications, with a particular focus on printed electronics. The full course will launch in April 2027.

IPI 2026 will also feature a networking tabletop exhibition.

The full programme and registration are open at ipi-conference.com