“ Thank you for elevating my understanding of inkjet technology! Now, I can relate waveforms, satellite formation and gray scaling with a straight coherent face! ”
Bruk Sahilu, Nike
“ ESMA Academy courses offer an exceptional blend of theory and hands-on practice, creating a friendly yet professional atmosphere where participants can deepen their understanding of inkjet technology. ”
Pegah Shakeri, Kuraray Europe
“ This course is excellent for those who want to discover the basics of the digital printer, mechanical construction, chemical and physics topics. ”
Wouter Malfait, Van Dam Machine
“ The course gave a great overview of the whole inkjet process chain. A special highlight for me was the insightful deep dive into the inkjet physics. ”
Stefan Schlisske, Nano Dimension
“ Inkjet training, from clueless to confident! ”
Aymeric Champion, RadLab
“ No matter your experience or knowledge level in inkjet, there's always something new to learn. The Academy was a fantastic opportunity to connect with both new and familiar faces in the industry, exchange insights, and grow through shared experiences. ”
Richard Fisher, Fujifilm Ink Solutions
ESMA Academy – Challenging Fluids in Industrial Inkjet
Know-how transfer and hands-on training15-18 June 2026, Selb – Germany
Challenging Fluids?
Industrial inkjet now spans an impressive range of applications, where fluids — inks, primers, and specialty formulations — face challenges beyond formulation. Pressure control, flow dynamics, abrasion, material incompatibility, temperature management, maintenance, and process speed all impact cost and efficiency. ESMA Academy explores how inkjet systems adapt to fluids with unique viscosity, surface tension, and particle size ranges. For example, white inks and high-particle-load fluids require specialised stabilisation, while temperature-sensitive formulations need precise thermal management. The focus is on fluid delivery, meniscus control, and printhead compatibility to ensure robust drop formation and adhesion.
Comprehensive content
The ESMA Academy starts with inkjet chemistry and physics, covering fluid dynamics, waveform generation, and meniscus behaviour. Lab sessions let participants test fluid characterisation, filtration, and drop watching using their own inks. Key topics include UV, water-based, and solvent ink formulation, curing methods (IR, UV-LED), and pre-treatment techniques like plasma and flame treatment. The course also addresses process optimisation, such as printhead motion control and handling irregular shapes, concluding with problem-solving sessions on patents, trends, and sustainability.
Who should attend
This course is for manufacturers, OEMs, system integrators, and ink suppliers across industries ranging from packaging, interior decoration, additive manufacturing, biomedical, functional printing and more. It is ideal for engineers optimising fluid delivery, R&D professionals focused on formulation, and decision-makers evaluating process efficiency. Delivered by experts, the Academy provides actionable insights to tackle fluid challenges, supporting investment, innovation, and integration in industrial inkjet.
Programme
Date: 15-18 June 2026, Selb, Germany
Monday, 15/06/26
10:30-12:30 What is inkjet? (optional intro for beginners)
13:00-13:30 Lunch and welcome
13:30-15:00 Inkjet chemistry overview
15:00-16:30 Inkjet physics overview
16:30-17:30 Fluid delivery
17:30-18:00 Technology ecosystem
Tuesday, 16/06/26
08:30-09:00 Printheads
09:00-10:00 Fluid characterisation and functionality
10:00-10:30 Filtration
10:30-11:30 Image quality and colour management
11:30-12:30 Drop watching
12:30-13:30 Lunch break
13:30-17:30 Practice sessions in groups: Fluid characterisation and filtration, fluid supply and drop watching
18:00 Social evening and BBQ
Wednesday, 17/06/26
09:00-09:40 Ink formulation
09:40-10:20 UV curing
10:20-11:00 (N)IR drying
11:00-12:00 Pre-treatment
12:00-13:00 Lunch break
13:00-17:30 Practice sessions in groups: Surface treatment, colour management, UV curing, (N)IR drying
Thursday, 18/06/26
09:00-10:00 Patents and innovations, market and trends outlook
10:00-10:30 Perspectives of the industry
10:30-11:00 Sustainability and chemical regulations
11:00-12:00 Problem solving and open discussion
12:00-13:00 Certificates and (take-away) lunch
ESMA Academy – Challenging Fluids in Industrial Inkjet
Know-how transfer and hands-on training
Date: 15-18 June 2026
Location: The course takes place in the European Centre for Dispersion Technologies, Selb, Germany
Participation fee: 2.350 EUR