FuturePrint Podcast

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In this FuturePrint Podcast episode of 2026, Marcus Timson is joined by Dr Simon Daplyn, Product and Marketing Manager at Sun Chemical, to take stock of where industrial inkjet is heading - and why the next phase is less about “print” and more about manufacturing outcomes.
Simon reflects on 2025 as a year where momentum began to translate into implementation, particularly in packaging, with renewed interest in hybrid approaches that combine digital inkjet with analogue techniques (especially flexo) to hit the metrics that matter: speed, reliability, and commercial viability. But the bigger story, he argues, is inkjet’s expanding footprint beyond familiar territory - from direct-to-shape and metal decoration to functional deposition in emerging industrial markets.
The conversation rewinds to the early InPrint years, when integrators and component specialists helped manufacturers explore what might be possible. Fast forward a decade and the shift is clear: the ecosystem - printheads, software, robotics, ink delivery, and materials science - has matured into tangible, production-ready solutions.
Simon also challenges a persistent mistake: trying to replicate analogue workflows with digital. Inkjet’s advantage is not simply cost-per-litre or a like-for-like replacement of gravure, flexo or screen. It is agility, reduced waste, inventory efficiency, faster time-to-market, and the ability to deposit expensive functional materials only where they are needed.
With FuturePrint Industrial Print in Munich as the backdrop, Simon outlines why 2026 could be a breakout year for direct-to-shape, metal, flexible packaging, and new industrial applications - powered by collaboration across a growing ecosystem of specialists.
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What is FuturePrint?
FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events.
We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint TECH: Industrial Print: 21-22 January '26, Munich, Germany

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In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we speak with Franziska Valerie Hagenauer, founder of FVH Lab, a nature-inspired design specialist working at the intersection of biomimicry, AI, computational design and digital fabrication. Franziska will be speaking at the forthcoming FuturePrint AI for Industrial Print Conference, Jan 22, which is a part of FuturePrint Industrial Print in Munich 21-22 January. 
Franziska explains how she helps sustainable technology innovators translate complex technical advantages into intuitive, emotionally resonant physical demonstrators. Rather than relying on data sheets and specifications alone, her work uses forms inspired by nature to communicate performance, efficiency and sustainability in a way that is instantly understood.
The conversation explores the role of biomimicry as both a design and storytelling tool. Natural structures are universally recognisable, emotionally engaging and effective at differentiating technologies on crowded trade show floors. Franziska outlines her process, starting with a discovery workshop to identify key technical strengths, followed by research into biological analogues that visually express those attributes.
AI plays a critical role in this workflow, particularly in the early concept phase. Franziska describes how AI tools accelerate research, support idea generation and help visualise concepts through high-quality renderings that combine sketches with natural patterns. Computational design and parametric modelling then allow these concepts to be translated into producible 3D forms.
Importantly, Franziska challenges the idea that AI simply needs more data. Instead, she emphasises the importance of high-quality, reliable input and human creativity. Looking ahead, she shares her perspective on how AI, when combined with nature-inspired thinking, could help industry address sustainability challenges rather than simply optimise efficiency.
This episode offers a refreshing and thought-provoking perspective on how AI and biomimicry can reshape industrial design, manufacturing communication and sustainable innovation.

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What is FuturePrint?
FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events.
We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint TECH: Industrial Print: 21-22 January '26, Munich, Germany

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In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we speak with Oliver Beck of Thieme, one of Germany’s most established family-owned manufacturers of high-end industrial screen and digital printing systems. Based in the Black Forest region, Thieme has long been recognised for its deep engineering expertise and close collaboration with industrial customers.
Oliver explains why Thieme has re-engaged strongly with digital printing – not as a general-purpose solution, but as a highly targeted tool for demanding industrial applications. He outlines the company’s three core digital pillars: a specialist digital coin-printing system with automatic alignment for high-value collector coins; modular digital print engines designed to be integrated directly into existing production lines; and fully bespoke digital printers built for 24/7 industrial operation with up to 95% machine availability.
The discussion highlights Thieme’s process-led approach. Rather than starting with a predefined machine, projects begin with customer requirements – from ink chemistry and printhead selection to single-pass or multi-pass architecture – often progressing through prototype development before full-scale production. Real-world examples include inline digital printing on saw guide bars and saw blades, operating at industrial speeds and volumes, as well as applications ranging from metal components to glass and functional coatings.
Oliver also explains why Thieme chose to support the new FuturePrint Industrial Print event in Munich, drawing parallels with the original InPrint show and praising the focused, single-hall format and strong technical conference programme.
This episode offers a clear, grounded view of where industrial digital print delivers real value today – not as a replacement for analogue, but as a precisely engineered solution for advanced manufacturing challenges.
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What is FuturePrint?
FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events.
We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint TECH: Industrial Print: 21-22 January '26, Munich, Germany

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In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson catches up with Joanna Stephenson, Managing Director of Think B2B Marketing, to explore how packaging, consumers and print are changing – fast.
With nearly 30 years’ experience across Dow Chemical, Sun Chemical, LINPAC and now her own specialist agency, Joanna shares a rare, 360-degree view of the packaging value chain – from R&D and compliance to brand strategy and marketing execution.
Joanna explains why:
Marketing must be treated as a growth engine, not a cost line
Sustainability has moved far beyond “trend” status and is now a licence to operate
New regulations (EPR, PPWR, Scope 3) will radically change what brands demand from their suppliers
Generational shifts – from Gen X to Millennials and Gen Alpha – are reshaping how and what people buy
Connected packaging and GS1’s move to QR codes create huge opportunities for printers as enablers of digital experiences
AI and continuous learning will separate strategic partners from commodity providers
If you’re a printer, converter, supplier or brand-side packaging leader trying to make sense of sustainability, regulation, connected packaging and AI – and what they really mean for your business – this conversation with Jo is packed with insight, challenge and practical direction.
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What is FuturePrint?
FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events.
We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint TECH: Industrial Print: 21-22 January '26, Munich, Germany

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In this FuturePrint Podcast episode, we speak with Rainer Stricker (WeldTone) and Mikael Boedler (Inkatronic) about a fast-emerging application for industrial inkjet: UV insulation coatings for EV battery and electronics components.
Rainer explains Weldtone’s background in functional adhesives and insulation coatings, and why the next generation of EV architectures (including cell-to-pack and cell-to-chassis) is increasing the performance requirements placed on insulation layers - especially as insulation must coexist with high-strength structural bonding processes.
Mikael shares how Inkatronic’s application centre model - combining in-house engineering, CNC capability, automation and PLC programming - enables rapid iteration and upscaling trials. Together, Weldtone and Inkatronic are developing inkjet-based insulation processes that deliver selective deposition, tight thickness control, and fast UV curing.
The discussion compares inkjet with traditional insulation approaches such as PET film wrapping, powder coating, and spray coating. Inkjet’s key advantage is its digital selectivity: coating only where needed, reducing waste and post-processing, and enabling reliable insulation on more complex 3D-shaped parts (connectors, housings, cooling elements), not just flat surfaces or simple geometries.
Both guests also address adoption dynamics: mass production is already underway in China for certain applications, while Europe is in a rapid evaluation phase - with the main bottleneck being access to validated demonstration equipment for sample generation, qualification, and process-window development.
Rainer and Mikael will present and demonstrate the process at FuturePrint Industrial Print, Motorworld Munich, 21-22 January, including live printing and curing on representative 3D customer parts.
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What is FuturePrint?
FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events.
We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint TECH: Industrial Print: 21-22 January '26, Munich, Germany