FESPA Global Print Expo
Berlin 6th – 9th May 2025
The GIS Message
Global Inkjet Systems (GIS) designs, develops, and manufactures high-performance sub-systems for industrial inkjet equipment builders. We support all major printhead manufacturers, offering drive electronics, datapath control software, and fluid delivery systems tailored to the needs of inkjet OEMs.
As part of Nano Dimension, the world’s largest 3D printing group, GIS brings deep expertise across all aspects and applications of industrial inkjet technology. Our customers include some of the world’s leading OEMs across a range of industries.
Our proprietary Atlas software is a powerful configuration engine for inkjet system control, enabling high-speed data streaming and seamless integration with OEM front-end software or user interfaces. Atlas controls printheads via GIS drive electronics and can be extended with application-specific modules to meet diverse industrial requirements.
GIS’s vision is to be the tier-one vendor of choice for industrial inkjet OEMs—offering the technology, reliability, and expertise that drive innovation and performance.
GIS at FESPA: Changing Perceptions, Empowering Inkjet OEMs
Global Inkjet Systems (GIS) is more buoyant and active than ever in the industrial inkjet sector. Known for high-quality sub-systems—including software, drive electronics, and fluid delivery—GIS is challenging long-held perceptions that its solutions are out of reach for cost-sensitive markets.
At FESPA, GIS is proud to introduce new entry-level developer kits—complete, scalable solutions that include everything needed to get started with a wide range of printheads: drive electronics, ink delivery systems, and Atlas software. These kits offer not only off-the-shelf functionality but also a path to custom-designed, OEM-optimised systems, built from components already proven in the field.
FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 Europe’s leading print and signage exhibition returns to Berlin, Germany 6-9 May 2025. Join our team at Hall 3.2 Stand B20.
GIS at FESPA: Championing Scalable, Reliable Inkjet Sub-Systems
At FESPA, GIS is reaffirming its position as a dynamic, forward-thinking leader in the industrial inkjet sector. While historically recognised for premium-quality components, GIS is now actively challenging the perception that quality must come at a prohibitive price. Through intelligent design, expert support, and complete sub-system solutions, GIS offers compelling value across the full lifecycle of inkjet system development.
Challenging the Preconceptions
We aim to shift outdated views that GIS is beyond the reach of cost-sensitive inkjet OEMs. Reliability, performance, scalability, and engineering partnership all contribute to the real cost equation—not just the sticker price. GIS empowers OEMs to reduce their true cost of development, ownership, and operation.
What’s New at FESPA
Entry-Level Developer Kits and Scalable Sub-Systems
For the first time, GIS is showcasing entry-level developer kits—affordable, ready-to-go packages including:
- Ink delivery systems
- Drive electronics
- Software
- Integration support
These kits enable rapid evaluation and prototyping across a wide range of printheads, while remaining scalable for customisation and OEM integration. Each element of the kit reflects the quality and modularity of GIS’s proven sub-system architecture, offering a seamless transition from concept to production.
The Case Against DIY Inkjet Systems
GIS highlights a growing trend among OEMs: internal development of inkjet sub-systems. While this might appear cost-saving on the surface, it often leads to hidden overheads and opportunity costs. GIS helps OEMs avoid common pitfalls:
- Hidden R&D Costs: Internal development consumes time and budget not always captured in product costings.
- Team Requirements: OEMs must recruit and retain skilled electronics and software engineers.
- Limited Printhead Flexibility: DIY designs often tie OEMs to a narrow set of printheads, limiting innovation and responsiveness.
- Weaker Engagement from Printhead Manufacturers: Drive specs may be available, but hands-on support is typically reserved for trusted partners like GIS.
- Low-Volume Inefficiencies: In-house component production rarely benefits from the economies of scale and optimisation GIS can deliver.
- Reinventing the Wheel: Many OEMs underestimate the complexity of recirculating ink systems, ink compatibility, waveform design, and other critical elements.
With GIS, OEMs can avoid these traps and focus their R&D on product differentiation rather than infrastructure engineering.
FESPA: A Strategic Forum
Beyond showcasing products, FESPA is a platform for engaging with:
- Current customers – Strengthening partnerships and roadmapping future projects.
- New prospects – Sharing our scalable offering with a broader audience.
- Market watchers – Assessing new global risks and opportunities arising from shifting trade dynamics.
In a time of geopolitical tension, rising tariffs, and supply chain disruption, OEMs face increased pressure. GIS stands as a stable, globally aware partner who can help navigate these complexities.
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Meet the Team:
Steve Williamson
General Manager
With a BEng Electronic Engineering Honours Degree, Steve has over 25 years of related, highly technical experience in RF design and manufacturing, team leadership and project management; this includes strategic, senior roles at companies in the Cambridge area such as CRFS, Cambridge Consultants, Anritsu and Plextek.
Simon Edwards
Technical Director
Simon joined GIS in 2018 with a remit as Business Manager and Product Manager of Software. He has worked in digital printing for over 25 years, the optics industry for over 30 years and has a degree in Astrophysics and Applied Mathematics. Simon has held positions of Technical Director and Vice President at SOLA Optics, MD of Research Laboratories of Australia, and Vice President at Tonejet and The Technology Partnership.
Richard Darling
Sales Director
Richard joined GIS in September 2023 and brought with him huge experience and knowledge of the inkjet world. A pragmatic activist in the commercial application of inkjet technology with some of the world’s best-known manufacturers of printers and printheads, Richard is well-known in the industry, questioning the way things have been done to discern where industrial inkjet can deliver real benefit.
Robert Lugg
Business Development Manager
Robert is an experienced business development professional with a 40-year career in print technology, inkjet, and software solutions. Robert joined Global Inkjet Systems in August 2022 and is responsible for business growth in Europe and India.
Gordon Mackay
Business Development Manager
Gordon joined GIS in 2023. With over 25 years of experience in the electronics sector, he has held various senior sales positions, seeking new business opportunities globally. His experience in the inkjet market, gained from working for Xaar plc, provides him with valuable knowledge in this field.
Eric Bresler
Sales Engineer
Eric joined GIS in December 2023, bringing with him over two decades of experience in the industrial inkjet industry, working with small start-up companies, to established global OEMs and printhead manufacturers.
Nathan Phillips
Product Specialist
Nathan joined GIS in September 2023 and has over 20 years working in the inkjet industry working with customers to implement inkjet into many different applications.
