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Global Inkjet Systems (GIS)

HardwareCambridge, UKFounded 2006· One of 1739 Hardware companies tracked by AMPulse

Develops application software, drive electronics, and ink delivery systems for industrial inkjet printheads, enabling single-pass, XY scanning, and 3D printing applications across packaging, textiles, labels, and materials deposition.

CEO / Founder
Steve Williamson
Team Size
51-200
Stage
Acquired
Total Funding
$18.1M
Latest Round
Acquired
Key Investors
Nano Dimension Ltd (NASDAQ: NNDM) — Acquirer, January 2022

Technology & Products

Key Products

PrintHead Drive Electronics (modular, multi-architecture support); Print Manager Boards; RIP Software and Datapath Control Software; Ink Delivery Systems and Fluid Sub-systems; Application Software for XY Scanning and Single-Pass Systems

Technological Advantage

Proprietary software stack (Print Manager, RIP, datapath control) integrated with custom drive electronics creates switching cost for OEMs; architectural modularity and printhead-agnosticism reduce customer risk vs. single-supplier solutions; 24/7 reliability track record in mission-critical industrial systems.

Differentiation

Value Proposition

Reduces time-to-market for OEMs via modular, scalable inkjet subsystems (software, electronics, fluid delivery) that support all major printhead manufacturers (Fujifilm Dimatix, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Ricoh, Xaar, SII, Toshiba TEC); proven 24/7 reliability in rugged industrial environments; platform for rapid prototyping and product customization.

How They Differentiate

GIS differentiates via agnostic printhead support (no lock-in to single manufacturer), deep software-electronics integration, modular architecture reducing OEM integration risk, and 17+ years of proven reliability. Unlike competitors tied to single printhead technology, GIS enables OEMs to switch printheads without core software/electronics redesign.

Market & Competition

Target Customers

OEM inkjet printer manufacturers; industrial print systems integrators; 3D printing system builders

Industry Verticals

3D Printing; Product Decoration; Labels; Textiles; Packaging; Décor; Materials Deposition

Competitors

Xaar (integrated printhead + electronics); Fujifilm Dimatix (OEM printhead supplier with application software); Internal solutions by major OEMs (Ricoh, Kyocera, Konica Minolta)

Growth & Milestones

Growth Metrics

17+ years of proven innovation (since 2006); thousands of installed printheads globally; proven 24/7 reliability in industrial environments; major OEM partnerships with 8+ printhead manufacturers.

Major Milestones

November 2006 — GIS founded by Nick Geddes and Jim Brotton; 2006–2021 — 15+ years of R&D in industrial inkjet software, electronics, and fluid systems; January 2022 — Acquired by Nano Dimension (NASDAQ: NNDM) to expand Additively Manufactured Electronics (AME) portfolio; 2022–Present — Operating as Nano Dimension division; expanded focus on 3D electronics manufacturing via inkjet printheads

Notable Customers

Thousands of installed printheads in single-pass, XY scanning, and 3D printing systems (OEM integrations, not disclosed by end-customer names)