The Dimatix Materials Printer uses Fujifilm Dimatix’ inkjet technology and shaped Piezo Silicon MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) fabrication processes to deposit picolitre-sized droplets of functional fluids on various surfaces.

The printer incorporates single-use cartridges that researchers can fill with their own fluid materials, which is claimed to help eliminate the cost and complexity associated with product development and prototyping.

The use of inkjet in producing solar energy cells has been called a 'breakthrough' by Konarka Technologies, which began the development and commercialisation of Power Plastic, a material that converts light to energy.

Konarka president and chief executive Rick Hess said that "demonstrating the use of inkjet printing technology as a tool for making highly efficient solar cells and sensors is a major milestone."

Konarka also claims that inkjet technology is highly suitable for manufacturing photovoltaics because of its compatibility with various substrates.