We can help with Industrial Marking and Identification Systems information!
What is Inkjet Coding and Marking? Inkjet technology is the “grandfather” of coding and marking, but that does not mean it is a dinosaur! Do you struggle with downtime related to Packaging Verification Systems equipment and processes? We will share information and success stories about how you can use Industrial Marking and Identification Systems to focus your energy and efforts on the efficiency of the business. We have insights from industry experts and our partners on the various equipment and technologies available to simplify your challenges.
Solutions and options covered will include:
- Primary package markings
- Secondary package markings
- Primary Barcode Identification
- Secondary Barcode Identification
- Turnkey Solutions for offline printing
- Printer replacements
- Multiple different material marking
What is Inkjet Coding and Marking?
Inkjet technology might be the “grandfather” of coding and marking, but that does not mean it is a dinosaur!
In fact, inkjet technology has seen massive improvements over the years. So much so that it is shaken off its reputation as requiring elevated levels of maintenance and costly consumables. Minimal maintenance and cost-effectiveness are two of the many selling points that lead companies to choose inkjet technology for their printing and marking needs.
How do you know if you should be choosing inkjet technology for your business? Take these into account-
Different Inkjet Coders and Markers
There are a few most popular inkjet coders and markers, each with its own unique pros and cons
Small character continuous inkjet coding
Small character continuous inkjet (CIJ) is a non-contact printing method where electrically charged droplets of ink are expelled from a print-head nozzle at up to 120,000 droplets per second. One of the biggest advantages of CIJ printing technology is the speed – it ensures your line keeps moving and your products always get high-quality codes. And because the ink droplets are just half the diameter of a human hair, CIJ printing technology delivers precise and reliable results.
Thermal inkjet coding
A thermal inkjet (TIJ) coder uses a cartridge containing an ink reservoir and a series of resistive elements. Each element is activated by an electrical current, which heats the ink in contact with the element. An ink droplet is formed and then ejected out of the faceplate nozzle precisely onto the substrate.
Because the time between each firing is only 100 millionths of a second and the technology has a throw distance of 1-6mm (depending on the print-head technology employed), TIJ technology is extremely fast and will print exceptional quality — even at high line speeds.
Drop-on-demand inkjet printers
Large character drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet printers tend to be used for more demanding industrial applications, such as printing onto timber and hardware, plasterboard, metals, concrete, plastics, foam, and packaging products.
Each print head contains several individual valves (typically 7, 16, or 32) that print dots at regular intervals. Arranged in a single column, the valves open and close independently to form ink drops “on demand”. As your product moves adjacent to the print head, it results in printed characters.
DOD printers can use a wide variety of inks to mark many different substrates and can make low to medium-resolution marks over heights ranging from 2.5mm to 128mm — or even higher when print heads are linked together.
High-resolution inkjet printers
High-resolution inkjet printers have come a long way in the last decade. The latest generation uses piezoelectric technology to create super-crisp images, with print heights up to 100mm (about 3.94 in) from a single print head; these can also be stacked together to achieve over 900mm (about 2.95 ft). These printers are ideal when you need the highest quality print on corrugated boxes and other porous materials.
Benefits of Inkjet Coders and Markers
Whichever inkjet technology you choose will deliver substantial benefits to your business processes and bottom line:
Versatile:
Inkjet printers can code onto a wide variety of packaging sizes, shapes, and substrates, from primary and secondary packaging to timber and steel. They can print date codes, batch codes, text, and even graphics. The best thing is to look for a printer designed for your specific application.
Speed:
With a wide range of printing speeds on offer, you can find an inkjet coder for even the most rapid production line.
Low cost of ownership:
Depending on the machine, inkjet coders can be incredibly cost-effective. For example, Hitachi is renowned globally for their ease of use, reliability, and low cost of ownership thanks to their robust, sealed print head, which is ideal for harsher environments. Of all the inkjet technologies, tend to have lower capital and operational costs.
Minimal maintenance and downtime:
The top-quality inkjet machines are designed for minimal downtime and operator intervention, so your lines keep moving. Many printers are designed to withstand tough environments with dust, shocks, and vibrations.
Exceptional print quality:
Thermal inkjet coders especially are renowned for their print quality, even at high speeds. This comes down to the superior print-head technology which provides exact drop placement.
Easy-to-use technology:
Inkjet coders are easy to set up and use.
Today, there’s no “one size fits all” — each type of inkjet printer has been designed to deliver the best results in different applications.
For more information on printers
Contact us to find out how our diverse products, services, and solutions can help your business today.
Contact us for a one-on-one consultation for Packaging Verification Systems or a quote for a new or upgraded Hitachi UX printer. Many options are available. Let us help you find the right one for your business needs.
