In the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring the authenticity, safety, and traceability of products is more important…
In industrial packaging and product coding, Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers are one of the most trusted and widely used technologies. Known for their speed, reliability, and ability to print on virtually any surface, CIJ printers are essential in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, cable manufacturing, electronics, and automotive.
Understanding CIJ Printers
A CIJ printer is a non-contact inkjet coding system that uses a continuous flow of ink to mark products. It is ideal for high-speed production lines and can print on various substrates, including plastic, glass, metal, paper, cardboard, and even curved or uneven surfaces.
Unlike other inkjet printers, CIJ systems create a stream of ink droplets by pressurizing ink and forcing it through a nozzle at high speed. This stream is then broken into tiny droplets using a piezoelectric crystal, and a charge is applied to selected droplets. These droplets are then deflected using an electrostatic field and directed to the printing surface to form characters or codes.
The uncharged droplets that are not used for printing are recirculated back into the system, making CIJ both efficient and cost-effective.
How CIJ Printing Works
- Ink Supply: Ink is pumped from the reservoir to the nozzle.
- Droplet Formation: A high-frequency vibration causes the ink to break into tiny, consistent droplets.
- Charging: Droplets meant for printing are electrically charged.
- Deflection: Charged droplets are deflected by electrodes and directed onto the substrate.
- Printing: The pattern of charged droplets creates the text, code, or graphics.
- Recycling: Unused droplets return to the reservoir for reuse.
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Why Industries Use CIJ Printers?
- High-speed operation: Perfect for fast-moving production lines.
- Versatile: Prints on porous and non-porous materials.
- Minimal downtime: Self-cleaning mechanisms and reliable operation.
- Low maintenance: With proper servicing, CIJ printers can run for years.
Applications of CIJ Printers
- Batch Coding on FMCG products
- Expiry Date & MRP Printing
- Barcodes and QR Codes
- Cable and Wire Marking
- Pharmaceutical Product Coding
Frequently Asked Questions
A Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printer is an industrial coding machine used to print text, numbers, logos, and barcodes on various surfaces using a high-speed inkjet stream.
CIJ printers work by ejecting tiny droplets of ink through a nozzle using high pressure. The ink stream is charged and directed by an electric field onto the product surface, while unused ink is recirculated.
Industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive, packaging, and electronics use CIJ printers for batch coding, expiry dates, barcodes, and traceability.
CIJ printers offer high-speed printing, non-contact marking, excellent adhesion on diverse materials, and low operational costs, making them ideal for 24/7 industrial environments.
Yes, CIJ printers are suitable for printing on curved, textured, or uneven surfaces, including plastics, metals, glass, and paper-based materials.
Regular cleaning of the printhead and using genuine ink and solvents are essential for consistent performance. Most CIJ printers feature auto-cleaning functions for reduced downtime.
Modern CIJ printers are designed with features like low solvent consumption and efficient ink use, supporting sustainability in industrial operations.
Consider factors like substrate type, line speed, required print content, and environment. For expert guidance, contact a trusted provider like Mahi Systems Pvt. Ltd. to help you make an informed selection.
Conclusion
CIJ printers offer a robust, flexible, and efficient solution for non-contact coding and marking needs across various industries. If you’re looking for reliable printing, even at high production speeds and on complex surfaces, CIJ technology remains unmatched.
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