Continuous InkJet
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printing is a non-contact coding technology that uses a continuous stream of ink droplets to print variable information such as dates, batch codes, and barcodes onto a wide range of substrates at high speeds. The Linx 9000 Series is our newest CIJ printer range, designed to deliver consistent, high-quality codes with minimal downtime.
What is Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printing?
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printing is a high-speed, non-contact coding and marking technology used to apply variable information such as dates, batch codes, serial numbers, barcodes and 2D codes directly onto products or packaging as they move along a production line.
CIJ is widely used in manufacturing environments because it can print reliably at very high line speeds, on a wide range of materials and shapes, and in challenging conditions such as dusty, wet or temperature-variable environments. For production managers new to CIJ, it is often chosen where uptime, flexibility and consistent code quality are critical.
How does CIJ printing work?
CIJ printing creates characters and graphics from a continuous stream of microscopic ink droplets.
- Ink jet formation: A pressurised stream of ink is forced through a small hole in the printhead, called the nozzle. This continuous ink jet is broken into individual droplets inside the chamber using a pulse from a piezoelectric crystal at a precise frequency. Up to 120,000 of these tiny droplets are expelled every second, each just half the diameter of a human hair. Different nozzle sizes produce different size drops of ink on the final print.
- Drop charging and deflection: Droplets can be selectively given an electrical charge. Charged droplets are deflected by electrostatic plates, a combination of speed and charge determines the specific position on the substrate to form characters or graphics.
- Ink recirculation: Droplets that are not required for printing remain uncharged and are caught by a gutter system. These droplets are returned to the ink system and reused, which is why the process is called continuous inkjet.
- Character build-up: Characters are built up from vertical lines of droplets, known as rasters, as the product moves past the printhead.
The combination of nozzle/drop size, selected raster and product speed determines the final print size and quality.
What can a CIJ printer mark?
CIJ printers are typically used to print data directly onto products or packaging, including:
- Use-by and best-before dates
- Batch and lot codes
- Serial numbers
- Variable information such as times or sequential numbers
- Barcodes (e.g. Code 39, Code 128, EAN, UPC)
- 2D codes, including QR or GS1 Data Matrix
- Logos and simple graphics
- Regulatory and traceability information
Messages can be printed in single or multiple lines, use multiple text sizes and combinations of text, barcodes and graphics, rotated for vertical or tower printing, or inverted and reversed to suit different line layouts.
Print size, speed and quality
One of the key advantages of CIJ printing is the ability to balance print size, quality and line speed.
Character height is defined by the number of ink droplets used vertically, from 5 drops to 34 drops high which create characters typically ranging from 1.2mm up to approximately 25 mm high.
Smaller message heights allow faster line speeds while maintaining print quality as less time is required to print each raster. More drops must be generated for larger messages so the print speed is slower.
Linx 9000 Series printers can print up to 6 lines of characters. However, a message height of 34 drops could be used to print one line of 34 high characters, 2 lines of 16 high characters or 5 lines of 5 high characters. In fact, any combination of characters may be chosen provided that the number of drops in the characters, including gaps between the lines, is no more than the selected message height.
No more worries about code adherence or visibility
Inks for any application and material
- General purpose inks
- Fast-drying inks for non-porous surfaces
- Pigmented inks for dark substrates
- High-adhesion inks for difficult materials
- UV-readable inks for security and anti-counterfeiting
- Colour-change inks for thermal process verification
- MEK-free, Halogen free and non-CMR inks for health concious sites and regulatated industries
Ink selection is a key factor in achieving reliable adhesion and long-term code durability.
Read more about Linx ink range
Typical CIJ Applications
Typical CIJ Industries
Why choose CIJ printing?
CIJ is often selected because it offers:
- High-speed printing without compromising code quality
- Reliable operation in demanding production environments
- Flexible message creation and quick changeovers
- The ability to print on almost any material
- Proven technology for continuous, 24/7 operation
For production managers with limited prior experience of CIJ, it is a robust and adaptable solution for variable coding
Linx CIJ Technology
Linx 9000 Series
Industrial Inkjet Printers
Making printing one less thing to worry about
Linx CIJ printers are designed to deliver reliable, high-quality coding with minimal operator intervention. Each 9000 series printer has an internal battery backup as standard, and can be used with an automatic wash station to help eliminate downtime. With a wide choice of printheads, inks and software features, Linx solutions can be configured to meet the specific needs of your production environment.
Data Matrix and QR codes |GS1 compliant 2D codes | GS1 code builder | High-speed production | Print up to 6 lines | Primary and secondary coding | Black and coloured inks
CIJ terms explained
CIJ stands for Continuous Inkjet. The name refers to the continuous stream of ink droplets used in the printing process, with unused ink recirculated back into the system.
The component of a CIJ printer that generates and controls the ink stream. It contains the nozzle, charging system and deflection plates that allow ink droplets to be accurately placed onto the product. Read more about Linx printhead
A very small precision hole in the printhead through which pressurised ink is forced to create the continuous ink stream. Different nozzle sizes produce different droplet sizes and print characteristics.
A microscopic particle of ink formed from the ink stream. Individual droplets are charged and positioned to build up characters, numbers or graphics.
A vertical line of ink droplets printed at right angles to the direction of product travel. Characters are formed by printing multiple rasters as the product moves past the printhead.
The distance between the centres of ink droplets in adjacent rasters or ink droplets in a vertical direction. Adjusting the pitch affects print clarity and achievable line speed.
A setting that repeats each raster multiple times to increase the amount of ink deposited. This is useful for printing on absorbent or uneven surfaces, or to make codes more visible from further away.
The gap between the printhead and the product surface. Maintaining the recommended throw distance is important for achieving good print quality and consistency.