Continuous Inkjet Printer Technology: Advantages and Applications

What is CIJ printing? 

Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printing is one of the most popular coding and marking solutions worldwide. The CIJ is built for continuous operation and uninterrupted production resulting in reliable technologies for high-speed lines. CIJ systems circulate ink continuously, which prevents the print head from clogging, a common cause of downtime in other systems. These elements contribute to durable high-quality data in the form of batch numbers, expiry codes, barcodes and logos on a range of substrates and materials. CIJ has become very popular due to its versatility and ability to print on almost any material and curved or uneven surfaces.  

Key advantages 

CIJ is a highly reliable technology for high-speed lines. The continuous inkjet printer is incredibly versatile for a wide range of substrates and has a variety of specialist inks available including pigmented, edible and solvent. Some main benefits of using Linx CIJ printers include: 

• High speed 

• Versatile 

• Non-contact printing  

• Minimal downtime  

• Cost efficient 

• Low-odour inks   

Applications  

Food and Beverage

The food and beverage industries rely on the use of CIJ technology due to long service intervals up to two years which means maximum uptime of busy production lines. The food and beverage industries print expiry codes, batch numbers, barcodes or QR  codes on a range of different substrates. CIJ printers are great for challenging surfaces and high production environments. 

Cosmetics

The cosmetic industry also values the use of CIJ printers due to the availability of different colour inks to ensure high legibility on different packaging types. The cosmetic industry packaging often comes in small, curved, glossy or delicate formats, making the CIJ technology perfect for meeting the industry needs.  

Pharmaceutical 

Accuracy within coding is highly important for the pharmaceutical industry. CIJ technology alongside fast drying inks ensure a high quality, durable, compliant code on a wide range of substrates within the pharmaceutical industry.  

Industrial manufacturing and engineering

CIJ printers are designed to withstand harsh production environments making CIJ an ideal solution for industrial manufacturing and engineering industries. Linx Printing Technologies offer UV-readable inks for anti-counterfeiting or water removable inks for internal traceability.  

Electronics 

The electronics industry also uses CIJ printers due to their capability to print on irregular shapes and high-speed lines without compromising quality and durability. The use of fast-drying, high contrast inks maintains the reliability of the code through manufacturing, storage and transport. The CIJ is efficient in coding onto cables, wires, plastics and irregular surfaces.  

Why CIJ is ideal for high volume production 

The CIJ printer is an ideal technology solution for high volume production lines as it is designed to handle continuous operation without compromising on quality. Linx have technologies that can print up to 6 lines of code with print speeds up to 10 m/’s. The CIJ printers easily adapt to harsh environments such as dusty, wet or extreme conditions. CIJ is a popular choice for non-contact printing on most surfaces. This means it is highly reliable and versatile for many industries operating a high volume.   

How Linx stands out

Low maintenance 

Thanks to long service intervals, sealed printheads and self-servicing, Linx CIJ printers are extremely low maintenance compared to many other coding systems.  

High reliability 

Linx CIJ printers have extended service intervals and a robust design contributing to a low maintenance and highly reliable solution to coding and marking needs. This makes it an ideal solution for 24/7 production lines. 

User friendly  

Linx CIJ printers have a simple user interface, icon driven touch screen and production rate visibility. Other user-friendly elements include:  

• Mistake free one-touch fluid cartridge refills 

• Linx PrinterNet enable remote monitoring via secure cloud-based service  

• Self-service option with an on-screen wizard to guide through the servicing process 

Eco-friendly ink and solvent consumption

Linx have a wide range of inks available that offer low solvent consumption while maintaining excellent adhesion and good colour intensity against many substrates such as paper, card, plastics and glass.  

At Linx Printing Technologies, our UK-based production team brings extensive expertise in CIJ printing technology. If you’re looking for a reliable, future-ready solution for coding, get in touch with our team to explore the right approach for your production environment. 

Take Actions Now: 

• Request a Print Sample to see the solution in action    

• Download Product Brochure for detailed specifications    

• Talk to an Expert to find the right coding solution for your retail operations