1. Overview of Videojet as a CIJ Ink Industry Leader
Videojet Technologies is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial inkjet printers and consumables. Known for its CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) systems, Videojet provides a wide range of inks designed for various industries including food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and automotive.
Why Videojet inks?
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High-speed printing performance
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Consistent adhesion on difficult substrates
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Broad selection of inks for unique applications
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Compliance with global regulatory standards
2. Common Videojet Printer Series and Ink Compatibility
Videojet printers support model-specific inks. Below is a simplified matrix:
| Printer Model Series | Ink Compatibility Examples |
|---|---|
| 1000 Line (1210, 1510, 1610, 1620) | V420, V423, V705, V411 |
| 1860 Series | SmartCartridge system, uses V-series inks |
| Videojet 1220/1320 | V420, V480, V706, V475 |
| Videojet Excel Series | Legacy inks: 16-8200, 16-8400 |
Always check for ink codes that match your printer model and serial number.
3. Top Videojet Ink Types and Their Properties
🔹 V420 / V423 Black MEK-Based Inks
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Fast-drying, general purpose
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Excellent adhesion on metals, plastics, and PET
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Used in food, beverage, and cable industries
🔹 V705 Soft Pigmented Black
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High contrast on light surfaces
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Slightly longer drying time than V420
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Great for electronics and plastic pipes
🔹 V411 Ethanol-Based Black Ink
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Lower odor alternative to MEK
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Safe for use near food products
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Slightly longer dry time than MEK
🔹 V485 White Pigmented Ink
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Used for dark-colored substrates (e.g., cables, bottles)
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Contains titanium dioxide pigment
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Requires regular agitation and cleaning
🔹 V393 Invisible UV-Readable Ink
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Appears invisible under normal light
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Glows under UV light
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Anti-counterfeit use in pharmaceuticals and electronics
4. Videojet Solvents and Make-Up Fluids
CIJ printers use make-up fluids to maintain ink viscosity and compensate for solvent evaporation. Popular types:
| Solvent Code | Base | Used With Inks |
|---|---|---|
| M513 | MEK | V420, V423 |
| M509 | Ethanol | V411 |
| M551 | Acetone | Fast-dry ink formulations |
| M355 | Universal | Some pigmented or specialty inks |
Best Practice:
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Match solvent to the ink code
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Never mix solvents across different ink bases
5. Industry Applications of Videojet Inks
| Industry | Ink Example | Application Example |
|---|---|---|
| Food Packaging | V420, V411 | Expiry date on plastic film or pouch |
| Cable & Wire | V485 | High-contrast white codes on black cable |
| Pharma | V393, V705 | Invisible UV coding on blister foil |
| Beverage | V423, V706 | Date and batch code on PET bottles |
| Cosmetics | V411, V485 | Packaging codes on glossy tubes |
6. Ink Shelf Life and Storage Recommendations
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Shelf Life: 12–18 months from manufacture
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Storage Temperature: 5–30°C (41–86°F)
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Tips:
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Keep containers sealed tightly
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Shake pigmented inks before use
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Store upright, away from heat or direct sunlight
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7. Common Maintenance Issues and Ink Tips
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle clogging | Dried ink from improper shutdown | Flush with compatible cleaner (e.g., V901) |
| Poor adhesion | Wrong ink for substrate | Switch to substrate-optimized ink |
| Smearing or slow dry | Ink mismatch for high-speed lines | Use fast-dry ink (e.g., V420) |
| Frequent refilling | High evaporation in hot climates | Use tight-sealed solvent containers |
8. Compliance and Safety (MSDS, GHS, REACH)
Each Videojet ink is accompanied by:
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Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) — lists handling, hazards, and PPE
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REACH & RoHS compliance for EU markets
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FDA compliance (select inks for indirect food contact)
Always review documentation before using or shipping industrial inks internationally.
9. Compatible Alternatives from ChinaCIJInk.com
We offer compatible Videojet inks at competitive pricing:
| Cheef Ink Code | Matches Videojet | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|
| C-V420 | V420 | Fast-dry, general-purpose black ink |
| C-V485W | V485 | White pigmented ink, excellent contrast |
| C-V393UV | V393 | UV-readable invisible ink |
| C-V411E | V411 | Ethanol-based, low odor black ink |
All products come with:
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MSDS
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Compatibility testing
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Private labeling on request
10. Why Source Inks from ChinaCIJInk.com?
✅ Wide range of inks for Videojet CIJ printers
✅ Technical support for ink trials and printer setup
✅ Global delivery with short lead times
✅ Cost-effective pricing and quality guarantee
Conclusion
Videojet inks are engineered for industrial performance and reliability. Choosing the right ink means considering substrate type, printer model, environmental factors, and speed. Whether you’re using V420 for high-speed bottling or V485 for cable marking, having the right ink ensures coding clarity and regulatory compliance. For compatible solutions, ChinaCIJInk.com provides tested, high-performance inks with global support.
