Introduction
In industrial inkjet printing, different technologies require different ink properties. One of the most misunderstood — but critically important — properties is conductivity. While CIJ printers demand conductive ink to function, TIJ printers do not. Why is this the case?
This article breaks down the science behind conductivity in CIJ printing and explains why it’s irrelevant in TIJ systems, helping you choose the correct ink for your equipment and avoid critical mistakes.
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1. What Is Conductivity in Ink?
Conductivity refers to a fluid’s ability to carry an electrical charge, measured in microsiemens per centimeter (µS/cm). It is a key parameter in inks designed for CIJ printers because it directly affects how droplets are charged and steered.
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2. Why CIJ Printers Require Conductive Ink
How CIJ Works:
- Ink is pressurized and ejected continuously through a vibrating nozzle
- The stream breaks into droplets mid-air
- Droplets are charged by an electrode plate
- Electrostatic deflection plates guide each droplet to the correct position on the substrate — or into a gutter if unused
Role of Conductivity:
Without conductivity:
- Drops cannot be charged
- Electrostatic deflection will not occur
- Printing becomes inaccurate or impossible
Typical CIJ Ink Conductivity Range:
- 800 – 1800 µS/cm for dye-based ink
- Up to 2000 µS/cm for pigmented or UV-readable ink
What Happens if Conductivity Is Too Low?
- Weak or no deflection — codes drift or smear
- Error messages or “charge fault” alarms
- Reduced resolution or failed prints
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3. Why TIJ Printers Do Not Require Conductivity
How TIJ Works:
- Ink is ejected using thermal bubbles created by micro-heaters
- No electrical charging or deflection involved
- Each droplet is deposited directly through the nozzle onto the surface
Implication:
Because TIJ does not rely on electrostatic droplet control, ink conductivity is not relevant. TIJ systems focus on viscosity, surface tension, and thermal stability instead.
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4. Other Key Differences Between CIJ and TIJ Inks
| Property | CIJ Ink | TIJ Ink |
|---|---|---|
| Conductivity | Required | Not required |
| Solvent Base | MEK, ethanol | Water, ethanol |
| Form Factor | Bulk system with tank & filter | Sealed cartridge |
| Maintenance | High (needs flushing) | Low (plug & play) |
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5. Cheef Ink Conductivity Standards
At ChinaCIJInk.com, all CIJ inks are rigorously tested for conductivity, viscosity, and compatibility with leading brands (Videojet, Domino, Linx). Our standards ensure:
- Reliable droplet deflection
- Stable print quality
- Low maintenance
Example: CIJ Ink Specs
| Ink Code | Conductivity | Base | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-V420MEK | ~1200 µS/cm | MEK | General coding (plastic, PET) |
| C-V393UV | ~1500 µS/cm | MEK | Security code, invisible ink |
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Conclusion
CIJ printing relies on conductive inks to precisely charge and deflect each droplet. TIJ, on the other hand, uses heat to eject droplets and doesn’t need conductive fluids. Using the wrong ink in the wrong system can lead to printing failure, component damage, or warranty voids. At ChinaCIJInk.com, we help you choose the right ink — chemically and electrically — to ensure smooth, compliant, and accurate production every time.
