Introduction While all inkjet printers are designed to place tiny drops of ink onto a surface, not all inks are the same. The ink formulation must match the printing technology — and the difference between CIJ, DOD, TIJ, and High-Resolution (HR) printers lies in much more than just printer design. Each uses ink with specific chemical and physical properties suited to its drop generation method and target substrate. This article breaks down the key differences in ink formulations across these four industrial printing technologies and provides guidance for choosing the right ink for your system. 1. Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) Ink Formulation Key Features: Solvent-based (commonly MEK or ethanol) Low viscosity: 2.0 – 3.5 cP Requires conductivity: 800–1800 µS/cm (for droplet deflection) Fast-drying: 1–2 seconds Ink Types: Dye-based black inks (general coding) Pigmented inks (white, yellow for cables and dark substrates) UV-readable inks for security applications Typical Use Cases: Bottles, pouches, cables, food packaging — high-speed production lines with non-porous surfaces. — 2. Drop-on-Demand (DOD) Ink Formulation Key Features: Oil- or water-based (sometimes pigmented solvent-based) Higher viscosity: 8 – 20 cP No need for conductivity Large drop size: for visible, bold characters Ink Types: Pigmented inks for carton or crate labeling Oil-based inks for porous substrates Typical Use Cases: Shipping cartons, wood, pipes, cement bags — applications requiring large character marks and high throw distance. — 3. Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) Ink Formulation Key Features: Water- or ethanol-based, mostly dye-based Low to moderate viscosity: 1.5 – 4.0 cP No conductivity required Compatible

Introduction When shipping inkjet ink — especially MEK-based or ethanol-based fluids — it’s not just another product. Most inks are officially classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) and are regulated by international transport laws. Misclassifying ink can lead to shipping delays, fines, or even safety risks. This guide explains which class of DG ink products belong to, which UN numbers apply, and what the implications are for freight, labeling, and storage. 1. What Is Dangerous Goods Classification? Dangerous Goods are substances that pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment. The UN (United Nations) assigns each regulated substance: A UN number A hazard class (1 to 9) A packing group (I, II, III — based on risk level) Inks are typically regulated under **Class 3: Flammable Liquids**. 2. Which Types of Ink Are Classified as Dangerous Goods? Ink Type Solvent Base Hazard Class UN Code CIJ Ink (black, white) MEK Class 3 UN1210 TIJ Cartridge Ink Ethanol or water Class 3 or non-DG UN1170 or Not Classified Acetone-based Ink Acetone Class 3 UN1090 Pigmented Ink (white/yellow) MEK or ethanol Class 3 UN1210 or UN1170 3. Understanding Class 3: Flammable Liquids Inkjet inks are in Class 3 if they meet the following criteria: Flash point ≤ 60°C (e.g., MEK ~ -6°C, ethanol ~ 12°C) Liquid form, not pressurized Contains volatile solvents that can ignite Labeling Requirements: Class 3 Flammable Liquid label (red flame symbol) UN number displayed clearly (e.g., UN1210) GHS pictograms on outer cartons 4. Are All Inks Dangerous Goods?

Introduction Industrial inkjet inks — especially those containing MEK, ethanol, or acetone — are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) under international transport regulations. If you’re exporting ink via sea (IMDG) or air (IATA), you’ll need a DG certificate to prove your shipment is safe, compliant, and properly documented. This article explains what a DG certificate is, why it’s required, and how to obtain one when transporting CIJ, TIJ, DOD, or pigmented inks internationally. 1. What Is a DG Certificate? A Dangerous Goods Certificate (also called a Shipping Identification Certificate or Chemical Transport Appraisal) confirms that your product has been inspected and certified for safe transport according to applicable laws. It is mandatory for all shipments of flammable liquids and solvents exceeding regulatory thresholds. 2. When Do You Need It? Air cargo shipment of MEK, acetone, or ethanol-based inks Sea freight (LCL/FCL) with chemical products labeled as Class 3 Courier shipment flagged by DHL/FedEx as hazardous Ink exports requiring customs clearance with HS code 3215 or 3208 3. What’s Included in a DG Certificate? Document Component Description UN Number e.g., UN1210 (MEK ink), UN1170 (ethanol), UN1090 (acetone) Proper Shipping Name “Printing Ink, Flammable” Hazard Class Class 3 — Flammable Liquids Packaging Group II or III depending on flash point Flash Point Usually 10–25°C for ink solvents Tested Volume 1L, 5L, or 20L sample batch for certification 4. How to Obtain a DG Certificate (Step-by-Step) **Prepare a valid MSDS** (not older than 3 years) **Send a sample** of the ink to an

Introduction Whether you’re purchasing inkjet fluids for CIJ, TIJ, or DOD systems, one of the most important documents that comes with your order is the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). It is not just a formality — it’s a vital tool for compliance, safety, transport, and operational awareness. This article explains what an MSDS is, how to read it, why it’s required by law, and what every ink user or distributor should be aware of when handling ink products. 1. What Is an MSDS? An MSDS (or now more commonly, SDS — Safety Data Sheet) is a document required under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical classification and labeling. It contains essential information on the physical, chemical, health, and environmental hazards of a product. For ink products, it provides guidance on: Safe storage and handling First aid and fire response Personal protective equipment (PPE) Transportation and labeling 2. Why Ink Requires an MSDS Regulatory Compliance: Required for shipping (air/sea), customs clearance, and factory use. Safety Management: Identifies flammability, inhalation hazards, and emergency procedures. Employer Obligations: You must provide MSDS access to any employee who handles ink. 3. Key Sections of an Ink MSDS Explained Section Description 1. Identification Product name, manufacturer, emergency contact 2. Hazard Identification GHS labels, pictograms, hazard codes (e.g., H225: Highly flammable) 3. Composition Chemical ingredients and % composition 4. First Aid Measures Steps for exposure to eyes, skin, inhalation 5. Fire-Fighting Measures Flash point, suitable extinguishing media 6. Accidental Release Spill control, containment instructions 7.

Introduction As production teams grow, ensuring consistent, safe, and efficient operation of industrial inkjet printers is essential. From CIJ to TIJ systems, proper staff training can prevent costly mistakes, minimize ink waste, and reduce downtime. This guide covers the key elements of onboarding new team members — including safety, startup procedures, troubleshooting, and ink handling best practices. 1. Key Training Objectives Operate the printer safely and effectively Handle and store ink and solvents correctly Perform routine maintenance (cleaning, flushing) Identify print quality issues and act appropriately Follow company SOPs and compliance regulations 2. Training Module 1: Understanding Printer Types Printer Type Main Features Common Uses CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) Fast, non-contact, uses solvent-based ink Bottles, cables, food pouches TIJ (Thermal Inkjet) Cartridge-based, clean, high-res Cartons, labels, pharma DOD (Drop-on-Demand) Large character, high throw distance Boxes, crates, outer packaging 3. Module 2: Daily Operation Procedures ✔ Startup Power on device Check ink and make-up levels Warm-up cycle (CIJ only) Test print and nozzle check ✔ Shutdown Flush printhead with solvent (CIJ) Wipe nozzles with lint-free cloth Seal cartridge (TIJ) or stop ink flow 4. Module 3: Ink Handling and Safety ✔ GHS Label Training Understand flammable symbols, hazard codes Locate MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) ✔ Storage Tips Store ink at 10–30°C, away from sunlight Use sealed containers; don’t mix batches ✔ PPE Requirements Gloves, eye protection, apron Ventilation or fume extractor if indoors 5. Module 4: Common Troubleshooting Issue Cause Action Missing characters Nozzle blockage Flush with Cheef solvent, clean nozzle

Introduction In industrial inkjet printing, every drop counts — literally. Whether you’re running high-speed CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) or cartridge-based TIJ (Thermal Inkjet) systems, unnecessary ink waste can inflate costs, increase downtime, and reduce operational efficiency. This article presents practical strategies to reduce ink consumption, minimize waste, and improve overall print efficiency on your production line. 1. Understand the Sources of Ink Waste Idle time flushing – ink purges during startup/shutdown Frequent nozzle cleaning – especially with pigmented inks Overcompensating make-up fluid – excess solvent usage due to open ink systems Incorrect throw distance – causing overspray and excess drop size Unoptimized print settings – using larger fonts, high dot density, or bold graphics 2. Use the Right Ink for Your Application Choosing a fast-drying, surface-compatible ink ensures better adhesion and reduces the need for reprints or heavy ink layers. Substrate Recommended Ink Base Efficiency Tip Plastic bottles (PET, PP) MEK-based ink Dries fast — less overspray required Coated cartons Ethanol-based ink Lower VOC, cleaner printing Porous boxes Water-based TIJ ink Reduced bleed-through saves ink 3. Optimize Printer Settings Font selection: Use thinner fonts or lower dot density when possible Character size: Don’t oversize codes unless required by regulators Throw distance: Keep nozzle close to surface (3–10mm) Drop size: Reduce DPI or adjust drop formation phase 4. Schedule Preventive Maintenance Dirty filters, clogged nozzles, or aging pumps can increase ink purging frequency. Scheduled maintenance helps avoid waste caused by misfiring and poor print quality. Maintenance Tips: Flush system weekly with proper

Introduction Marking black cables, pipes, and tubes requires high-contrast ink — and white pigmented ink is the industry standard for this purpose. But due to its solid particle content, white ink comes with challenges like settling, clogging, and adhesion control. This article provides a complete guide to successfully using white CIJ pigmented ink for cable and tube marking, including printer settings, maintenance tips, and ink handling best practices. 1. Why Use White Pigmented Ink for Cable and Tube? Black substrates dominate in cable manufacturing, automotive tubing, and flexible hose applications. Standard dye-based inks are not visible on these surfaces. White ink advantages: High contrast on dark plastics (PE, PVC, rubber) Durable markings even on curved and flexible surfaces Good resistance to smudging and outdoor exposure 2. Technical Properties of White Pigmented Ink Property Typical Range Impact Viscosity 3.2–3.6 cP Ensures consistent flow with pigment Conductivity 1000–1800 µS/cm Proper droplet charging for CIJ Drying time 2–4 sec Requires airflow or solvent tuning on non-porous surfaces Particle size 0.3–0.6 µm Smaller particles = lower clogging risk 3. Substrate Compatibility Material Ink Adhesion Notes PVC Cable Jacket Excellent Most common material in wire & cable PE/PP Tubing Moderate May need pre-treatment or adhesion enhancer Rubber hose Good Use low-flex formulations for stability 4. Best Practices for White Ink Use ✔ Agitate Regularly Shake ink containers before loading Use printers with ink circulation (e.g., Domino A320i, Videojet 1710) ✔ Flush Often Flush printhead weekly to avoid dried pigment buildup Use Cheef C-V901 or pigment-compatible

Introduction Switching between different types of ink — for example, from black MEK ink to white pigmented ink, or from MEK to ethanol-based ink — is a common need in industrial printing. However, improper flushing can lead to serious issues such as chemical reactions, nozzle clogs, or inconsistent prints. This article walks you through how to safely flush and convert your printer when changing inks, whether it’s a CIJ, TIJ, or DOD system. 1. Why Flushing Is Important When Switching Inks Each ink formulation has unique chemical properties — including solvent base, resins, colorants, and conductivity. Mixing incompatible inks can result in: Thick sludge or gel formation Filter blockages or pump overload Jetting instability or distorted characters Shortened printhead and nozzle life Flushing the system is mandatory before any ink change. 2. When You Must Flush the Printer Switching from MEK to ethanol or acetone Switching between dye and pigment inks Switching to UV or security inks Returning rental equipment or sending for servicing 3. What You Need for Flushing ✔ Compatible flushing solvent (typically same base as old ink) ✔ Flush bottles with clean nozzles ✔ Waste container for old ink/solvent ✔ Clean cloth and gloves (safety first) 4. Step-by-Step: How to Flush a CIJ Printer **Stop the printer** and disable ink stream **Drain the ink tank** completely **Add flushing solvent** (e.g., Cheef C-V901) Run the printer in flush mode (usually accessible in service settings) Repeat flushing **2–3 times** until the fluid runs clear Install the new ink and

Introduction Industrial inkjet inks — especially those used in CIJ, TIJ, and DOD systems — often contain flammable or volatile solvents like MEK, ethanol, or acetone. These materials are classified as dangerous goods (DG) and are subject to strict regulations for storage, handling, and international transport. This guide provides essential best practices for storing and shipping ink safely, with a focus on UN codes, packaging standards, and compliance with international transport rules. 1. Why Ink Transport and Storage Safety Matters Improper storage or handling of ink can lead to: Fire or explosion risks Ink degradation due to heat or sunlight Regulatory violations (customs delays, fines) Packaging damage and leaks Manufacturers and distributors must understand the legal and technical requirements for each ink type. 2. Common UN Codes for Inkjet Ink Solvents UN Code Material Ink Example Hazard Class UN1210 Printing ink, flammable (MEK-based) C-V420MEK, C-W485WHITE Class 3 (Flammable liquid) UN1170 Ethanol solution C-V411ETH, C-MI5191 Class 3 UN1090 Acetone C-V480AC Class 3 UN1263 Paint or paint-related material Pigmented ink blends Class 3 3. GHS Labeling and Packaging Requirements All ink containers must comply with Globally Harmonized System (GHS) labeling standards: Hazard pictograms (flammable, irritant, etc.) Signal words: DANGER or WARNING Precautionary statements (P-codes) UN number and hazard class clearly printed Container Best Practices: Use leak-proof HDPE or composite drums (1L, 5L, 20L) Seal with tamper-evident caps Place in secondary containment during transit 4. Storage Guidelines for Ink and Solvent Condition Recommended Practice Temperature 10°C–30°C (avoid freezing or overheating) Ventilation Store in

Introduction In Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printing, pigment-based inks are essential for high-contrast marking — especially on dark or low-energy surfaces like black cable, rubber, or plastic. However, pigment inks present unique challenges due to the presence of solid particles in the formula. This article explains what pigment dispersion stability is, why it matters, and how to maintain stable printing performance by preventing settling and clogging. 1. What Are Pigment Inks? Pigment inks contain finely ground solid colorants (e.g., titanium dioxide for white, diarylide for yellow) suspended in a solvent like MEK. Unlike dye inks, pigments do not dissolve — they require proper dispersion and agitation to stay suspended. Common Pigment Ink Applications: White/yellow print on black cable, tubing, or plastic Contrast marking on automotive parts Permanent codes on non-porous materials 2. The Problem: Pigment Settling Over time, pigment particles can begin to settle at the bottom of the ink reservoir or cartridge. If not properly re-dispersed, this can cause: Nozzle clogging or blockage Inconsistent color density Irregular droplet formation Filter fouling and pressure drop 3. Why Pigment Stability Matters Stable dispersion ensures that pigment particles remain evenly distributed throughout the ink. This leads to: Reliable color density and contrast Consistent jetting and drop shape Longer printhead and filter life Lower cleaning and maintenance frequency 4. Key Factors Affecting Pigment Stability Factor Effect Particle size Finer particles are more stable, but harder to jet Ink viscosity Too low: fast settling; too high: clogging risk Printer agitation Recirculation or shaking keeps pigment