Introduction In high-speed manufacturing, inkjet printing must keep pace without compromising print quality. One of the most overlooked — yet critical — factors affecting line performance is drying time. If ink doesn’t dry quickly and completely, it can cause smudges, unreadable codes, and even product rejections. This article explores how drying time impacts productivity and offers practical strategies to choose and manage ink for maximum efficiency. 1. What Is Ink Drying Time? Drying time refers to how quickly the solvent in the ink evaporates after printing, leaving behind the colorant and binder fixed to the substrate. It depends on several variables: Ink solvent base (MEK, ethanol, acetone, water) Substrate material (porous vs non-porous) Ambient temperature and humidity Airflow and curing equipment (if used) 2. Typical Drying Times by Ink Type Ink Type Solvent Dry Time Best Use Case CIJ MEK Ink MEK 1–2 sec Plastic bottles, metal cans CIJ Ethanol Ink Ethanol 2–4 sec Cartons, pharma, food-safe areas TIJ Water-Based Ink Water 5–10 sec (porous only) Cardboard boxes, labels Acetone-Based Ink Acetone <1 sec Foil lids, slick films, dairy packaging 3. How Drying Time Impacts Your Production Line ✔ Throughput Limitations Slow-drying ink can limit how fast your conveyor moves. If the substrate isn’t dry when it reaches the next stage (e.g. packing, capping, labeling), you risk smudging and code loss. ✔ Substrate Compatibility Non-porous surfaces like metal and plastic require fast-dry inks. Otherwise, the ink sits on the surface and takes too long to evaporate. ✔ Print Quality and

Introduction In Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printing, the quality of the printed code depends on more than just ink color or drying time. Three essential physical parameters — viscosity, surface tension, and conductivity — govern how ink behaves inside the printer and on the substrate. This article explains what each of these terms means, how they influence inkjet performance, and what to watch for when choosing or troubleshooting CIJ ink. 1. What Is Viscosity in Inkjet Ink? Viscosity measures a fluid’s resistance to flow — or in simpler terms, how “thick” the ink is. Measured in centipoise (cP), CIJ inks typically fall in the range of 2–4 cP. Why Viscosity Matters: Affects ink drop formation and flight path Too low: splashing, satellite drops, poor contrast Too high: jet instability, missed codes, nozzle clogging How CIJ Printers Manage It: CIJ printers automatically adjust viscosity by adding make-up fluid to compensate for solvent evaporation. That’s why solvent selection and make-up fluid compatibility are critical. 2. What Is Surface Tension? Surface tension describes the cohesive force between ink molecules that lets a drop form cleanly. It’s typically measured in dynes/cm. CIJ ink surface tension usually ranges from 25 to 40 dynes/cm. Why Surface Tension Matters: Ensures proper drop breakup from the ink stream Prevents nozzle dripping or misting Ensures adhesion and spread control on the substrate Low vs. High Surface Tension: Too low: overspreading on surface, fuzzy codes Too high: poor adhesion, inconsistent drop formation 3. What Is Conductivity in Inkjet Inks? Conductivity is

Introduction When it comes to industrial inkjet coding, especially on challenging substrates or high-security products, UV ink and pigmented ink are two standout solutions. While both offer high performance, they are fundamentally different in appearance, usage, and function. In this article, we compare UV and pigment inks across performance criteria like visibility, adhesion, drying time, and traceability — helping you choose the right ink for your specific industrial application. 1. What Is UV Ink? UV ink is typically invisible under normal light and only becomes visible under UV (black) light. It is used for security coding, traceability, and anti-counterfeiting. In industrial CIJ printers, UV ink is often MEK or ethanol-based, with UV-fluorescent dye additives. 2. What Is Pigment Ink? Pigmented ink contains solid particles (like titanium dioxide or carbon black) suspended in solvent. Unlike dye-based ink, pigments don’t dissolve but stay on the substrate surface, delivering high-opacity and high-contrast printing, ideal for dark materials or harsh environments. 3. Feature Comparison: UV Ink vs Pigment Ink Feature UV Ink Pigment Ink Visibility Invisible to the eye (visible under UV light) Highly visible (white, yellow on dark substrates) Use Case Security marking, covert traceability Cable marking, automotive, food-grade foil Adhesion Good on plastics, paper, coated substrates Excellent on plastic, rubber, foil, cable Drying Time Fast (1–2 seconds, depending on solvent) Moderate (2–5 seconds), may need agitation Security High — covert code only seen under UV Low — visible by default Maintenance Moderate — similar to dye ink High — requires ink circulation

Introduction The solvent base in an inkjet ink formulation determines critical properties such as drying time, adhesion, odor, and material compatibility. In Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) and some Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) applications, three solvents dominate: MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), ethanol, and acetone. This article offers a head-to-head comparison to help you choose the right solvent for your production line. 1. What Is a Solvent Base in Inkjet Ink? The solvent is the carrier liquid that holds colorants (dye or pigment) and resins in suspension. After printing, the solvent evaporates, leaving the print fixed on the substrate. The type of solvent affects: How fast the ink dries How well the ink sticks to various surfaces Smell and VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions Printhead cleaning requirements 2. Quick Comparison Table Solvent Dry Time Adhesion Odor Common Use Cases MEK 1–2 sec Excellent (metal, plastic, glass) Strong odor Packaging, cable, electronics, beverage Ethanol 2–4 sec Moderate to good Mild odor Pharma, cosmetics, cartons, food-safe areas Acetone <1 sec Very good (foil, coated film) Very strong odor, fast evaporation High-speed foil lines, dairy lids, slippery film 3. MEK-Based Inks ✔ Key Features: Fast drying on nearly all non-porous surfaces Strong bonding to plastic, metal, and glass Ideal for high-speed, general-purpose CIJ coding ✔ Limitations: Strong odor and VOC emission Flammable and requires careful storage ✔ Cheef Examples: C-V420MEK – General black MEK ink C-W485WHITE – White pigmented ink for cables 4. Ethanol-Based Inks ✔ Key Features: Lower odor, suitable for enclosed or clean environments Lower

Introduction Metal cans and foil lids are widely used in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and dairy industries. They present unique challenges for inkjet coding due to their non-porous surfaces, heat exposure, and humidity sensitivity. Ensuring reliable, legible, and compliant markings requires the use of specialized inks that perform under pressure — literally and figuratively. 1. Why Coding on Metal and Foil Is Challenging Challenge Description Non-absorbent surface Ink cannot penetrate aluminum or tinplate Condensation and moisture Cold-fill lines and storage may cause smudging High-speed lines Requires instant drying to avoid rubbing or wiping off Post-print heat processes Retort, sterilization, pasteurization can degrade ink 2. Ideal Ink Properties for Metal and Foil Applications Fast drying: <1 second dry time to prevent smearing Heat resistance: Withstand 100–130°C+ in retort or pasteurization Moisture resistance: Ink must not wash off under condensation Food packaging safety: Indirect food-contact compliant (EU & FDA) Good adhesion: Even on coated or lacquered foil surfaces 3. Best Ink Technologies for Metal and Foil Surfaces ✔ MEK-Based CIJ Inks Offer excellent adhesion and ultra-fast drying on aluminum and tinplate. Used on beverage cans, foil-sealed milk cups, and canned food lids. ✔ Acetone-Based CIJ Inks Even faster drying and excellent bonding on slick foil or metallized surfaces. Preferred where condensation is present or extreme drying speed is needed. ✔ Ethanol-Based Inks Low odor, suitable for enclosed food environments. Ideal for semi-porous coatings and laminated foil. 4. Typical Applications and Use Cases Product Packaging Material Ink Type Soft drinks Aluminum beverage can

Introduction The automotive industry relies on accurate, durable, and legible part marking for quality control, traceability, regulatory compliance, and logistics. Whether coding engine components, brake pads, hoses, or airbag modules, the ink must withstand extreme temperatures, abrasion, solvents, and time. This article outlines the ideal ink types, printer technologies, and application tips for marking automotive components reliably under harsh production and service conditions. 1. Automotive Environments Require Industrial-Grade Inks Automotive parts often endure: High heat exposure (up to 200–300°C) Contact with oil, brake fluid, and gasoline UV radiation and humidity fluctuations Friction, vibration, and wear Standard packaging inks won’t survive these conditions. Automotive inkjet inks must offer long-term adhesion and chemical resistance. 2. Common Materials in Automotive Coding Part Type Material Surface Property Engine blocks, gears Aluminum, cast iron Rough, oily, high temperature Wiring, tubing PVC, Teflon, rubber Flexible, dark color Plastic housings ABS, PP, PA66 Glossy or matte, sometimes anti-static Brake pads, sensors Ceramic, composites Dusty, high heat exposure 3. Required Ink Characteristics for Automotive Use Heat resistance: Must survive high operating temperatures Solvent resistance: No fading from oil, coolant, or fuel UV durability: Maintain visibility outdoors or under the hood High contrast: White/yellow on black, black on metal Quick drying: On-line marking at high speed 4. Recommended Ink Types ✔ MEK-Based CIJ Inks High adhesion, fast drying, and compatible with metals and plastics. Ideal for most high-speed automotive coding lines. ✔ Pigmented Inks (White, Yellow) Used on black tubing, cable, or rubber parts. Strong opacity and weatherproof performance.

Introduction The cosmetics industry demands more than just aesthetic packaging — it requires durable, legible, and professional coding on glossy, curved, and often slippery surfaces. From mascara tubes and foundation bottles to compact lids and skincare caps, industrial inkjet printing must deliver sharp codes that adhere and last. This article outlines the ink requirements and best practices for coding on cosmetic products using CIJ, TIJ, or laser-compatible systems. 1. Challenges in Cosmetic Packaging Coding Surface Typical Material Coding Challenge Tube (body) PE, PP, PET, laminated film Low surface energy, curved shape Cap / lid PP, ABS, acrylic Glossy, oily, sometimes static-prone Compact / jar Coated or metallized plastic Slippery, reflective, uneven surface Glass bottle Perfume, skincare Smooth and non-absorbent 2. Key Ink Properties for Cosmetics Applications Fast drying: To avoid smearing in high-speed production Strong adhesion: On plastic, coated, and glossy surfaces Alcohol resistance: Withstand wiping or cleaning Flexible film compatibility: For soft or squeezable tubes Odor-free/low VOC: Preferred in fragrance product lines 3. Recommended Ink Types ✔ MEK-Based CIJ Inks Best for difficult surfaces like PP/PE and glossy acrylic. Instant drying, excellent adhesion, and widely used in tube and cap printing. ✔ Ethanol-Based CIJ Inks Used where low odor is important (e.g., in fragrance or cleanroom filling lines). Slightly slower drying but safer for enclosed operations. ✔ Pigmented Inks (White or Yellow) Required for dark containers or color cosmetics packaging. High contrast for batch codes on black or red surfaces. ✔ UV Inks For invisible security coding, especially in

Introduction In the pharmaceutical industry, inkjet coding isn’t just about legibility — it’s a matter of regulatory compliance, traceability, and patient safety. Whether you’re printing batch numbers on blister packs or serializing cartons for track-and-trace systems, the ink you use must meet strict safety and quality standards. This article outlines the essential requirements for inks used in pharmaceutical packaging and explains how to choose the right inkjet consumables for cleanroom and medical environments. 1. Why Pharmaceutical Coding Demands Specialized Inks Pharmaceutical inks must perform in environments where: Regulations like FDA, EU 1935/2004, and cGMP apply Cleanroom compatibility and low particulate emissions are required Materials like foil, coated board, and HDPE are commonly used Permanent, smudge-free coding is essential for traceability The risk of migration or chemical contamination from ink can impact product integrity — especially for primary packaging in contact with medicine. 2. Types of Pharmaceutical Packaging Surfaces Substrate Common Product Ink Challenge Aluminum foil Blister packs Low absorbency, requires fast-dry ink Coated carton Unit cartons, folding boxes Glossy finish, may cause smearing HDPE bottles Syrup bottles, tablet jars Low surface energy, needs enhanced adhesion Polypropylene (PP) film Flexible medical pouches Slippery, requires solvent-resistant ink 3. Ink Features Required for Pharma Applications Low migration: Prevents ink from penetrating packaging layers Fast drying: Especially on foil or coated materials Low odor / low VOC: Suitable for cleanrooms and sensitive products Fine jetting quality: Supports small text, lot codes, barcodes Disinfectant resistance: Resists alcohol wipes or sanitizing agents 4. Regulatory Compliance for

Introduction In the electronics and printed circuit board (PCB) industry, inkjet coding plays a vital role in traceability, compliance, and quality assurance. Unlike general packaging, electronics coding requires ultra-precise, low-migration inks that perform on delicate, non-porous, and often static-prone surfaces. This article explores the requirements for ink used in electronics marking, the ideal ink formulations, and how to choose CIJ or TIJ inks that ensure both performance and safety. 1. Why Electronics Coding Requires Specialized Inks Electronic parts are sensitive to contamination, static, and heat. Therefore, inks must: Dry quickly without smearing Adhere to smooth surfaces like PCB coatings, epoxy, polyimide, and ABS Have low ion content to prevent electrical interference Resist alcohol wipes and heat during assembly or sterilization Ink selection in this sector is not just about visibility — it’s also about reliability, precision, and material safety. 2. Common Coding Surfaces in Electronics Surface Type Examples Adhesion Challenge PCB Solder Mask Green, blue, black epoxy boards Non-porous, chemically resistant Polyimide Film Kapton labels Heat resistant but low surface energy ABS / PC Plastic Casings, shells, buttons Smooth and sometimes oily Silicone or Parylene Sensor surfaces Extremely difficult to print without treatment 3. Recommended Ink Types for Electronics and PCB Coding ✔ MEK-Based CIJ Inks Fast-drying, high-adhesion inks suitable for non-porous plastic and PCB coatings. Popular for date codes, model numbers, and lot tracking. ✔ Ethanol-Based CIJ Inks Used in sensitive environments where MEK fumes are restricted. Lower odor and lower electrical conductivity. ✔ Low-Migration TIJ Inks Used for

Introduction OEM inks from brands like Videojet, Domino, Linx, and Markem-Imaje are known for quality—but they often come at a premium. For manufacturers seeking performance without overspending, Cheef-compatible inks provide a cost-effective, proven solution. In this article, we explain what Cheef inks are, how they’re formulated, and how they compare to original inks in print quality, safety, compliance, and long-term printer health. 1. What Are Cheef Compatible Inks? Cheef inks are independently developed and manufactured inks engineered to be 100% compatible with major CIJ, TIJ, DOD, and TTO printers. Each ink is designed to match the chemical composition, viscosity, conductivity, and drying behavior of the OEM original. These inks are not refills or knock-offs—they are high-quality alternatives produced under strict QC and performance testing protocols. 2. Why Companies Switch to Cheef-Compatible Inks 30–50% cost savings per liter compared to OEM No software or chip locks for most printer models Backed by MSDS, GHS, and RoHS compliance Private label options for resellers and distributors Fast shipping & OEM-level support 3. Product Range Comparison OEM Brand OEM Ink Code Cheef Equivalent Application Videojet V420 / V423 C-V420MEK Plastic, PET, glass bottles Domino 2BK118 C-2BK118 General-purpose fast-dry coding Linx 1240 C-LX1240 PE bottles, PVC bags, cartons Markem-Imaje 5191 C-MI5191 Food packaging, paperboard 4. Quality Assurance Standards at Cheef Every Cheef ink batch is subjected to the following testing protocols: Viscosity and conductivity matched to OEM specs Print stability test on various substrates Jetting reliability at different line speeds Accelerated aging and shelf-life test