Introduction Ink consumption is one of the most important factors that determine the total cost of ownership in industrial inkjet printing. Whether you’re running a high-speed beverage line or printing barcodes on cartons, understanding how much ink your system uses—and why—can help reduce waste and save money. In this article, we compare the ink consumption behavior of three primary inkjet technologies used in product marking and packaging: TIJ (Thermal Inkjet), CIJ (Continuous Inkjet), and DOD (Drop-on-Demand). — 1. Key Factors Influencing Ink Consumption Ink consumption depends on multiple technical and operational variables: Print content size and complexity (e.g., alphanumeric vs. QR codes) Print resolution and DPI settings Line speed and print frequency Nozzle size and ink droplet volume Ink type and substrate absorbency — 2. TIJ Ink Consumption Technology Overview: TIJ uses disposable ink cartridges, typically 42 ml in capacity. Each print is formed by thermal ejection of ink droplets from the cartridge nozzle. Consumption Metrics: One 42 ml cartridge yields approximately 500,000 characters at 300 dpi. At high-resolution settings (600 dpi), yield can drop to around 250,000 characters. Best suited for short to medium runs with high precision text. TIJ Consumption Example: Printing a 12-character date code at 300 dpi, at 60 products per minute, a TIJ system will use approximately 15–20 ml per 8-hour shift. — 3. CIJ Ink Consumption Technology Overview: CIJ continuously ejects a stream of ink, only some of which is used for printing. Unused ink droplets are recycled, but some are lost due to

Introduction When choosing an industrial inkjet printer, one of the first decisions to make is whether to use TIJ (Thermal Inkjet) or CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) technology. While both systems are widely used in product packaging, traceability, and marking, they differ significantly in how they operate, what they cost, and where they perform best. In this article, we provide a side-by-side comparison of TIJ and CIJ printing systems to help you determine which solution is ideal for your application. — 1. Working Principles Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) Uses heat to create ink bubbles that force droplets out of the nozzle. Cartridges are compact and integrated with the printhead. Each cartridge is disposable, requiring no manual cleaning or flushing. Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) Continuously ejects a stream of ink droplets from a high-pressure pump. Charges selected droplets electrostatically and deflects them onto the substrate. Unused droplets are recirculated back into the system. — 2. Print Resolution and Quality TIJ: Offers high-resolution printing up to 600 dpi. Ideal for QR codes, barcodes, and detailed text. CIJ: Resolution typically ranges from 60 to 300 dpi. Sufficient for basic alphanumeric codes and date coding. — 3. Substrate Compatibility TIJ: Best for porous and semi-porous materials like cardboard, paper, and coated labels. Solvent-based cartridges are also available for printing on film or plastic. CIJ: Excellent on non-porous surfaces such as plastic bottles, metal cans, PVC pipes, and glass. — 4. Ink and Consumables Parameter TIJ CIJ Ink Delivery Cartridge-based Reservoir with solvent/ink system Cartridge Volume Typically 42 ml

Introduction Choosing the right type of ink for industrial printing is crucial to achieving optimal performance and compliance. The two most common ink types—solvent-based and water-based—offer distinct characteristics that impact everything from drying time to environmental safety. This article breaks down the key differences to help you select the best ink for your application, whether you’re using CIJ, DOD, or TIJ printing technologies. — 1. Composition and Properties Solvent-Based Inks Use organic solvents such as MEK, ethanol, or acetone as carriers Fast-drying due to high volatility Excellent adhesion to non-porous substrates (plastic, metal, glass) Typically contain higher levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) Water-Based Inks Use water as the primary carrier, often with small amounts of co-solvents Drying is slower and often requires heat or airflow Best suited for porous materials (paper, cardboard, wood) Environmentally friendly with lower VOC emissions — 2. Printhead Compatibility Different inkjet systems are designed with specific ink types in mind: CIJ (Continuous Inkjet): Mostly uses solvent-based inks due to speed and substrate range DOD (Drop-on-Demand): Can accommodate both types depending on model TIJ (Thermal Inkjet): Often water-based for paper, but solvent cartridges are available for plastic or film — 3. Drying Time and Production Speed Solvent-Based Inks Due to rapid evaporation, solvent inks dry almost instantly, making them ideal for high-speed production lines. They reduce the risk of smudging or transfer. Water-Based Inks Require longer drying times and may need heaters or fans. Not suitable for very high-speed or non-absorbent surfaces without additional equipment. —

Introduction In the industrial coding and marking industry, choosing the right inkjet technology—and ink formulation—is crucial to achieving optimal print quality and production efficiency. Two of the most commonly used technologies are Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) and Continuous Inkjet (CIJ). While both serve the purpose of marking on various substrates, their ink formulations are significantly different in terms of composition, use case, drying time, and operational requirements. This article presents a detailed comparison between TIJ and CIJ ink technologies to help you make informed decisions. — 1. Technology Overview TIJ – Thermal Inkjet TIJ printers use heat to create a bubble that expels ink through nozzles. These printers rely on cartridge-based systems that are user-friendly and require minimal maintenance. CIJ – Continuous Inkjet CIJ systems continuously expel ink through a nozzle, deflecting droplets electrostatically to form characters. This technology is ideal for high-speed, high-volume production lines. — 2. Ink Composition Differences TIJ Ink Formulations Water-based, ethanol-based, or solvent-based inks Lower viscosity (~1-5 cP) Cartridge-sealed ink prevents contamination Typically includes dyes or pigments, surfactants, and humectants CIJ Ink Formulations Solvent-based inks (MEK, acetone, or alcohols) Higher volatility and faster drying times Requires makeup (diluent) and periodic flushing Viscosity ~2-6 cP, controlled via system sensors — 3. Application Suitability TIJ Ink Applications Cartons, paperboard, and labels Pharmaceutical and medical packaging Flat and porous surfaces Ideal for clean-room environments CIJ Ink Applications Plastic bottles, metal cans, glass containers High-speed bottling and beverage lines Cables, pipes, electronics Suitable for curved, uneven, and non-porous surfaces —

Introduction Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers are widely used in industrial coding for their speed and adaptability. A vital yet often overlooked component of CIJ systems is the ink solvent, or makeup fluid. These solvents play a critical role in maintaining proper ink viscosity, preventing nozzle clogs, and ensuring optimal print quality. However, they are also classified as hazardous chemicals, requiring strict safety protocols in handling and storage. — 1. What Is CIJ Solvent? CIJ solvents, also referred to as “makeup fluids,” are volatile liquids added to the ink circuit to control viscosity and replace evaporated components. They do not contain pigments or dyes themselves but work in conjunction with the ink to maintain proper fluidity. Function: Thin the ink to the right viscosity for continuous flow through the printhead Volatility: High — designed to evaporate quickly to assist in rapid ink drying on substrates Base solvents: MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), Acetone, Ethanol, Isopropanol, and blends — 2. Common Types of Solvents Used in CIJ Inks 1. MEK-Based Solvents Most common type in industrial CIJ printing Very fast drying time Effective on non-porous surfaces like glass, plastic, and metals Highly flammable and volatile 2. Ethanol-Based Solvents Less aggressive and less toxic compared to MEK Moderate drying time Better for environmentally sensitive or indoor applications 3. Acetone-Based Solvents High evaporation rate Common in applications requiring extremely fast-drying marks Can be more aggressive to plastics and printer internals 4. Mixed Solvents Custom blends for specific industrial needs (e.g., low-odor, food-grade, high-adhesion) Offer a

Introduction In the food packaging industry, Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers must use inks that comply with strict food safety standards. Food-grade CIJ inks are specifically formulated to minimize contamination risks and adhere to global regulatory requirements. This article explores the definition, formulation, certifications, and applications of food-grade inks in CIJ technology. — 1. What Are Food-Grade CIJ Inks? Food-grade CIJ inks are specially designed for direct or indirect food contact applications. These inks are made from ingredients approved for food-related use and are manufactured in controlled environments to prevent contamination. Non-toxic and odorless formulations Free from heavy metals and carcinogenic substances Compliant with regional safety standards (e.g., FDA, EU Framework Regulation 1935/2004) — 2. Global Regulatory Standards FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) The FDA regulates inks used in food packaging under 21 CFR 175.105 (indirect food additives). To be compliant: Ink ingredients must appear on the FDA’s positive list Adhesives and colorants should not migrate into food Manufacturers must maintain cleanroom production standards EU Compliance In the EU, inks must conform to the Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 and GMP Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006: Inks must not endanger human health They must not alter the composition, taste, or smell of food Traceability and documentation of raw materials are mandatory — 3. Direct vs. Indirect Food Contact Food-grade inks are used in two ways: Direct contact: Printing directly on food surfaces like eggshells, fruits, or pills Indirect contact: Printing on packaging materials (films, cartons, containers) that may touch food Direct