Introduction Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printing is a powerful solution for high-speed, high-volume product marking. But one of the most frequently asked questions by end users is:“How much ink does my CIJ printer actually consume?” This article explores the various factors that affect CIJ ink usage, how manufacturers estimate consumption, and most importantly—how you can optimize your operations to lower costs while maintaining print quality. 1. What Is Ink Consumption in CIJ Printing? Ink consumption refers to the volume of ink used per print or per product. It is usually measured in milliliters per thousand prints (ml/kpcs) or milliliters per hour, depending on the application. Ink is not only consumed for printing characters but also used in: Charging and deflection Maintenance flushing Solvent evaporation (which requires regular ink replenishment) 2. Key Factors That Affect CIJ Ink Consumption A. Print Content The more characters, the more ink is used. Larger fonts, bold typefaces, and logos increase usage. Printing QR codes or barcodes consumes significantly more ink than date codes. B. Drop Size (Dot Matrix Density) CIJ printers often allow users to adjust the drop size (measured in microns). A standard 60µ drop uses more ink than a 40µ drop but provides bolder print. C. Line Speed Higher speeds mean more ink sprayed over time. Fast-moving products may also require larger characters for legibility, increasing ink use. D. Duty Cycle / Uptime CIJ systems continuously circulate ink, even when not printing. Printers running 24/7 naturally consume more ink. E. Evaporation Rate Solvent evaporation

How to Choose the Right Solvent for CIJ Inkjet Printers Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers rely on specially formulated solvent-based inks to deliver high-speed, non-contact coding on a wide variety of materials. While colorants and resins contribute to the ink’s appearance and adhesion, it is the solvent that drives its functionality—impacting drying speed, substrate compatibility, and maintenance requirements. This article breaks down the key types of solvents used in CIJ inks, their performance characteristics, and how to choose the right formulation for your application. Why Solvent Matters in CIJ Printing In CIJ systems, ink is continuously ejected through a nozzle and charged for precise placement. After leaving the nozzle, the ink must dry almost instantly on the substrate to prevent smudging—this is where solvents play a crucial role. Solvents affect: Drying time Ink viscosity and surface tension Substrate compatibility Smell and safety Maintenance frequency (e.g., nozzle clogging or tubing corrosion) Common Solvents in CIJ Ink 1. Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Drying speed: Extremely fast Substrates: Metals, plastics (PP, PE, PVC), glass Applications: Beverage cans, cable marking, automotive parts Notes: High volatility and flammability. Requires ventilation and safe handling. 2. Ethanol Drying speed: Moderate Substrates: General packaging materials, especially where odor sensitivity is a concern Applications: Food and pharmaceutical packaging Notes: Less aggressive than MEK, more environmentally friendly. 3. Acetone Drying speed: Fast Substrates: Similar to MEK Applications: When rapid evaporation is crucial Notes: Very volatile and harsh—typically used in highly controlled environments. 4. Water (Aqueous CIJ Inks) Drying speed: Slow (unless

Introduction When purchasing inkjet inks for industrial printers, especially for CIJ, TIJ, or DOD systems, most buyers focus on the price per liter or cartridge. But what exactly goes into that cost? Why do prices vary so significantly between brands and regions? In this article, we break down the true cost components of industrial inkjet inks, helping you better understand what you’re paying for and where you can optimize your ink sourcing strategy. — 1. Raw Material Costs The largest portion of ink cost comes from its chemical ingredients. These typically include: Solvents such as MEK, ethanol, acetone, or water (depending on the printer type) Dyes and pigments—specialty colorants for visibility, contrast, or UV properties Binders to improve adhesion to different surfaces Surfactants and additives that influence drying time, flow rate, and stability These chemicals must meet purity and performance standards, especially for high-speed printing or food packaging applications. — 2. Packaging and Cartridge Design The second significant cost contributor is packaging, which includes: TIJ or CIJ-compatible cartridges or ink bottles with precise dimensions Anti-leak valves, filters, or smart chip technologies for printer compatibility Sealed containers that ensure ink stability and prevent contamination In TIJ inks, the cartridge may account for up to 30–40% of the total cost due to its design complexity and integration. — 3. Transportation and Storage Industrial inks are often classified as hazardous materials (e.g., Class 3 flammable liquids). This classification requires: Special packaging compliant with UN/DOT/IATA standards Temperature-controlled storage or shipping environments Labeling, customs documentation,

Introduction Inkjet printer ink, particularly for CIJ, TIJ, and DOD technologies, is a carefully engineered chemical formulation. One of the most important but often overlooked properties of ink is its evaporation rate. Fast or uncontrolled evaporation can lead to nozzle clogging, poor print quality, shortened shelf life, and increased waste. This article explores how evaporation rate affects ink performance and outlines best practices for storing ink to preserve its stability and effectiveness. — 1. What Is Ink Evaporation Rate? The evaporation rate refers to the speed at which a liquid component of the ink (typically solvent) converts to vapor and dissipates into the air. In inkjet systems, this rate is carefully balanced to allow quick drying on substrates while avoiding drying inside the nozzle or tubing. CIJ Ink: Usually has a higher evaporation rate due to the use of volatile solvents like MEK or acetone. TIJ Ink: Often water- or ethanol-based with slower evaporation, suitable for thermal control. DOD Ink: May use oil- or UV-based formulations, which evaporate slowly and require post-treatment like UV curing. — 2. Factors Influencing Evaporation 1. Solvent Type Different solvents have different boiling points and vapor pressures. For example, MEK evaporates much faster than ethanol or water. 2. Temperature Higher ambient or storage temperatures accelerate evaporation, which may destabilize ink components over time. 3. Air Exposure Ink exposed to air, especially in improperly sealed containers or systems, will experience solvent loss—leading to thicker ink and nozzle blockages. 4. Humidity Low humidity environments favor faster evaporation.

Introduction The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a critical document for anyone handling inkjet printer inks—especially in industrial environments using CIJ, TIJ, or DOD technologies. An MSDS ensures proper safety practices, regulatory compliance, and informed usage. This article breaks down each section of an MSDS and what it means for users, distributors, and transporters of ink products. — 1. What is an MSDS? An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is a standardized document that provides information on the properties of a particular substance. It is designed to inform users about the safe handling, potential hazards, storage, and emergency measures related to the product. MSDS documents are required by OSHA, REACH, GHS, and other global regulations for chemical-containing products like ink. — 2. Structure of an MSDS (Typically 16 Sections) Section 1 – Identification Provides basic details such as product name, manufacturer, and emergency contact. Example: Product Name: CIJ Black Solvent Ink, Manufacturer: Cheef Inkjet, Emergency: +86 181 6857 5767 Section 2 – Hazard Identification Lists potential hazards to health and safety. Includes GHS symbols, hazard statements, and precautionary measures. GHS Symbol: 🔥 (Flammable) Hazard Statement: Highly flammable liquid and vapor Section 3 – Composition / Information on Ingredients Identifies the chemical makeup, including names and concentrations of ingredients. Especially useful when checking for REACH compliance or allergens. MEK: 70% Colorants, Resins: 25% Surfactants: 5% Section 4 – First-Aid Measures Outlines actions to take in case of exposure: inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion. Eye contact: Rinse thoroughly with water

Introduction When transporting inks and solvents used in CIJ, TIJ, and DOD printers, it is critical to understand their classification under the Dangerous Goods (DG) system. Many of these consumables are considered hazardous by international shipping regulations. This article outlines the DG classes relevant to inkjet printer inks and solvents, the risks they represent, and how to ensure safe and compliant global shipping. — 1. What Are Dangerous Goods (DG)? Dangerous Goods are substances that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transport. The United Nations classifies DGs into nine classes based on the type of hazard they present. These classes are regulated globally through transport regulations such as: IATA (Air Transport) IMDG (Sea Freight) ADR (Road Transport in Europe) 49 CFR (U.S. DOT regulations) — 2. Which DG Class Do Inks Belong To? Most solvent-based inks used in Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) and Drop-On-Demand (DOD) systems fall under: Class 3 – Flammable Liquids Typical UN Number: UN1210 (Printing Ink), UN1263 (Paint Related Material) Packing Group: II or III depending on flash point and volatility Examples: MEK-based ink, acetone-based cleaner, ethanol-containing ink These inks contain volatile solvents with flash points below 60°C, which makes them flammable and thus regulated under Class 3. — 3. What About TIJ and Water-Based Inks? Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) inks and water-based formulations typically do not fall under DG classification due to their non-flammable, low-toxicity nature. They often do not require UN numbers or hazard labels. However, it’s important to check the ink’s

Introduction In the industrial coding and marking industry, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)—also known as Safety Data Sheets (SDS)—are essential documents for anyone handling inkjet printer inks. These sheets provide critical safety, chemical, and regulatory information that ensures proper usage, transport, storage, and disposal. Whether you’re working with CIJ, TIJ, or DOD inks, understanding the MSDS is not only important for compliance but also for operational safety and customer assurance. — 1. What Is an MSDS? An MSDS (or SDS under GHS) is a technical document prepared by the ink manufacturer that contains detailed information about the chemical composition, hazards, safety precautions, and regulatory guidelines of a specific substance. For inkjet printer inks, this includes the base ink, solvents, additives, and any associated cleaning fluids. — 2. Why MSDS Is Important for Inkjet Inks Health and Safety: Identifies toxic, irritant, or flammable components and outlines necessary PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Transportation Compliance: Required for shipping hazardous materials under UN, IMDG, IATA, and DOT standards. Storage Instructions: Informs temperature control, ventilation, and incompatible substances. Accident Response: Provides first-aid, spill cleanup, and fire-fighting procedures. Environmental Protection: Warns of substances harmful to aquatic or air quality and outlines disposal methods. — 3. Sections of a Typical Ink MSDS Identification: Product name, ink type (e.g., solvent-based CIJ), and manufacturer contact info Hazards Identification: Physical and health risks like flammability or inhalation danger Composition/Information on Ingredients: Chemical identities and concentration percentages First-Aid Measures: Instructions for skin/eye contact, inhalation, or ingestion Fire-Fighting Measures: Suitable extinguishing methods

Introduction Date coding on wet or cold surfaces—such as beverage bottles fresh out of a filler, refrigerated food containers, or condensation-prone packaging—presents a major challenge in industrial printing. Conventional inks tend to smear, fail to adhere, or require impractical drying times. This blog explores how to tackle these obstacles using optimized ink formulations and equipment setup. — 1. Why Moisture and Low Temperatures Are a Problem Both moisture and cold significantly affect the performance of ink: Poor adhesion: Water on the surface forms a barrier between ink and substrate. Smudging: Wet ink doesn’t set properly in cold environments, especially without sufficient airflow. Slow drying: Low temperature environments lengthen solvent evaporation times. — 2. Industries Most Affected These issues are most common in the following industries: Beverage Industry: Bottles and cans with condensation directly after filling and cooling. Dairy & Cold Chain Packaging: Yogurt cups, milk cartons, and vacuum-sealed packs stored at low temperatures. Seafood & Frozen Foods: Surfaces often contain frost or moisture when printed. — 3. Ink Types for Wet or Cold Surfaces Choosing the right ink formulation is essential: Fast-Dry MEK Inks: Designed for CIJ systems, these inks include quick-drying solvents with enhanced wetting agents. Alcohol-Based Inks: These provide better drying at low temperatures and are less affected by condensation. Water-Repellent Additives: Some inks include chemical agents that repel water during printing. — 4. Recommended Printing Technologies Not all printers are equal when it comes to wet or cold surfaces: CIJ (Continuous Inkjet): Preferred due to non-contact printing,

Introduction Ink separation is a common yet critical issue in inkjet printing systems. Whether you use CIJ, TIJ, or DOD technology, ink stability is essential to achieve high-quality prints and minimize downtime. Separation leads to inconsistencies in ink flow, color, and drying behavior—potentially causing damage to printers and production delays. In this article, we explore why ink separation occurs and how to re-stabilize it effectively. — 1. What Is Ink Separation? Ink separation refers to the breakdown or layering of the ink’s components over time. In most formulations, ink is a mixture of solvents, resins, dyes or pigments, and various additives. When these components fail to remain evenly dispersed or dissolved, the ink “separates.” This typically results in: Layering in storage tanks or cartridges Settling of pigments or resins Changes in viscosity or conductivity Nozzle clogging or poor print quality — 2. What Causes Ink Separation? Several physical, chemical, and environmental factors contribute to ink separation: Long-term storage: Inks that remain unused for extended periods may separate due to gravity. Temperature changes: Heating and cooling can cause phase separation or destabilization of emulsions. Incompatible materials: Contamination from foreign particles or mixed ink types can break the ink’s chemical stability. Poor agitation: In tank-based systems, lack of circulation or stirring allows components to settle. Expired ink: Over time, stabilizers lose effectiveness, and the ink naturally separates. — 3. Signs That Ink Has Separated Detecting early signs of separation can prevent significant production losses. Watch for: Visible layering or sediment at the

Introduction In high-speed industrial printing environments, ink drying time is a critical factor that influences not only the final appearance of the printed code but also operational efficiency and product quality. Whether you’re using Continuous Inkjet (CIJ), Thermal Inkjet (TIJ), or Drop-on-Demand (DOD) systems, choosing the correct ink drying time can mean the difference between sharp, smudge-free prints and costly rework or downtime. — 1. What Is Ink Dry Time? Dry time refers to the period it takes for ink to set or cure on a substrate surface after application. It can range from a fraction of a second to several minutes, depending on the ink formulation and environmental factors. There are two key stages: Surface dry – When the ink no longer smears under light touch Fully cured – When the ink is chemically or physically stable and resistant to handling or environmental stress — 2. Factors That Influence Ink Drying Time Several variables can affect how quickly or slowly ink dries, including: Solvent base: MEK-based inks dry faster than water-based or glycerin-based alternatives Ambient conditions: Humidity, airflow, and temperature impact evaporation rate Substrate type: Porous surfaces (e.g., cardboard) absorb ink, while non-porous ones (e.g., glass, plastic) require faster-drying formulations Ink thickness: Thicker ink deposits naturally take longer to dry Printing speed: High-speed lines demand quick-drying inks to prevent transfer or smudging — 3. Smudge Resistance vs. Drying Speed There is a direct correlation between dry time and smudge resistance. Inadequate drying leads to: Blurred or illegible prints Transfer