From Labels to Packaging: The Versatility of Continuous Inkjet Printing

Do you remember any of the conventional printing methods like screen printing, rotary printing, Gravure printing or offset printing? These techniques, although very popular and effective once, have now lost their charm to the modern miracle of printing: inkjet printing. Unlike other printing forms, inkjet printing is versatile, fast, and accurate. It is ideal for industries ranging from SMEs to large enterprises.

The technology has developed over the years, and the newest innovation in inkjet technology is the CIJ, Continuous Inkjet Printing. It is involved in major aspects of industry today, from simple forms of labelling to packaging services, offering industries versatility and uniformity.

Types of Inkjet Printing

Inkjet printing has various forms, each of which has been developed to suit certain requirements and uses. We have different types as below:

● Continuous Inkjet Printing (CIJ)

● Drop-on-Demand (DOD) Inkjet

● Piezoelectric Inkjet Printing

While continuous inkjet printing is a dominant method, it's important to understand why it is different from other key types.

Continuous Inkjet Printing (CIJ)

This method employs charged ink droplets that are dispersed continuously in a fixed manner to the target material. It is suitable for high-speed industrial operations such as packaging and labelling because it can run on production lines without hitches.

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Drop-on-Demand (DOD) Inkjet Printing

Unlike CIJ, DOD inkjet printers eject ink droplets only when necessary. This energy-conserving technique allows accurate and high-definition printing on products. It is well suited to produce detailed work such as high-quality prints on consumer electronics or tiny components.

Piezoelectric Inkjet Printing

This type employs an electrical charge to produce ink droplets – and since the droplet size is easily controllable, this type of printing is widely used. Most commonly, it is used when high quality is required and includes 3D printing and the production of fine art prints.

All the printing techniques are unique in their operations, providing the required speed, quality, and compatibility.

Understanding the Continuous Inkjet Printing Process

The continuous inkjet printing process works by pumping ink into the system continuously. This process provides continuous printing operations without any disruption. The basic activity is centered on a print head that sprays the ink in the form of droplets. These droplets are then ionized and steered toward a surface.

Key Steps in the Continuous Inkjet Printing Process:

● Ink Reservoir: Ink is stored in a reservoir and continuously circulated into the print head.

● Droplet Formation: The print head continuously produces a stream of ink, which is then split into many droplets.

● Electrostatic Deflection: Droplets are charged and then conducted to the substrate with the help of electromagnetic force.

● Collection of Unused Ink: The droplets that do not impact the substrate are returned to the ink jet and are used again, thus minimizing ink usage.

This method enables fast and accurate printing and can be a perfect choice for many industries.

Market research conducted by MarketsandMarkets indicates that the continuous inkjet printing market will reach a CAGR of 6% between 2020 and 2025. This growth is mainly due to the continuous high-speed printing requirements for industries such as packaging and logistics.

Continuous Inkjet Printing Equipment: The Backbone of Industry

Businesses must have the right equipment to take advantage of CIJ technology. New CIJ printers come with options that help minimize the costs associated with the printing process and increase productivity.

Features of Continuous Inkjet Printing:

● Durability: Some CIJ systems are designed to operate in harsh environments where temperatures can rise, and the systems have to run for a long time.

● Low Maintenance: CIJ printers are low on maintenance due to a minimum number of moving parts; hence, the operating cost is low.

● Versatility: They can work with solvent, water, or UV ink types and thus can be used in different industries.

Continuous inkjet printing is relatively flexible and essential in organizations where variable data printing is required, such as in the labelling, packaging, and manufacturing industries.

Applications of Industrial Continuous Inkjet Printing

Industrial continuous inkjet printing technology has a wide range of uses in various industries. It is suitable for bar code, date, or batch code printing and is needed to generate clear, permanent, and quality marks.

Key Benefits for Industrial Printing:

● High-Speed Printing: Industrial continuous inkjet printing systems can print marks at high speed and be in line with the production line.

● Minimal Downtime: Since the system does not require contact with the surface, it reduces wear and tear and, therefore, has less downtime.

● Accuracy: It gives accurate and steady signals and works efficiently at high speeds to label the products correctly.

● Adaptability: This technology can print on almost any material; it is not just limited to paper. It can print on plastics, glass, metal, and cardboard.

Versatility in Continuous Inkjet Printing for Packaging

Continuous inkjet has been a revolution in the packaging industry. From putting names on products to putting codes on the packaging, this technology enables quick and accurate printing of all products to meet customers' and legal requirements.

How Continuous Inkjet Printing Revolutionizes Packaging:

● Fast and Efficient Marking: CIJ printers can print high volumes of information—such as expiration dates, batch codes, and serial numbers—at higher production speed without slowing down assembly lines.

● Durability: CIJ prints are durable, can withstand moisture and UV effects, and are best suited for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical brand packaging.

● Customization: CIJ printing systems are quite flexible in printing any type of data, and manufacturers can change the labels and packing according to the product, market, or batches.

Continuous inkjet printing can be implemented directly in the packaging production line, which improves the flow of operations and the trackability of the packages.

CIJ is highly adaptable in packaging; it makes production more efficient and minimizes mistakes in labelling and packaging.

Continuous Inkjet Printing in Labeling

Product labelling is a delicate process that has to be done accurately and fast, ant htis can only be achieved through continuous inkjet printing technology. Regardless of the production scale – from a small quantity to a large one - CIJ is characterized by very high quality and repeatability, which is why it is popular in industries such as food & beverage, pharma & cosmetics.

Advantages for Labeling:

● High Resolution: Continuous inkjet printing enables sharpe, readable, and high-contrast prints free from any stain.

● Variable Data Printing: The possibility of printing variable data such as the product name, barcode, or expiration date in every printing cycle gives manufacturers the flexibility they require.

● Wide Range of Substrates: CIJ printers can print on various materials, from plastics, glasses, papers, and many others, making it the perfect printer for any labeling job.

These capabilities allow continuous inkjet printing to be adopted in industries that need high-volume and precise labeling.

Continuous Inkjet Printing: The Future of Marking and Coding

Continuous inkjet printing has a bright future as technological developments are pushing the machine's speed, accuracy, and environmental efficiency. The further development of new ink types, better print heads, and the connection with IoT technologies will even expand the range of applications of CIJ printers.

Trends in Continuous Inkjet Printing:

● Sustainability Focus: Manufacturers continue to work on creating non-polluting inks and systems with minimum waste, thus extending the advantages of CIJ technology.

● Smarter Automation: The application of artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts in CIJ printers will allow real-time monitoring and determine failures; therefore, the efficiency of industrial operations will be enhanced.

● Advanced Resolution: The need for improved print resolution will continue to drive development in CIJ printers since higher details on products, packaging, and labels is of much importance.

Conclusion

Continuous inkjet printing technology is most useful in packaging and labelling industries. It provides high-quality, high-speed prints and, simultaneously boosts flexibility and cost-effectiveness, making it a vital tool in the current production processes. As the companies aim at more sustainable and scalable solutions, the CIJ technology will advance further, offering even higher versatility and performance.

Welcome to contact Lead Tech Printer for industrial continuous inkjet printers. Such a CIJ printing machine is up to customers' needs for a highly cost-effective product. The popular models include LT800 inkjet printers, i9 inkjet printers, etc. Strict cost control promotes the production of high-quality and priced-low product.