Moving products
Review product spacing, line movement, trigger reliability and the time available for each code.
Inkjet coding equipment
CIJ Printer
Plan non-contact variable coding for moving products around the substrate, ink performance, code requirement, production conditions and maintenance environment.
- ProcessNon-contact continuous inkjet coding
- Typical contentText, dates, batches and variable identifiers
- Critical proofInk adhesion, drying and contrast test
- Line inputsSpeed, spacing, trigger and print location
Best fit
Where continuous inkjet coding can fit
CIJ is commonly evaluated when a production line needs variable content without physical contact between the printhead and product.
Varied substrates
Test the exact plastic, metal, glass, paper or coated surface for ink adhesion, drying and contrast.
Variable coding
Define the required date, batch, text, symbol or identifier and how the data reaches the printer.
Engineering selection
Match the printer, ink and line conditions
A CIJ application is a system decision. The print result depends on the product surface, approved ink, product presentation and operating environment.
- Identify every substrate, colour, coating and surface condition.
- Define code content, character size, number of lines and print location.
- Record line speed or cycle, product spacing, movement and trigger method.
- Confirm printhead access, print distance, mounting and cable routing.
- Review ambient conditions, cleaning, consumables and maintenance access.
Evidence boundary: No ink compatibility, operating figure, protocol or model capability is implied by this page. Final configuration must be confirmed from approved DANAPR documentation and an application-specific print test.
Qualification workflow
Qualify the whole coding process
Ink and printer selection should follow the real product and operating conditions.
Substrate
Collect representative products for each material, colour, coating and finish.
Ink test
Assess contrast, adhesion, drying, durability and code readability.
Line review
Confirm product path, speed, spacing, trigger, mounting and environment.
Acceptance
Approve the code, position, data, print result and operating conditions.
Process comparison
Compare CIJ with other coding technologies
Use this table to route the application to testing, not to select a final machine without evidence.
| Requirement | CIJ starting point | Alternative to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Moving product with variable code | Evaluate non-contact printing and suitable ink | TIJ when packaging, print distance and cartridge process suit the line |
| Permanent mark without ink | Not the normal starting point | Laser marking after material, safety and extraction evaluation |
| Flexible film before packing | Possible only if the line and substrate fit | TTO or another packaging-specific process |
| Code verification | Add vision when presence, readability or data must be checked | Define lighting, camera, pass rules and line response separately |
Qualification limits
When not to choose CIJ coding
CIJ may not be the best starting point when the substrate, required mark or operating conditions do not support the ink process.
- No tested ink achieves the required adhesion, drying, contrast or durability.
- The project requires a permanent material change instead of an applied code.
- Product movement or printhead access cannot be controlled consistently.
- The site cannot support the required consumable handling or maintenance routine.
- A laser, TIJ, TTO or another process performs better in the approved trial.
FAQ
CIJ printer questions
What is a continuous inkjet printer used for?
A CIJ printer is commonly evaluated for non-contact variable coding on products moving through a production line. Suitability depends on the substrate, ink, code, line and environment.
How is ink selected for a CIJ coding application?
Ink selection requires representative substrate testing for adhesion, drying, contrast, durability and the actual production environment. No ink should be selected from a generic material name alone.
What production information is needed before choosing a CIJ printer?
Provide the product and substrate, code content and size, line speed or cycle, product spacing, print location, environment, available installation space and acceptance criteria.
When should CIJ be compared with laser marking?
Compare CIJ with laser when mark permanence, contrast, consumables, maintenance, material response, safety and installation scope have been defined. Test both processes when the choice is not clear.
Related pages
Continue the coding review
Have products ready for an ink test?
Share the substrate, code and production-line conditions with DANAPR Marking.