Thermal Inkjet printing (TIJ) versus Continuous Inkjet printing (CIJ), what are the benefits and differences?
Options for industrial printing solutions have upgraded and evolved over the decades. We are lucky to have as many options as we have, but that can also make the decision harder on what printer to get. In this blog, we discuss what a TIJ and CIJ printer does and how each printer could benefit your specific circumstances.
Continuous Inkjet Printers
As the name suggests, Continuous Inkjet Printers have constantly flowing ink in its system. With the use of a piezoelectric element, ink droplets are driven toward the substrate by the nozzle. While this is happening, an electric charge is delivered to the drops, which allow electrode plates to direct the ink toward the product being printed on.
CIJ printers have a large variety of inks they can use because the ink is always flowing, which means ink won’t get clogged or backed up.
Downside to using CIJ printers – They are more expensive than other industrial printers. CIJ printers also waste more ink than other printers that are more accurate and precise. Additionally, the systems need to have a professional installation as well as regular maintenance and cleaning.
Advantages of using a CIJ Printer:
- High-speed printing – faster than TIJ printers
- Long throw distance
- MEK-based inks that allow immediate drying
- Efficiently prints on constantly moving production lines
- Handle high output
- Provide direct printing
- Easily added to an existing production line
- CIJ printers are no-contact printers, meaning fragile products can be printed on without concern
Thermal Inkjet Printer
Thermal Inkjet printers use replaceable ink cartridge printheads and can print effectively on porous and non-porous substrates.
The cartridge contains multiple ink nozzles that each have a coil heating element. The ink is heated until a vapour bubble forms, which pushes the liquid toward the nozzle and then ejected one drop at a time. TIJ nozzles are minuscule, and resolutions up to 600 dpi are typical.
Downside to using TIJ printers – They have a smaller throw distance than a CIJ system and an ongoing cost of replacing ink cartridges. TIJ systems also have slower printing speeds because of their high-resolution marking.
Advantages of using a TIJ printer:
- Smaller than CIJ printers
- High-resolution printing
- Easy to understand and operate
- More affordable than CIJ printers
- No regular maintenance
- Can be mobile and moved around
- TIJ systems have a quick system setup and print cartridge change-over
- Reduced downtime because there is little to no maintenance.
Why use one over the other? It depends on your situation!
Both Industrial Printing Systems have their advantages and can be used effectively in many spaces, factories, and manufacturing processes. The CIJ printer system is best for industrial enterprises that need high-speed printing to keep up with the production line. TIJ printers are best for smaller businesses that want high-resolution codes and marks.
Whatever your business, J-Pak have the right solution for you. We can give you expert advice so that you get the best option for your manufacturing business.
You can contact us at www.jpak.co.za/contact-us and we will gladly assist.
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