INDUSTRIAL INKJET MARKING

The continuous Inkjet (CIJ) technology is a non-contact printing system that uses a continuous inkjet to create text and images. The ink is sprayed through a head equipped with micro-nozzles, deflected by electrical fields and precisely directed onto the substrate to be marked.

The DOD (Drop on Demand) technology releases ink droplets only when needed, avoiding a continuous jet. There are two main variants of this technology: solenoid and piezoelectric systems. The former, which are more economical, are ideal for printing large characters, while the latter provide greater precision, perfect for detailed text and images. This printing mode ensures crisp, readable results on a variety of surfaces, enabling both coding with large characters, visible from a distance, and high-resolution prints for detailed text, logos and barcodes.

DOD technology falls into two main categories:

• Large Character Printing (LCP): ideal for highly visible marking on materials such as cardboard, wood and steel, perfect for applications that require clear and legible coding from a distance.
• High-Resolution Piezo: suitable for printing defined text, logos and barcodes in high quality, perfect for packaging and labels.

Thanks to its versatility, DOD technology adapts to multiple industrial marking needs, guaranteeing efficiency and print quality.

The TIJ (Thermal Inkjet) system uses ink cartridges with an integrated printhead that uses heat to create micro-droplets of ink. A thermal resistor rapidly heats the ink, creating a vapour bubble that pushes the droplet out of the nozzle.

This process takes place in milliseconds and results in very high resolution prints, ideal for text, logos, barcodes and QR codes on a wide range of materials including treated card, plastic film, plastic packaging and cartons used in the food, pharmaceutical, beverage and consumer goods industries.

Ideal for applications requiring high readability and accuracy, the TIJ system is compact, easy to install and use, with easily replaceable ink cartridges that simplify maintenance.

Inkjet coding systems are an effective and versatile solution for product identification in a wide range of industries. With the ability to print on a wide range of materials, they ensure legible, durable coding that meets regulatory standards.

The evolution of industrial marking is closely linked to the technological innovations that are redefining the manufacturing industry. The integration of marking systems with Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) now enables real-time monitoring, remote management of printing processes and advanced data analysis. These developments improve production efficiency and reduce errors, making production more flexible and adaptable to market needs.

At the application level, these innovations are finding their way into increasingly regulated and competitive industries where compliance is critical:

• Food and Pharmaceuticals → Traceability is an essential requirement to ensure consumer safety and compliance with regulations such as the (EU) Food Labelling Regulation or the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) for drug serialisation. Inkjet coding systems provide clear and legible codes on difficult surfaces, ensuring unique product identification.
• Automotive and Electronics → International regulations impose strict standards on the durability of markings, which are essential for component traceability and product safety. Inkjet technology makes it possible to print codes that can withstand high temperatures, chemicals and harsh environments.
• Packaging and consumer goods → As European regulations on packaging sustainability come into force, there is a growing need for coding solutions that reduce the use of non-recyclable materials. Inkjet offers an environmentally friendly alternative to printing on adhesive labels, simplifying recycling processes.

As technology evolves and global regulations become more stringent, industrial coding is no longer just a regulatory requirement, but an optimisation and innovation tool for companies looking to ensure safety, quality and competitiveness in the modern marketplace.