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Handheld Inkjet Printer FAQs

Dec. 09, 2024

Meenjet handheld inkjet printers have been commonly used to print manufacturing date and expiry date on products, such as plastic and glass bottles, fabrics, metals, etc., especially the most classic and popular model Meenjet M6. Whether you are looking for a convenient portable handheld printer that you can carry on-the-go, or already have one, you probably have questions about how they work, how to use them, and how to maintain them. In this post, we summarized some frequently asked questions about these portable handheld printers.


1. What is a handheld inkjet printer? 

A handheld inkjet printer is a portable printing device that allows users to print text, barcodes, QR codes, logos, and other graphics on a variety of surfaces, including paper, plastic, metal, wood, and fabric. Unlike traditional printers, it is lightweight and can be operated manually by moving the printer across the surface.

Meenjet  M6 Handheld Inkjet Printer

2. What materials can a handheld inkjet printer print on? 

Handheld inkjet printers can print on a wide range of porous and non-porous materials, such as:

- Paper: Standard or specialty papers.

- Cardboard: Shipping boxes, cartons, or packaging.

- Plastic: Bottles, containers, or bags.

- Metal: Pipes, cans, or tools.

- Wood: Furniture, crates, or planks.

- Glass: Bottles or windows.

- Fabric: Cloth, textiles, or garments.

The compatibility depends on the type of ink used (e.g., quick-drying or solvent-based ink for non-porous surfaces).

materials handheld printer support

3. What types of inks are available for handheld inkjet printers? 

Common ink types include:

- Water-based ink: Best for porous surfaces like paper or cardboard.

- Solvent-based ink: Ideal for non-porous surfaces like plastic, metal, or glass due to its quick drying and smudge-resistant properties.

- UV-curable ink: Used for high durability and special applications.

- Oil-based ink: Suitable for glossy or laminated surfaces.

 4. How long does the handjet ink last, and can it be refilled? 

Ink cartridge longevity depends on:

- Print volume: How much printing is done.

- Text size or graphics: Larger prints consume more ink.

- Ink cartridge capacity: Some cartridges can print thousands of characters or logos before needing replacement. Usually a standard handjet ink cartirdge is 42ml.

Manufacturers typically provide an approximate yield, like the number of characters or prints per cartridge.


Most models require replacement cartridges, while some models have refillable cartridges. Meenjet handheld inkjet printers use HP authorized or HP original ink cartridges, we do not recommend refilling the cartridge or using refilled second-hand cartridge.

5. Are handheld inkjet printers easy to use? 

Yes, handheld inkjet printers are designed to be user-friendly. They usually feature:

- Touchscreens or buttons: For selecting printing options, like printing content, text or image, date or barcode, etc., or editing printing parameters.

- External connectivity: To upload designs and files via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB.

- Portability: Lightweight and ergonomic designs for ease of use.

Many models also include software for creating or editing designs before printing. Meenjet handheld printers are designed with easy to use touch screens and multi-language operating systems.

Handheld Inkjet Printer FAQs

6. What is the maximum printing size? 

The maximum print height typically ranges from 0.5 inches (12.7 mm), 1 inches (25.4 mm) to 2 inches (50.8 mm) , depending on the printer model. However, the length of the print is only limited by the surface and the printer's memory or software.

7. How fast does the ink dry? 

Drying time depends on the type of ink and the surface material:

- Water-based ink: dries almost instantly on porous surfaces like paper or cardboard.

- Solvent-based ink: or also known as fast-drying ink, dries quickly (often within seconds) on non-porous surfaces like glass, metal, or plastic.

8. Can handheld inkjet printers print barcodes and QR codes? 

Yes, most handheld inkjet printers are capable of printing:

- Barcodes 

- QR codes 

- Serial numbers 

- Batch numbers 

These features are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and retail.

Meenjet M6 and M7 handheld inkjet printers can print various content, such as date, text, images, barcode, lot code, DM code, QR code, etc. And the external data option is available in the advanced properties of "Text", "QR Code" and "DM Code". Users can upload .txt files externally via USB.

Meenjet Handheld Inkjet Printer main memu Meenjet Handheld Inkjet Printer memu


9. How accurate is the print quality? 

Handheld inkjet printers typically offer resolutions ranging from 100 dpi to 600 dpi, ensuring clear and readable prints. However, the quality can depend on:

- The printer model.

- Operator steadiness and speed.

- Surface material and texture.

Here are the printing resolutions of Meenjet M6, M7 and M3S respectively: 300 dpi, 600 dpi, 300 dpi.

10. Are handheld inkjet printers durable? 

Yes, most handheld inkjet printers are built to withstand industrial environments. They are often:

- Shock-resistant 

- Dust-proof 

- Water-resistant 

Check the product specifications for details on durability and operating conditions.

11. How are designs or text uploaded to the printer? 

Designs or text can be uploaded via:

- USB connection: Transfer files directly from a computer.

- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth: Send designs from a mobile device or PC.

- Built-in software: Some printers allow you to create designs directly on the device.

12. How long does the battery last? 

Battery life varies by model but typically ranges from 4 to 8 hours of continuous use. Most printers come with rechargeable batteries, and some include a backup battery for extended work.

13. Do handheld inkjet printers require maintenance? 

Yes, maintenance is necessary to ensure optimal performance:

- Clean the printhead: Regular cleaning prevents clogging.

- Store properly: Keep the printer in a dry, dust-free environment.

- Use compatible ink: Only use ink recommended by the manufacturer to avoid damaging the printer.

14. What industries use handheld inkjet printers? 

Handheld inkjet printers are widely used in industries such as:

- Manufacturing: For printing batch numbers, production dates, or barcodes.

- Retail: For labeling products or packaging.

- Logistics: For marking cartons, crates, or pallets.

- Construction: For marking pipes, wood, or other building materials.

- Healthcare: For labeling medical equipment or packaging.

15. Can handheld printers print in multiple colors? 

Most handheld inkjet printers are designed for monochrome printing (black or another single color). However, some advanced models support multi-color printing by using specialized cartridges.


These FAQs provide a general overview, but always refer to the specific printer model's user manual for detailed information.