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Inkjet printing technologies have transformed the way we print, offering precision, speed, and versatility across various applications. Among these technologies, Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) and Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers stand out for their unique methods and purposes. This article explores the workings, advantages, and applications of both TIJ and CIJ printers to help you understand which one best suits your needs for coding packaging, barcodes, and signage, etc.
A thermal inkjet (TIJ) printer is a type of printer that uses heat to eject droplets of ink onto a substrate, such as paper, plastic, wood, or metal. This innovative technology is widely used for high-resolution printing in applications ranging from office documents, large format printing to industrial marking and coding. TIJ printers are known for their simplicity, reliability, and ability to produce high-quality prints.
Below is a picture of Meenjet thermal inkjet printers MXlite, MXPlus and MXPro with 1 to 4 printheads. One standard TIJ printer usually comes with a controller and one or several printheads. From left to right at the higher half of the printer, they are TIJ printing hosts/controllers; at the lower half of the picture, they are TIJ printers and printhead(s) installed on gantry brackets, and the object with a black belt is a conveyor.
The core mechanism of a thermal inkjet printer relies on a series of tiny nozzles, each equipped with a heating element. When the printer receives a command to print, the following steps occur:
1. Heating the Ink: A small electrical current heats the ink within the nozzle to approximately 300°C in a matter of microseconds. This process ensures precise temperature control for consistent results.
2. Bubble Formation: Rapid heating causes the ink to vaporize and form a bubble, creating pressure inside the nozzle. This controlled process is critical for ejecting ink accurately.
3. Ink Ejection: The pressure forces a droplet of ink out of the nozzle and onto the substrate. The size and speed of the droplet are meticulously managed to ensure high-resolution printing.
4. Bubble Collapse: The bubble collapses as it cools, drawing new ink into the nozzle from the reservoir to repeat the cycle. This continuous process enables smooth and uninterrupted printing.
This process is incredibly fast, allowing TIJ printers to produce precise and detailed prints at high speeds, making them suitable for both commercial and industrial use. Working with HP, Meenjet TIJ printers adopt HP Thermal Inkjet 2.5 Technology and are highly reliable and high-quality. Below is a Meenjet TIJ handheld inkjet printer that features HP TIJ technology. You can click the pic to read more about how we work with HP:
Thermal inkjet technology is favored over other inkjet printing technology (e.g. CIJ, DOD, etc) for several reasons:
- High Resolution: TIJ printers can achieve resolutions up to 1200 dpi, making them ideal for detailed graphics and sharp text. This capability is crucial for industries requiring high-quality outputs.
- Low Maintenance: The absence of moving parts within the nozzles reduces wear and tear, simplifying maintenance and enhancing durability.
- Cost-Effectiveness: TIJ printers are generally more affordable upfront and cost-effective to operate compared to other inkjet technologies, particularly for small to medium-scale printing tasks.
- Compact Design: Their small size makes them suitable for both commercial and industrial environments, allowing for easy integration into various setups.
Thermal inkjet printers are versatile and used in various applications, including:
- Product Packaging: To print barcodes, expiration dates, brand logos, and lot numbers on products and packages, ensuring traceability and compliance with industry standards.
- Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry: For coding on blister packs and labels, where precision and legibility are paramount.
- Electronics: Printing on circuit boards and electronic components, meeting the demands of intricate designs and small surfaces.
- Art and Design: Printing on handmade and business crafts with self-designed patterns or text to endow products or gifts with specialness.
Here just lists a few examples of TIJ printer applications. Some types of printers are also used for office printing and large format printing, but they may have other names in specific situations.
A continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer is a type of printer that continuously sprays a stream of ink droplets, directing specific droplets onto a substrate while recycling the rest. CIJ technology is widely used in industrial settings for marking and coding products at high speeds. It stands out for its ability to print on a variety of surfaces, including curved, rough, or flexible materials.
Below is a picture of Meenjet compact CIJ printer MX1890. It can be easily integrated into production lines and requires little maintenance.
The operation of a CIJ printer involves the following steps:
1. Ink Stream Formation: Ink is pumped under pressure through a nozzle, forming a continuous stream of ink droplets. This process ensures consistent ink flow for high-speed applications.
2. Droplet Charging: The printer uses an electrode to charge individual droplets of ink as they pass through a charging chamber. The precision of this charging step is essential for accurate droplet placement.
3. Droplet Deflection: Charged droplets are deflected by an electric field to the desired position on the substrate. This deflection system allows the printer to create precise characters, symbols, or barcodes.
4. Print Completion: The deflected droplets form the intended characters, barcodes, or graphics on the substrate, while uncharged droplets are directed back into the ink reservoir for reuse. This recycling feature minimizes waste and enhances efficiency.
This method allows for non-contact printing, making it suitable for uneven or irregular surfaces, and ensures reliability even in demanding industrial environments.
Continuous inkjet printers are commonly used in:
- Food and Beverage Industry: Marking expiration dates and batch codes on cans, bottles, and packaging to meet regulatory requirements and ensure consumer safety.
- Pharmaceuticals: Printing on blister packs, vials, and ampoules, where accuracy and legibility are crucial for product identification and compliance.
- Automotive Industry: Coding on parts and components to facilitate tracking and quality control in manufacturing processes.
- Electronics: Marking cables, wires, and PCBs with precise and durable prints, suitable for high-tech industries.
Thermal inkjet and continuous inkjet printers cater to distinct printing needs. Thermal inkjet printers excel in high-resolution, cost-effective applications, while continuous inkjet printers thrive in high-speed industrial environments. Understanding the capabilities and applications of each technology ensures the right choice for your printing requirements.