29 Jul

Upgrading from CIJ to Laser Marking: Is It the Right Move for Your Business?

Whether you’re in food, pharma, FMCG, cosmetics, or electronics, accurate batch codes, expiry dates, barcodes, and traceable markings are critical for compliance and brand protection.

For decades, Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers have been the go-to solution for high-speed, high-volume batch coding. But over the past few years, many manufacturers are considering a strategic shift: upgrading from CIJ to laser marking systems.

So, is switching to a laser marking machine right for your operation? In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind this transition, compare both technologies, and help you make an informed decision.

Why CIJ Has Been the Standard for Years
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers have long been used for printing batch codes, expiry dates, and serial numbers on a wide range of materials. Their ability to print at high speeds and on curved or irregular surfaces has made them ideal for industries like beverages, pharmaceuticals, wire & cable, and more.

Key Advantages of CIJ:

  • High-speed printing (up to 1,000 characters per second)
  • Versatile substrate compatibility (plastic, glass, metal, etc.)
  • Quick-drying inks
  • Non-contact technology
  • Ability to print on curved or uneven surfaces

However, despite its strengths, CIJ comes with ongoing maintenance, frequent consumable costs, and environmental concerns—all of which are pushing businesses to explore cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.

Why Upgrade to Laser Marking?
Laser marking is an advanced, non-contact coding technology that uses focused light beams to engrave or mark the product surface directly. It requires no ink, no solvents, and minimal maintenance, making it a cost-effective and sustainable alternative in the long run.

  • Zero Consumables

Unlike CIJ printers that rely on inks, solvents, filters, and cleaning fluids, laser coders do not use any consumables. This eliminates recurring costs and the need for hazardous material storage or disposal.

  • Permanent, Tamper-Proof Coding

Laser markings are etched directly onto the surface, making them highly durable and resistant to water, heat, abrasion, or chemicals. This is especially critical for:

  1. Pharmaceuticals (where code authenticity is vital)
  2. Automotive and electronics (for long-lasting traceability)
  3. Luxury packaging (for anti-counterfeiting)
  • Minimal Maintenance

CIJ printers need regular servicing to clean printheads, replace filters, and handle ink-related issues. Laser coders, in contrast, have no ink systems, reducing breakdowns, cleaning time, and technician intervention.

  • Clean, Eco-Friendly Operation

Laser systems are VOC-free, do not emit harmful chemicals, and have a smaller carbon footprint. If your company is aiming to meet ESG or green manufacturing goals, laser coding is a perfect fit.

  • Consistent Print Quality

Laser coders offer sharp, high-contrast printing that remains consistent over years of use. There’s no risk of smudging, ink spread, or fading—common problems in CIJ when ink quality is compromised.

CIJ vs Laser Marking: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Printing Speed

  • CIJ (Continuous Inkjet): Very high; suitable for fast production lines.
  • Laser Marking: High to very high, depending on the laser type and substrate.

Substrate Compatibility

  • CIJ: Excellent compatibility with almost all materials including plastic, metal, glass, and flexible packaging.
  • Laser: Also highly compatible, especially with the right laser type (CO?, fiber, or UV).

Consumables

  • CIJ: Requires regular use of ink, solvent, and filters.
  • Laser: No consumables needed—zero ink or solvent usage.

Maintenance

  • CIJ: Requires frequent maintenance, printhead cleaning, and part replacements.
  • Laser: Very low maintenance with minimal moving parts and no fluids involved.

Print Durability

  • CIJ: Good print quality but can smudge, fade, or rub off under certain conditions.
  • Laser: Permanent, tamper-proof, and resistant to water, heat, and chemicals.

Environmental Impact

  • CIJ: Uses VOC-based solvents and creates chemical waste.
  • Laser: Environmentally friendly—no emissions, no hazardous waste.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

  • CIJ: Moderate to high due to recurring consumables and maintenance costs.
  • Laser: Higher initial cost but significantly lower long-term operating costs.

Upfront Cost

  • CIJ: Lower initial investment; ideal for startups or small-scale use.
  • Laser: Higher upfront cost but offers a better ROI over time.


When Should You Consider Upgrading to Laser?
While CIJ remains a reliable choice for many, laser marking becomes the better option in several key scenarios:

  • Long-Term Cost Optimization

If you’re spending heavily on CIJ inks, solvents, and maintenance contracts, laser offers significant cost savings over 2–3 years.

  • Cleanroom or Sensitive Environments

Laser coders are ideal for pharmaceutical, electronics, and medical device manufacturing lines where clean, contactless, chemical-free operation is essential.

  • Need for Permanent or Tamper-Proof Codes

Laser is the only technology that guarantees permanent codes that can’t be erased or altered—great for high-value goods and legal compliance.

  • High-Speed Production Lines

Modern laser coders (like fiber or CO? lasers) can match or exceed CIJ speeds, even on fast bottling or blister packaging lines.

  • Sustainability Goals

If your company is working toward zero-waste manufacturing or reducing its carbon footprint, moving to laser is a strategic win.


Types of Laser Coders You Can Choose From
BT Print offers a range of laser coding machines designed for different substrates and industries:

1. CO2 Laser
Best for:

  1. Paper, cardboard, wood, coated cartons
  2. Flexible packaging films
  3. Labels and paper-based products

2. Fiber Laser
Best for:

  1. Metal, plastics, wire & cable
  2. Electronics, automotive parts
  3. Medical devices and tools

3. UV Laser
Best for:

  1. Glass, ceramics, plastics (like HDPE)
  2. Highly sensitive materials
  3. Fine detail marking

Each laser type has unique wavelength properties suited for specific materials. Our experts can help you select the right system based on your production needs.


How BT Print Helps You Transition from CIJ to Laser
Switching technologies may sound complex, but with BT Print, the process is smooth and hassle-free.

  • Site Assessment

We inspect your existing CIJ setup and recommend a laser solution based on packaging speed, substrate, and print requirements.

  • Custom Integration

We provide full integration with your conveyors, feeders, and packaging lines.

  • Operator Training

Your team receives hands-on training on machine use, safety, and routine care.

  • AMC & Service Support

We offer pan-India service coverage, spare parts, and annual maintenance contracts (AMC) to ensure uninterrupted performance.

Final Thoughts
Upgrading from CIJ to laser marking is a strategic investment that can help your business reduce recurring costs, boost print quality, improve sustainability, and future-proof your production line.

While CIJ still holds value for certain use cases, laser coders are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for manufacturers who want permanent, maintenance-free, and eco-conscious printing.


Ready to Make the Switch?
At BT Print, we offer a complete range of laser marking machines tailored for batch coding, expiry date printing, and product traceability.

Email: sales@btprintopkg.com
Call: 9073950891 / 7290033620
Visit: www.btprintopkg.com

Let us help you upgrade your batch coding line with cutting-edge laser technology.

For any queries.. Contact us now !!

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