What is CIJ Technology? How Does it Work?

Whether it’s for printing batch numbers, expiry dates, barcodes, or even logos, CIJ printers have become a crucial part of product packaging and marking processes across various industries like food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and manufacturing. In this blog, we’ll explore what CIJ technology is, how it works, and why BT Print offers cutting-edge CIJ solutions tailored for modern industrial needs.

What is CIJ Technology?

CIJ, or Continuous Inkjet, is a printing technology where a continuous stream of ink droplets is produced and selectively directed to the product's surface for marking. It’s a non-contact printing method, which makes it highly versatile for use on a wide range of materials, including glass, plastic, metal, and paper.

Key Characteristics of CIJ Technology:

• High-speed printing
• Capability to print on curved, uneven, or flexible surfaces
• Ink flexibility (can use different types of inks like water-based, solvent-based, or UV inks)
• Suitable for industrial environments with varying conditions like high humidity, dust, or heat

How Does CIJ Technology Work?

CIJ technology operates on a principle known as electrostatic deflection. The process involves the following steps:

1. Ink Stream Creation: Inside the CIJ printer, a pump continuously circulates ink from an ink reservoir. The ink is passed through a nozzle, creating a continuous stream of tiny ink droplets.

2. Droplet Formation: The stream of ink is broken up into small droplets by applying high-frequency vibrations through a piezoelectric crystal. These droplets are formed at a consistent rate and size, ensuring precise and high-quality printing.

3. Charge Application: After the ink droplets are formed, a charge electrode applies an electrical charge to specific droplets. Not all droplets are charged—only the ones required for printing.

4. Deflection: The charged droplets are then passed through deflection plates, where an electrostatic field is applied. This field deflects the charged droplets onto the product's surface at the desired location, while the uncharged droplets are collected and recycled back into the ink reservoir for future use.

5. Printing Process: The printer moves the object or substrate beneath the ink droplets, and the printer’s software controls which droplets are charged, dictating the content that gets printed (like dates, logos, or batch numbers).

The Role of CIJ in Industries

CIJ technology is critical in industries that require high-speed, continuous production with the need for clear, precise, and durable prints on a variety of materials. Here’s how it benefits specific industries:

1. Food and Beverages: In this fast-moving industry, CIJ printers are used to print essential information such as MRP, expiry date, batch codes, and product traceability codes on items like cans, bottles, flexible packaging, and cartons.

2. Pharmaceuticals: CIJ technology ensures compliance with strict regulatory standards by printing clear and legible details like batch numbers, manufacturing dates, and expiration dates on blister packs, vials, and medicine bottles.

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care: CIJ printers offer high-speed and high-quality printing, which is perfect for marking small, irregularly shaped products like cosmetic tubes, bottles, and jars. They ensure that the codes remain legible despite packaging complexity.

4. Manufacturing: Whether it's automotive parts, cables, or electrical components, CIJ technology is used to print critical identifiers, safety information, and production codes that can withstand harsh environments like heat, moisture, or dust.

Why Choose CIJ Technology from BT Print?

At BT Print, we specialize in providing advanced CIJ printing solutions that meet the rigorous demands of Indian manufacturers. Our CIJ printers are designed to deliver precision, durability, and speed, making them ideal for various industries.

Here’s why BT Print's CIJ solutions stand out:

• High-Speed Performance: Our CIJ printers can operate at the highest speeds, ensuring that production lines continue uninterrupted without sacrificing print quality.

• Low Maintenance: With automated cleaning systems and long intervals between service checks, BT Print’s CIJ printers are designed to minimize downtime, keeping your operations efficient.

• Environmentally Friendly: BT Print's CIJ technology uses advanced ink formulations that are eco-friendly and compliant with industry standards, ensuring sustainability alongside productivity.

• Versatile Inks: We offer a variety of inks, including fast-drying, solvent-based inks, UV-curable inks, and pigmented inks for high-contrast printing on different surfaces. These are ideal for expiry date coding, batch coding, and label printing.

• Customizable Solutions: Whether you need a printer for small batch runs or high-volume production, we provide customized CIJ solutions to fit your specific business needs.

Things to Consider When Choosing CIJ Technology

If you're considering investing in CIJ technology, here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Print Speed: Evaluate the production speed of your facility. CIJ printers are known for high-speed capabilities, so they are ideal for fast-moving production lines.

• Environment: Choose a CIJ printer with an appropriate IP rating if your factory conditions involve dust, moisture, or extreme temperatures.

• Ink Type: Depending on the material you print on (plastic, glass, metal, etc.), select a CIJ printer that offers compatible inks.

• Cost and Maintenance: While CIJ printers generally require minimal maintenance, be sure to consider the cost of ink, consumables, and service intervals.

Ask Our Experts at BT Print

Ready to implement CIJ technology into your production line? Our experts at BT Print are here to help! Whether you need advice on selecting the right (Batch coding machine) CIJ printer or want to explore our range of coding and marking solutions, feel free to contact us today. With years of experience in the industry, we’re committed to providing innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective solutions for Indian manufacturers.

BT Print is your trusted partner for reliable and advanced CIJ technology. Reach out to us today and elevate your production efficiency with our state-of-the-art coding machines.