In the realm of high-speed printing, a continuous inkjet printer boasts exceptional efficiency and unmatched support for product coding. Continuous inkjet printing technology is a popular and reliable solution for industrial marking. It doesn’t matter if a product substrate is glass, metal, plastic, or rubber; CIJ printers can do the job. This technology is also designed to ensure minimal downtime, which streamlines your assembly line for accurate, rapid printing.
Given this, is it possible to maximize your CIJ printer while keeping up with the latest advancements in its technology? The answer is yes, and here are some of the diverse ways a state-of-the-art continuous inkjet printer can level up your production.
An Overview of the Advancements in Continuous Inkjet Printing Technology
How Does CIJ Printing Work?
Non-Contact Technology
CIJ printing dispenses a continuous stream of ink through its printheads, hence its name. The ink is pumped through the nozzle at high pressure (about 50 psi), producing an uninterrupted jet of fluid.
Precise Ink Nozzles
CIJ printer ink nozzles are very fine, designed to eject tiny droplets of ink charged with electrodes. These droplets are directed onto various surfaces with extreme precision, gradually forming the desired text, code, or graphics programmed onto the printer.
High Message Storage Capacity
Because of the high-capacity, nonstop function of CIJ technology, newer models allow up to 1000 messages to be stored. This makes it easier to do frequent and speedy product changeovers. No re-coding and editing needed. Simply switch to the desired message and carry on with printing.
Advanced Features of Continuous Inkjet Printing Technology
1. Remote connectivity
Newer models of CIJ printers are designed with software that allows you to monitor, access, and control a printer regardless of its location along the production line. For instance, the Linx 8900 printers come with Linx PrinterNet, a cloud-based service that makes it easier to operate the printer wirelessly. It also allows the machine to receive remote technical support in case of any errors.
2. Flexible coding
CIJ printing is extremely versatile. It is capable of printing text, batch codes, serial numbers, expiry dates, and labels. These common applications are necessary for compliance with strict industry standards. This technology also makes it possible to mark on porous and non-porous substrates like cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, rubber, and wood.
3. Customizable date and time
When printing on different products, packaging, and labels, manufacturers may require varied date formats. New continuous inkjet printers let you customize both date and time formats and save them for later use. This helps you stay consistent with each product and minimizes the need for repeated resetting and coding.
4. Scalable character height
Do you want to print large bar codes or tiny serial numbers? A continuous inkjet printer can do more than just that. CIJ technology enables you to print up to 6 lines of text at a time. This varies from alphanumeric text and barcodes to simple graphics. It also allows character printing as small as 1.8mm to a large 20mm size.
5. Quick change ink cartridges
Every industrial print job requires periodic ink changes. CIJ printers now come with automatic fluid checking, which reminds you about fluid refills 12 hours in advance. Ink cartridges can also be refilled mess-free, thanks to the latest one-touch, quick change cartridges. This technology makes it easy to replace fluids and consumables without mistakes. At the same time, self-service rapid replacement protects your production line from extended downtime.
6. Real-time output measurement and line stoppage
One of the ways you can streamline your assembly line with a continuous inkjet printer is through its stoppage log feature. It helps you document the date, time, and duration when the production line is stopped. CIJ printers also come with real-time production metrics to ensure you keep up with the expected product throughput. This is beneficial for data analytics, minimizing downtime, and quality assurance.
7. Easy to use touchscreen interface
CIJ printers like the Linx 8900 are designed with a smartphone-inspired user interface. The large, colored touch screen mimics the device, making it intuitive and easy to navigate. For operators, it is important to have high-contrast and user-friendly selection panels. It also lets users configure the screen to display frequently used functions. This ensures accurate message creation, selection, and control.
Aside from the main function of continuous inkjet printers, little details and design innovations let you operate in high-demand environments and achieve optimal output quality. Choosing the right CIJ printer model for your business introduces you to a hassle-free, flexible process that streamlines your entire manufacturing process.
ALSO READ: 7 Business Benefits of Inkjet Coding Machines
Elixir Industrial Equipment, Inc. brings top-notch continuous inkjet printing technology from global names closer to you. Our products include the Linx 8900 series, the choice of key industries in the Philippines. Built with the latest CIJ printing technology, this printer can deliver clear, sharp, and vivid product codes to complete your product needs. Send us a message today to get a quote.