9 Reasons to Get Inkjet Coding Machines for Your Business

Inkjet coding machines are the most versatile and reliable machines of their type around, and they present many solutions for today's business needs. They're cost-effective and durable.

The Many Kinds of Inkjet Coding Machines

Let's take a look at the four main types of inkjet coders, and some of their specific features.

1. Thermal Inkjet Coders

Thermal inkjet (TIJ) coding machines are capable of extraordinarily fast printing speeds and can maintain excellent print quality throughout. This type of coder works by using an electrical current to heat the ink, which is then applied directly onto the desired substrate. 

Thermal Inkjets (TIJ) are very precise and clean in their printing and are suitable for virtually any substrate — including both porous and non-porous surfaces. 

2. Small Character Continuous Inkjet Coders

This type of inkjet coder machine uses a contact-free application method.  Small character continuous inkjet (CIJ) machines work by ejecting electrically charged ink droplets at rates of up to 120,000 droplets per second. 

A continuous inkjet coding machine is distinguished by its remarkable speed. As the name suggests, it lays down a continuous line of ink to deliver very clean and precise printing. 

3. Drop-On-Demand Inkjet Coders

The large-scale drop-on-demand (DOD) coding machine is designed for more industrial applications.

This is where extreme print precision is at less of a premium, and there's a need to print on coarser substrates — i.e., timber, metals, concrete, plastics, foams, and certain packaging materials. The valves of a DOD printer open and close independently, producing ink droplets in an "on-demand" fashion to create the desired characters. 

4. High-Resolution Inkjet Coders

High-resolution inkjet coding machines are the heavy hitters. They're especially useful if your purpose is to achieve the very highest quality of printing and coding on those tricky porous materials, like corrugated boxes. 

The newest high-resolution inkjet coders employ piezoelectric technology, and can achieve a variable print height of up to 100mm.  

Nine Benefits of Using an Inkjet Coding Machine

Now that you've seen the different types of inkjet coding machines that exist, let's look at nine reasons why these printers can confer substantial benefits on your business.

1. Versatility

Probably one of the top benefits of using inkjet coders is their unquestioned versatility. 

They are easily capable of coding onto a number of different materials, substrates, packaging types, and shapes. This includes printing text, complicated graphics, date codes, batch codes, and just about whatever else you might need. 

Regardless of the kind of material you wish to print on, there's sure to be an inkjet coding machine that can handle your project. 

2. Speed

This is another major feature of inkjet coders. 

Speed of printing is an important consideration in any production line. As we've seen, there are certain types of inkjet coder machines that are able to print at exceptional speeds, all while maintaining consistent quality. 

Thermal inkjet coders, for instance, register a time between each consecutive nozzle firing of only 100 millionths of a second —needless to say, that's pretty fast! 

3. Minimal Downtime and Little Maintenance Required

The beauty of inkjet coders is that they are specifically designed for reduced downtime, and they won't require much intervention and upkeep from the operator. This will keep your production lines moving swiftly and reliably, without the need for costly and time-consuming repairs. 

This is especially true of drop-on-demand inkjet coding machines, which are designed to operate in tough environments. They're built to last and can withstand the shocks, dust, grit, debris, and jarring vibrations that come with industrial activities. 

4. Low Cost of Ownership

Inkjet coders are remarkably cost-effective, something underscored by their ruggedness and reliability. The ownership and upfront costs are comparatively little, and lifetime maintenance won't strain your expenses. 

Once again, drop-on-demand inkjet printers are particularly noteworthy here. The durability and longevity of these coding machines tend to reduce their capital and lifetime operational costs. 

5. Print Quality

The print quality of inkjet coders is superior, period. 

We've mentioned the extraordinary precision and accuracy of machines like the small character CIJ coders, which extrude ink droplets that are half the diameter of a human hair. This kind of precision gives you a remarkable degree of accuracy, virtually regardless of the substrate upon which you're printing. 

And don't forget the thermal inkjet coders, which are famed for their high-quality printing. This is a byproduct of a sophisticated print head technology that ensures accurate placement of ink droplets. 

6. Ease of Use

You shouldn't overlook this feature of inkjet coding machines, which is crucial to their practicality. And the truth is — inkjet coders are pretty easy to use. 

Setting up the machines, and getting them to operate, is simple and straightforward, and using one doesn't require any especially arduous training. Their simplicity, and ease of operation, is certainly one of the major pluses to acquiring an inkjet coder. 

7. Flexibility

Inkjet coders needn't always be envisioned as giant, bulky machines. If it's real flexibility that you're looking for, there are many handheld inkjet coder machines for mobile marking. 

These handheld units are a great option for smaller businesses that don't wish to invest in the larger, inline machines. Or, for those that employ the larger coders, they're perfect as a backup coding option, should the main machines be offline or inoperative. 

8. Ink Choices

You've got a lot to choose from when it comes to the types of inks to use in inkjet coders. There's a wide variety of colors to select from, and low evaporation inks are available.  Be sure to choose the correct ink for your needs.  Some inks are specific to porous surfaces - non coated paper and cardboard for example or non porous surfaces - plastics, metals and glass for example.

9. Graphical Variability

Especially if your business needs to print a variety of different information—such as bar codes, dates, logos, batch information, etc.— inkjet coding machines are a perfect choice. 

The Best Coding Solution

It's easy to see that inkjet coding machines are the most economical choice for your coding needs. They can handle just about any substrate you can imagine, and they're built to take a licking and keep on ticking. 

If you think your business could use an inkjet coder, go ahead and contact us today to see how we can help you.