CIJ coders are used where non-contact printing is needed on moving, curved, wet, uneven or varied products without stopping the packaging line.
Before buying a coder, confirm the pack surface, speed and code requirement. The same date code can need a different machine depending on whether it is printed onto a curved bottle, carton, flexible film or outer case.
| Common uses | Expiry date, lot number, batch code, serial code, simple QR or barcode, product ID |
|---|---|
| Typical products | Bottles, jars, tubes, pails, containers, cans, flexible packs, irregular products |
| Line integration | Product sensor, encoder, mounting frame, guarding interface and operator access |
| Selection data needed | Substrate, line speed, print area, print height, cleaning routine and environment |
Print expiry dates, batch numbers and traceability codes onto plastic bottles, glass bottles, jars, tins and small containers.
View details →
Inkjet printers for retail cartons, shelf-ready packaging, shipping cases and end-of-line case marking.
View details →
Inkjet and alternative coding solutions for stand-up pouches, bags, labels, sleeves and flexible packaging lines.
View details →Choose CIJ when line speed is high, the product surface is curved or uneven, the print head needs more stand-off distance, or the pack presentation is less controlled.
Yes. CIJ is commonly used for plastic bottle date and batch coding, subject to ink selection, surface condition and dry-time testing.
Yes. The coder can usually be mounted to an existing conveyor with a bracket, product sensor and encoder where required.
CIJ is valuable where a small, non-contact code must be applied to moving products without stopping the line. The printer, fluid system, printhead mounting and product handling have to be assessed as one application.
Continuous inkjet can tolerate more variation in product shape and print distance than cartridge systems, making it a common starting point for curved bottles, cans, cables, extrusions and packs moving at production speed. It is also useful where the code area is small and the product cannot be brought into contact with a print mechanism.
The advantage is not universal. Very small 2D codes, dense graphics, large print areas or long blocks of text may favour a higher-resolution technology. The decision should be made from an actual print sample at the required speed and distance.
Plastic name alone is not enough: mould release, surface treatment, recycled content, condensation and cleaning residues can change performance. Trial the approved ink on production packs and include the actual time before the code is touched, conveyed, packed or chilled.
Compare expected ink and make-up consumption, fluid shelf life, storage, ventilation, waste, cleaning materials and the effect of starts and stops. Ask for the assumptions behind any cost estimate, including message coverage and operating hours.
Define printhead inspection and cleaning, filter or service-module intervals, shutdown procedure and recovery after idle periods. The maintenance plan must follow the exact model and ink, not a generic CIJ schedule.
| Application variable | CIJ engineering check | Acceptance evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Product movement | Stable enough for a consistent gap and code position; encoder required if speed varies. | Print samples at minimum, normal and maximum line conditions. |
| Surface condition | Dry, wet, cold, oily, dusty, treated or coated condition documented. | Adhesion and rub test after the agreed dry and handling time. |
| Message | Exact fonts, lines, date rules, lot data and smallest code supplied. | Approved master sample and saved message recipe. |
| Controls | Sensor, encoder, job selection, line signals and data source defined. | Functional test for normal running, missing product and fault states. |
| Environment | Temperature, humidity, dust, washdown, solvents and ventilation reviewed. | Installed configuration matches the documented site requirement. |
Use the same operating hours, message size, ink coverage, start-stop pattern and maintenance scope for every quotation. Include make-up fluid, cleaning materials, planned service parts, waste and operator time.
No. Suitability depends on the published enclosure or IP rating and the complete installation, including connectors, printhead, cables and mounting. Confirm the cleaning method in the specification.
An encoder is useful when conveyor speed changes and print timing or character spacing must follow belt movement. A fixed-speed line may use internal timing, but this should be proven during the trial.
Many models offer communication and I/O options, but the available protocol and data workflow are model-specific. Define the message fields, source, validation, fault response and responsibility for integration before order.
Send the bottle or pack, intended code, line speed and site conditions for a CIJ suitability review.
Request a CIJ application review