Inkjet coding machinery

Thermal inkjet printers for clean high-resolution coding

TIJ printers use replaceable ink cartridges and are often selected where crisp text, barcodes and QR codes are required on cartons, sleeves, labels and flat packaging surfaces.

Industrial inkjet coder installed on a packaging line
Practical specification

Where this inkjet coder fits

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.

  • High-resolution print for cartons, labels, sleeves and secondary packaging
  • Good for readable text, logos, barcodes, QR codes and variable data
  • Cartridge-based operation with simple changeover and low mess
  • Easy to integrate to conveyors, carton feeders, labellers and packing benches
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Common usesDate code, batch code, QR code, barcode, logo, traceability text
Typical productsCartons, labels, sleeves, flat bottles, tubs, trays, pouches and boxes
Line integrationMounting rail, product sensor, encoder, controller and optional reject verification
Selection data neededSurface type, required resolution, print height, print distance, speed and cartridge choice
Related applications

Common packaging uses

Inkjet coder printing date and batch codes on packaging applications

Bottle coding machines

Print expiry dates, batch numbers and traceability codes onto plastic bottles, glass bottles, jars, tins and small containers.

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Inkjet batch and date code printed on cartons for packaging traceability

Carton and box coding

Inkjet printers for retail cartons, shelf-ready packaging, shipping cases and end-of-line case marking.

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Printed packaging sample with barcode QR code date and batch information

Pouch and film coding

Inkjet and alternative coding solutions for stand-up pouches, bags, labels, sleeves and flexible packaging lines.

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Common questions

Inkjet coding FAQs

Is TIJ suitable for barcodes and QR codes?

Yes. TIJ is commonly selected for high-resolution barcode and QR code printing where the surface and print distance are controlled.

Does TIJ use messy solvent inks?

TIJ systems use cartridges, which makes handling cleaner than traditional bulk ink systems. Ink type still needs to match the surface and drying requirement.

Can TIJ print onto labels before they are applied?

Yes. TIJ can be integrated to label applicators, label feed systems and carton handling equipment where the label or pack is presented consistently.

TIJ specification and integration

Control print distance, substrate and data for reliable thermal inkjet coding

TIJ uses replaceable cartridges to produce high-resolution variable print. It performs best when the product is guided consistently and the printhead can be held close to the surface without impact.

Printhead geometry

Confirm the permitted throw distance for the chosen cartridge and resolution. Product movement, flexible packs, raised seams and guide-rail variation can move the surface outside that window, so the mounting needs fine adjustment and impact protection.

Cartridge chemistry

Water-based inks are commonly considered for porous materials, while solvent or specialist cartridges may be needed for coated or non-porous surfaces. Compatibility, dry time, contrast and shelf life must be checked against the exact cartridge and pack.

Data and code quality

TIJ can suit fine text, logos, linear barcodes and 2D codes, but resolution alone does not guarantee a readable symbol. Module size, quiet zone, contrast, product motion and printhead alignment all affect the result.

Lancing LUDC127 reference configuration

Lancing's current first-party product information lists the LUDC127 as a conveyor-mounted cartridge inkjet reference. The values below are configuration-dependent and must be confirmed for the exact head, cartridge, conveyor and application quoted.

Model referenceLUDC127
Print-height options2–12.7 mm, 2–25 mm or 2–150 mm
Resolution options150, 300 or 600 dpi
Reference print distance2–3 mm
Product detectionPhotoelectric sensor
Reference conveyor outputApproximately 5–20 products per minute, product-dependent
Belt size1500 × 190 mm reference belt
Power supply110/220 V, 50–60 Hz
Head configurationMulti-head arrangements available subject to application review

Reference data: Lancing high-speed online inkjet printer. Final specification is confirmed on the quotation and approved sample trial.

Information still required for each project

  • Exact substrate, coating, colour and surface condition.
  • Required print width, height, message content and orientation.
  • Line speed, product pitch and allowable print window.
  • Cartridge type, colour, storage and expected consumption.
  • Environmental and enclosure requirement, including dust or washdown.
  • Barcode or 2D code standard, reader or verifier and minimum acceptance grade where applicable.
  • PLC, database, ERP or MES data interface and error handling.
RiskWhy it mattersPractical control
Variable print gapCan reduce sharpness, alter code size and cause missed nozzles or unreadable symbols.Guide the product, stabilise flexible material and use an adjustable protected mount.
Wrong cartridgeInk may not adhere, dry or resist handling on the production pack.Approve the exact cartridge by sample test and control purchasing by part number.
Uncontrolled message entryCorrect print quality can still produce the wrong date, lot or product code.Use recipes, permissions, prompted fields or data download with a defined approval check.
Barcode only read onceA scanner read does not prove consistent quality across normal production.Agree sampling, inline inspection or formal verification according to the business requirement.
How close must a TIJ printhead be to the pack?

The permitted distance is cartridge and model-specific. The LUDC127 reference information lists 2–3 mm, but the final value must be confirmed for the chosen configuration and proven on the production pack.

How is TIJ cartridge cost compared fairly?

Compare cartridge price together with usable ink volume, message coverage, resolution, purging or wiping losses, shelf life, change frequency and operator time under the same production assumptions.

Can TIJ receive variable data from a database?

It can where the selected controller and software support the required connection. Define field mapping, record sequencing, validation, buffer behaviour and the response to missing or duplicate data.

When should another technology be considered?

Consider CIJ where the product is curved, fast or difficult to guide; large-character inkjet for direct case marking; and thermal transfer overprinting for high-quality coding directly onto moving flexible film.

Related TIJ application guidance

Send representative packs and the full message so the cartridge, mounting and code quality can be trialled together.

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