Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) Printers
CIJ printers use a continuous stream of charged ink droplets to print variable text on almost any surface — curved bottles, cables, eggs, cans and film. They are the workhorse for date codes, batch numbers and lot codes on high-speed lines.
Choose a model
Select a model to see its specifications, or compare all models below. Final configuration and price are confirmed in the quotation.
| Model | Configuration | Print lines | Technology | Print height | Max speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIJ Standard | 1–3 lines | 1–3 | Continuous inkjet | up to 24 dots | 2 m/s | Everyday date, batch and lot coding on curved and uneven products. |
| CIJ High-Speed | 1–4 lines | 1–4 | Continuous inkjet | up to 34 dots | up to 380 m/min | High-speed lines that need 1–4 lines of clear variable data. |
What you can mark, and how
| Material | Best fit | Typical result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass, plastic and metal | CIJ solvent or water-based ink | High-contrast date and batch codes | Adhesion varies by surface; sample-test first |
| Cables, pipes and eggs | CIJ non-contact print head | Codes on curved and uneven surfaces | No contact with the product during printing |
| Beverage and food film | CIJ High-Speed, 1-4 lines | Clear codes at up to 380 m/min | Food-grade ink options available |
Backed from sample to support
Common questions
What materials can a CIJ printer print on?
CIJ is used on glass, plastic, metal, cable, pipe, eggs, film and coated cartons. Adhesion depends on the ink and surface, so a sample test is recommended.
How often does a CIJ printer need maintenance?
CIJ printers need regular nozzle cleaning and consumable checks. The exact interval depends on ink, duty cycle and environment. We share the maintenance schedule with the machine.
What is the cost per code?
Ink and solvent consumption depend on code size, line speed and print density. We estimate consumption from your code layout before quoting.
Can it print QR codes and barcodes?
Yes, within the print height and resolution of the model. Higher-resolution and high-speed models give the best scanability for dense 2D codes.
What ink is food-safe?
Food-contact ink depends on the packaging and the regulatory market. We specify a food-grade ink option after confirming the application.
Related guides
Keep exploring
Small character or high speed
Choose the small character model for compact codes and tight spaces. Choose the high-speed model for long runs and four lines of data. Both use the same ink family. Therefore, the decision turns on print height, speed and mounting. In short, match the model to the product and the shift.
Match the ink to the substrate
Solvent inks dry fast on non-porous surfaces. Water-based inks suit porous cartons and paper. Some food lines need a food-grade ink. First, check the product and the wash-down routine. Then choose the ink. Also keep the print head clean between shifts. Then check the ink before you compare printers.
Plan the maintenance routine
CIJ needs a daily flush and a solvent top-up. The operator also checks the ink level and the filter. Therefore, plan ten minutes at the start of each shift. Then the printer stays reliable. A spare print head and a cleaning kit reduce downtime. Also, store cartridges flat and away from heat. Finally, train one operator per shift on the flush routine. In addition, keep a log of ink lot numbers. Then a fault is easier to trace.
First, check the product and the wash-down routine. Then check the code size and the line speed. Finally, ask for the cost per code. However, the cheapest ink can cost more in downtime. Therefore, compare the full running cost.
A CIJ inkjet printer needs a daily flush. Send a sample of the product and the code layout. We print the sample and confirm the head, ink and bracket. Then we quote the complete configuration through the quote form. For background, read about continuous inkjet printing.
Send us your product and code layout
We confirm the technology, print area and line speed, run a sample, and quote with shipping to your door.