TIJ - A Fast Rising Star

Until recently, due to ink type limitations, TIJ printers were only able to mark on porous substrates such as boxes and corrugated cartons. Earlier TIJ models had shorter throw distances and were also much slower as compared to CIJ systems. Today, TIJ systems are fast rising in popularity. Newer ink formulas with superior adhesion and fast drying times have allowed TIJ printers to print at greater speeds per minute, and on both porous and nonporous materials. Breakthroughs in technology have also enabled TIJ printers to print on glossy surfaces and flexible packaging.

The rapid proliferation of TIJ technology has now found its way into two of the largest market segments - the food and beverage industry and pharmaceutical industries. TIJ printers are now coding and marking pre-packed food, medicines, cosmetics, pipes, wires and cables, automobile and packing industry and many others. This new generation of TIJ systems, with their environmentally-friendly solutions, high quality prints, and zero-maintenance is emerging to be a strong yet affordable contender for CIJ printers.

Comparing TIJ with CIJ

1. MAINTENANCE

TIJ printers don’t require regular maintenance, are easy to install and require little to no usability training. Because TIJ systems have modular components which are easily interchangeable, there is little downtime from production disruptions. Quite often, fixing any issue with a TIJ printer is as simple as changing a new ink cartridge. CIJ printers however, are more complex and demand intensive user training. They also require regular maintenance checks and servicing by technicians.

2. COST EFFECTIVENESS

Investment and operating costs are key considerations here. And TIJ printers tip the scale in overall cost effectiveness. CIJ printers are complex systems with tanks, pressure pumps, filters, and large printheads. Accidentally switching off a CIJ printer will result in long operational downtime and high unbudgeted expenses. Unlike CIJ systems that require a large upfront investment, service contracts and high maintenance, TIJ printers are affordable, free of service contracts and maintenance is negligible.

3. EASE OF OPERATIONS

TIJ printers are modular systems consisting of a controller, a printhead and quick-connect cables. Each of these components is easily replaceable and operations take only seconds to start up or shut down. CIJ printers are closed-loop systems with components that are expensive and difficult to repair.  

4. THROW DISTANCE & PRINT RESOLUTION

Although CIJ printers may have a long throw distance of up to 50mm, 8-10 mm is typically the range for an optimal print performance by a CIJ printer as it delivers a low resolution dot pattern. Today, TIJ printers have caught up on the throw distance and are able to print at even higher resolution than CIJ printers. Our RYNAN R20 Reach is developed to fire up to 10mm, with a 300dpi sharp resolution, making it possible to print high-quality, legible codes on curved surfaces such as bottles, on the bottom of cans, uneven packaging and even industrial components.

5. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

TIJ printers consume up to 80% less power than CIJ printers. TIJ ink cartridges are self-contained and run no risk of ink spills. A diluted alcohol cleaning solution is all it takes to clean up an occasional mess. CIJ printers, on the other hand, use solvents with high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are released into the environment during printing. It is not uncommon to have the work area and CIJ machinery coated with ink; which requires additional solvents for cleanup, further contributing to environmental and health risks.

6. SUBSTRATES VERSATILITY

Gone are the days when TIJ printers were only able to mark on paper and corrugated boxes. The new generation of TIJ printers now leave their marks on almost any surface - flat or curved, and on many different materials including glass, metal, plastic and flexible foil packaging.

7. FOOTPRINT

Unlike CIJ printers that have bulky external printheads connected to umbilicals, TIJ printers use printheads that are inbuilt into ink cartridges, further streamlining the space on the production line. With the RYNAN R20 PRO, both the controller and print head are significantly smaller than an iPad! For mobility and convenience, RYNAN also has a handheld TIJ printer that can print on all types of surfaces.

The Verdict

Comparing the two most popular coding and marking technologies, the obvious advantages that come with Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) technology are low maintenance, affordability, high-resolution print quality and a small footprint. To top it off, TIJ is a more environmentally-friendly option. If you are looking for a flexible and cost-efficient coding and marking solution with high readability, the Thermal Inkjet Printer will be your go-to tool.