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Thermal inkjet (TIJ) technology has significantly transformed the industrial inkjet printing landscape. However, have you ever wondered about the magic behind thermal inkjet technology and why it’s gaining immense popularity in the industrial printing sector?
Overall, TIJ provides a compact and cost-effective solution for creating high-resolution codes on various substrates. Let’s dive into the details of what makes TIJ technology tick and explore why it has become a preferred choice in the printing industry.
Deep Understand about Thermal Inkjet Technology
Thermal inkjet or TIJ printers have revolutionized the printing industry since their development in the 1980s. The TIJ process involves the contactless transfer of a printed image to the carrier medium through small ink droplets.
The droplets are ejected from the print nozzle by rapidly heating the ink to a precise temperature. Unlike other printers, TIJ printers use a unique technology known as ‘drop ejection’. This is how it works:
Heat the Ink
The process begins when the cartridge delivers ink to a firing chamber. Electronic resistors in the chamber will heat the ink rapidly, reaching a temperature of 1,800,032°F (equal to 1,000,000°C) per second.
Generate a Bubble
As the ink heats up, it vaporizes and creates a bubble when it reaches a temperature of 644°F (340°C).
Propel the Ink
Then, the expanding bubble propels a tiny ink droplet out of the chamber and through the printer’s nozzle.
Collapse the Bubble
Once the ink droplet leaves the nozzle and lands on the surface, the bubble collapses. This collapse creates a vacuum effect that draws more ink into the chamber, preparing it to repeat the cycle. This precise cycle enables consistent print quality and minimal ink wastage, making TIJ a sustainable option for modern printing needs.
So, in simple terms, TIJ printing uses heat to quickly vaporize ink, creating bubbles that propel ink droplets onto the surface. The collapsing bubbles help bring in more ink, allowing the printing process to continue efficiently.
Factors Why Thermal Inkjet Printers are Preferred for Use
As mentioned before, thermal inkjet technology has emerged as a preferred choice for various applications. It is due to several factors that cater to the diverse needs of consumers and businesses, such as:
Higher Quality
One key factor that makes TIJ stand out is its ability to deliver higher-quality prints.
Thermal inkjet printing excels in producing detailed graphics, crisp lines, and precise output making it ideal for high-accuracy applications.
The technology achieves superior image quality by employing a slightly slower printing process, focusing on precision rather than speed source.
Reduced Cost
Another significant advantage of thermal inkjet printers is their cost-effectiveness. While continuous inkjet printing (CIJ) may have a lower starting cost, thermal inkjet printers offer overall lower costs, including ink expenses.
Unlike continuous inkjet printers, the ink in thermal inkjet printers doesn’t evaporate, leading to cost savings. In addition, TIJ systems reduce the need for solvents or extensive cleanup, further lowering operational expenses.
Over time, the lower running costs and minimal maintenance make thermal inkjet printers a smart investment for businesses seeking efficiency and affordability.
Increased Versatility
Lastly, thermal inkjet technology has evolved over time, enhancing its versatility. Today’s TIJ printers are capable of printing on a wide range of substrates, from porous materials like cardboard to non-porous surfaces such as plastic and metal.
This versatility makes them suitable for diverse applications, from printing on glossy surfaces for photos and flyers to precision printing on packaging, barcodes, and signage.
How to Use Thermal Inkjet Printer Technology?
Beyond understanding how it works, knowing how to operate TIJ technology correctly is key to maximizing its benefits.
But overall, utilizing TIJ printer technology is a simple and straightforward process that offers versatile printing solutions.
You may begin by installing the thermal inkjet printer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After loading the appropriate ink cartridges into the designated slots, prepare the printing materials, adjust settings, and start the printing process once everything is set up.
The Benefits of Thermal Inkjet Printer Technology
The unique ‘drop ejection’ process of thermal inkjet printing offers several benefits that make these printers stand out in the industry, including:
Low Maintenance/High Dependability
First of all, TIJ printers boast a cartridge system that eliminates the need for frequent printhead services, reducing maintenance hassles. In case of issues, simply replacing the ink cartridge often resolves the problem within seconds.
Mobility
Thanks to the simplicity of the drop ejection process, TIJ printers are more compact and lightweight than most alternatives. This makes them ideal for applications requiring mobility, as they can be easily adjusted, mounted, or even handheld.
Versatility in Substrate Specialization
It is important to note that the advancements in printing technology have expanded the range of surfaces TIJ printers can handle.
Whether it’s porous substrates like paper and cardboard, semi-porous surfaces, or non-porous materials like plastics and metals, TIJ printers provide versatility in substrate specialization. This adaptability allows manufacturers to switch between product types without investing in multiple printing systems.
Read About: Thermal Inkjet Ink that You Should Use
The Industries That Need TIJ Technology
Manufacturers, FnB, and all of these industries need coding solutions for several reasons, like following regulations, tracking products, and displaying information. While there are various options available, Markcom Global specializes in Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) coding printers, a reliable technology for these needs.
Food & Beverage Packaging: Tracking for Safety and Trust
In the food and beverage industry, ensuring consumer safety and product authenticity is paramount. Printing batch numbers, barcodes, and expiry dates directly onto packaging allows manufacturers to quickly trace products globally in case of recalls. This also helps identify genuine products and protect supply chain integrity. This coding is crucial for both large and small manufacturers. By leveraging TIJ technology, even small-scale producers can ensure compliance with industry standards without compromising quality.
Wiring & Cabling: Keeping Track of Every Meter
The cable and extrusion industry relies on coding for security and traceability. Cables and pipes need sequential numbering or meter marking, often done with high-speed printers during manufacturing. These markings ensure quality standards and allow for tracking throughout the supply chain.
Animal Feed Packaging: Safeguarding Our Pets’ Meals
Similar to food and beverage, animal feed packaging requires accurate batch numbers, barcodes, and quality marks. Pet food producers use high-speed coding printers to ensure this information is directly printed on the packaging, guaranteeing quality and traceability. Special inks can even indicate optimal serving temperature.
Pharmaceuticals: Clear Identification for Safe Medication
The pharmaceutical industry uses high-speed inkjet printing to ensure clear identification of medicines. Both packaging and individual capsules are printed with unique codes and 2D barcodes to meet strict labeling requirements and enable accurate medication tracking.
Construction: Durable Coding for Demanding Environments
Construction sites require coding machines and inks that can withstand harsh conditions and print on various surfaces. Continuous inkjet (CIJ) technology is preferred for its durability and cost-efficiency. The codes themselves need to be long-lasting, and CIJ printers offer a good balance between affordability and robustness.
Optimal Uses of Thermal Inkjet Printing Technology
As mentioned before, one of the benefits of thermal inkjet technology is its versatility in terms of substrates (printing surfaces). Overall, here are the most optimal applications of TIJ printers:
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC)
In the field of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), precision is paramount. For AEC, thermal inkjet printing excels in producing detailed plans, renderings, and CAD drawings.
This level of accuracy ensures that even the smallest design details are reproduced faithfully, supporting flawless execution in construction.
Photos, Flyers, and Documents
For applications where image quality is a top priority, such as printing photos, flyers, and important documents, thermal inkjet technology is the best option.
They deliver superior image quality and are capable of producing detailed and crisp prints. Additionally, these printers are compatible with glossy surfaces, enhancing the presentation of visual materials.
Packaging, Barcodes, and Signage
Precision printing is crucial in packaging, especially in the food industry. This is where thermal inkjet printing meets the specific requirements.
You can use TIJ for printing barcodes, lot numbers, and other essential information on packaging materials. This ensures accurate tracking and facilitates efficient batch recalls if necessary.
Textiles
TIJ printing technology also proves advantageous in the textile industry. It enables faster turnaround times compared to traditional screen printing methods, leading to cost savings of 50% to 90%.
This method not only enhances efficiency but also aligns with growing environmental concerns, making it a sustainable choice.
Overall, in the industrial sector, thermal inkjet technology sets the standard for product marking due to its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and speed. Whatever your marking and coding needs are, consider reaching out to us at Markcom Global for the best TIJ printers.
Our team is ready to assist you in finding the most suitable thermal inkjet solution tailored to your production line get in touch today!
References
https://www.inkjetinc.com/resources/how-does-thermal-inkjet-printing-work-ij
https://largeformat.hp.com/in/blog/how-thermal-inkjet-printing-works-history-and-benefits
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