Choosing the right industrial printing technology can seem complex. Thermal inkjet (TIJ), continuous inkjet (CIJ), laser printing… Each of these printing processes has its strengths. But which one is truly right for your reality? As a production manager, your decision will directly impact the speed, operating costs, and reliability of your production line.
To help you see more clearly, we’ve broken down the three technologies that dominate the industrial printing market. We’ll give you the keys to making an informed choice.
Thermal Inkjet (TIJ): high resolution, zero maintenance
Thermal printing technology works a bit like a desktop printer, but on an industrial scale. A thermal inkjet printer uses self‑contained ink cartridges that also hold the printheads. When the ink is heated, a vapour bubble propels a droplet onto the substrate (the product).
| Its strengths | Its challenges | Its ideal use |
|---|
- Exceptional print quality (up to 600 dpi).
- Requires nearly no maintenance. When the cartridge is empty, you replace it, and that’s it!
- No solvents or daily cleaning are required.
| - The cost per print is generally higher than continuous inkjet (CIJ).
- The cartridges have a more limited projection distance, meaning the product must be close to the printhead.
| - For marking on flat, porous surfaces that require high legibility (cardboard boxes, or pharmaceutical and food packaging).
- For barcodes.
- For 2D codes (datamatrix, QR codes).
- For complex logos.
|
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ): high‑speed versatility
This technology is the workhorse of industrial printing. With a continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer, a jet of ink is projected, and droplets are electrically deflected to form characters. Unused ink is recovered and recirculated.
| Its strengths | Its challenges | Its ideal use |
|---|
- Impressive speed, perfect for very high‑speed lines.
- Exceptional versatility, allowing it to mark on almost any surface, whether porous or not, flat or curved (bottles, cables, cans, etc.).
- Very low cost per print.
| - Lower resolution compared to TIJ.
- Needs regular maintenance with solvents.
- Higher initial investment.
| - For 24/7 production environments.
- For marking products with varied shapes and non‑porous materials like plastic, metal, or glass.
|
Laser printing: permanent marking with no consumables
No ink required here! This printing technology uses a controlled beam from an industrial laser printer. The laser alters the surface of the substrate to create an indelible mark. Depending on the laser type, it can either engrave or cause a colour change.
| Its strengths | Its ideal use | Its challenges |
|---|
- Permanent and very high‑quality marking.
- The absence of consumables makes the operating cost almost nonexistent and reduces the environmental impact.
| - The initial investment is the highest of the three technologies.
- The installation also requires safety measures.
- Not suitable for all materials.
- Its colour depends on the reaction of the substrate.
| - For applications where permanence is non‑negotiable (anti‑counterfeiting or traceability for automotive and medical parts).
- For companies looking to minimize their long‑term consumable costs.
|
At‑a‑glance comparison: TIJ vs. CIJ vs. laser
To help you make your decision, here’s a summary of the key points to consider, rated from low to excellent.
Legend: ⚫⚪⚪ (Low / Limited) | ⚫⚫⚪ (Average / Good) | ⚫⚫⚫ (Very high / Excellent)
Criterion | Thermal inkjet printing (TIJ) | Continuous inkjet printing (CIJ) | Laser printing |
|---|
| Production speed | ⚫⚫⚪ | ⚫⚫⚫ | ⚫⚫⚫ |
| Print quality | ⚫⚫⚫ | ⚫⚪⚪ | ⚫⚫⚫ |
| Initial cost | ⚫⚪⚪ | ⚫⚫⚪ | ⚫⚫⚫ |
| Cost per print | ⚫⚫⚪ | ⚫⚪⚪ | ⚪⚪⚪ (almost none) |
| Maintenance | ⚫⚪⚪ | ⚫⚫⚫ | ⚫⚪⚪ |
| Versatility (surfaces) | ⚫⚪⚪ | ⚫⚫⚫ | ⚫⚫⚪ (variable) |
| Durability | ⚫⚫⚪ | ⚫⚫⚪ | ⚫⚫⚫ |
So, which technology is right for you?
The ideal choice depends on your priorities. Here’s a quick guide:
The choice of simplicity and qualityIf your priorities are: - Maximum print quality for perfect codes.
- Minimal maintenance for peace of mind.
Then consider: - Thermal inkjet printing (TIJ).
| The choice of speed and versatilityIf your priorities are: - Very high speed for high production rates.
- Versatility for marking on all surfaces.
- The lowest possible cost per print.
Then consider: - Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printing.
| The choice of permanence and savingsIf your priorities are: - Absolute permanence for reliable traceability.
- Zero consumables for minimal long‑term operating costs.
Then consider: |
The best technology is the one designed for you
This comparison guide is an excellent starting point, but every production line has its subtleties. The best way to ensure you make the right choice is to discuss it.
Let our printing technology experts analyze your specific needs: throughput, substrate type, production environment, and budget. We’ll help you choose the industrial printing solution that optimizes your productivity.