What is Drop-on-Demand (DOD) Printing?
Drop-on-Demand (DOD) printing is a versatile inkjet technology widely used in industrial coding, especially for large character marking on cartons, wood, pipes, and other porous materials. DOD printers deliver droplets of ink only when needed, offering efficient, reliable, and rugged performance in demanding environments.
How Drop-on-Demand (DOD) Printing Works
Unlike Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) systems, where a continuous stream of ink droplets is generated, DOD printers create and eject droplets only when required for printing. A valve or piezoelectric actuator opens momentarily to release a precise amount of ink onto the substrate. This results in cleaner operation, less ink waste, and easier maintenance.
Key Features of DOD Technology
- Large Character Printing: Ideal for printing bold, easily readable codes from several millimeters to several centimeters in height.
- Rugged Construction: Built for tough production environments such as lumber yards, brick factories, and extrusion plants.
- Low Ink Consumption: Drops are created only when needed, reducing ink wastage.
- Simple Fluid System: Fewer moving parts compared to CIJ, leading to lower maintenance requirements.
- Flexible Ink Options: Compatible with oil-based, water-based, or solvent-based inks depending on the application.
Common Applications of DOD Printers
- Coding and marking corrugated cartons in packaging lines
- Wood product labeling (pallets, planks, beams)
- Pipes, tubing, and cable extrusion marking
- Concrete blocks and bricks marking for construction
- Large character date coding for industrial goods
Advantages of DOD Technology
- High Reliability: Withstands dust, temperature fluctuations, and humidity better than many other technologies.
- Cost-Effective: Lower running costs due to simpler systems and minimal ink waste.
- Customizable Character Heights: Can adjust character size easily to suit different packaging requirements.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple design allows for quick troubleshooting and repair.
- Wide Range of Inks: Supports specialized inks for porous and non-porous surfaces.
Limitations of DOD Technology
- Lower resolution compared to TIJ or HSPI printers; not suitable for fine barcodes or small text.
- Best suited for slow to medium-speed lines; high-speed fine detail coding is challenging.
- Ink types and drying times must be carefully selected based on substrate material.
FAQs
- Is DOD better than CIJ for industrial packaging? For large, bold codes on porous materials like cardboard and wood, DOD is often better due to simplicity and ruggedness.
- Can DOD printers be used outdoors? Yes. Many DOD systems are designed to operate reliably in harsh outdoor or semi-outdoor environments.
Conclusion
Drop-on-Demand (DOD) technology offers durable, efficient, and economical coding solutions for industries requiring large, bold markings. Its ruggedness, low maintenance needs, and ink flexibility make it an excellent choice for many industrial applications. Interested in learning how DOD printers can benefit your production line? Contact Cheef Inkjet today at sales@cheef.cn!
