Choosing Between CIJ and TIJ for Your Packaging Line
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) and Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) are two of the most popular inkjet printing technologies for coding and marking. Each has its strengths and limitations. The right choice for your packaging line depends on factors such as production speed, substrate type, budget, and print requirements. This article provides a side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision.
What Is CIJ (Continuous Inkjet)?
- Uses a high-pressure pump to create a continuous stream of ink droplets
- Non-contact printing—can print on curved, fast-moving surfaces
- Compatible with a wide range of solvent-based inks
What Is TIJ (Thermal Inkjet)?
- Uses heat to eject ink from a cartridge through micro-nozzles
- High-resolution, cartridge-based system
- Ideal for flat surfaces and intermittent packaging lines
CIJ vs TIJ: Feature Comparison
| Feature | CIJ | TIJ |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very high (up to 1200 products/min) | Moderate (up to 300 products/min) |
| Maintenance | Requires fluid refill, flushing, cleaning | Low—replace cartridge when empty |
| Print Resolution | 60–120 DPI (basic alphanumeric) | 300–600 DPI (logos, QR, barcodes) |
| Ink Cost | Lower per ml, higher total use | Higher per ml, lower waste |
| Substrate Flexibility | Excellent (film, foil, PET, glass, etc.) | Good (paper, cartons, coated labels) |
| Startup Time | 2–10 minutes (warm-up, purge) | Instant (plug and print) |
Best Use Cases
Use CIJ When:
- You print on high-speed bottling or flow-wrapped lines
- You need to mark plastic, metal, film, or curved surfaces
- You require continuous operation with minimal interruptions
Use TIJ When:
- You print on flat cartons, cases, or labels
- You need sharp barcodes, text, or logos
- You prefer low-maintenance, clean cartridge swaps
FAQs
- Is TIJ cheaper than CIJ? TIJ has lower maintenance and easier operation, but cartridge costs may be higher. CIJ is better for long, high-speed runs.
- Can I use both on the same line? Yes—many operations use CIJ for primary packaging and TIJ for secondary packaging.
Conclusion
Both CIJ and TIJ are reliable inkjet technologies, but each fits a different production scenario. CIJ excels in speed and flexibility; TIJ wins in resolution and simplicity. The best choice depends on your application needs, line speed, and print requirements. For expert help in selecting and installing your printer, contact Cheef Inkjet at sales@cheef.cn.
