CIJ vs TIJ for Food Date Coding: Which One Should You Choose?
Food packaging requires clear, fast, and compliant date coding—whether for production dates, expiry dates, or batch numbers. The two most common inkjet technologies used for this purpose are CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) and TIJ (Thermal Inkjet). Both have their advantages and ideal applications, depending on your packaging type, speed, and budget.
What Is CIJ (Continuous Inkjet)?
- Uses continuous flow of electrically charged ink droplets
- Non-contact and capable of coding on moving products at very high speeds
- Excellent for curved or uneven surfaces like PET bottles, cans, and plastic pouches
What Is TIJ (Thermal Inkjet)?
- Fires ink droplets using heat from a cartridge-based printhead
- High-resolution (up to 600 DPI) and compact in size
- Ideal for printing on flat cartons, boxes, and some pouch types
Key Comparison Table
| Feature | CIJ | TIJ |
|---|---|---|
| Print Speed | Up to 1,000 products/min | Low to medium (100–300 products/min) |
| Resolution | 60–120 DPI | 300–600 DPI |
| Best For | Curved/fast-moving items (bottles, flow wraps) | Flat, porous or treated surfaces (cartons, trays) |
| Cost of Ownership | Low initial, high ink/maintenance | Low maintenance, higher cartridge cost |
| Maintenance | Requires flushing, filters, solvent | Minimal—replace cartridge and go |
| Ink Options | MEK-based solvent inks (fast-drying) | Water/solvent-based inks (some food-safe) |
Packaging Examples
- CIJ: PET water bottles, shrink-wrapped snacks, milk pouches, cans
- TIJ: Frozen food boxes, egg cartons, baked goods trays, sealed top labels
Compliance & Food Safety
- CIJ inks available with FDA-compliant solvent bases for indirect food contact
- TIJ offers food-grade inks (especially water-based) for direct packaging touch
- Ensure printer is installed upstream from sealing and downstream from washing steps
FAQs
- Which is more reliable for 24/7 production? CIJ systems are designed for continuous high-speed operation with robust ink circulation systems
- Can TIJ work on flexible film? Only if the film is treated or matte—otherwise CIJ is more reliable due to fast-drying solvent inks
Conclusion
CIJ and TIJ each have distinct advantages in food date coding. CIJ is ideal for high-speed, high-volume lines and curved or slippery surfaces, while TIJ is perfect for small-scale, clean environments needing high resolution. Cheef Inkjet provides both CIJ and TIJ solutions with industry-specific guidance. Contact us at sales@cheef.cn to discuss the best fit for your food packaging line.
