The Difference Between Continuous Inkjet and Drop-on-Demand
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) and Drop-on-Demand (DOD) are two of the most common inkjet technologies used for industrial marking and coding. Each system has distinct advantages, suited to different substrates, environments, and application needs. Understanding the core differences can help you choose the best solution for your production line.
How They Work
Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)
CIJ systems generate a continuous stream of ink droplets. Some droplets are electrically charged and deflected toward the substrate, while unused droplets are recirculated back into the system.
Drop-on-Demand (DOD)
DOD systems eject ink droplets only when needed. This can be achieved through thermal (TIJ) or piezoelectric (Piezo DOD) methods, where ink is pushed from the nozzle by heat or vibration.
Comparison Table: CIJ vs DOD
| Feature | CIJ | DOD |
|---|---|---|
| Printing Mechanism | Continuous droplet stream | Ink released only on demand |
| Ink Recycling | Yes | No |
| Speed | Very high (up to 1000+ products/min) | Moderate (up to 300–500 products/min) |
| Resolution | Lower (approx. 60–120 dpi) | Higher (up to 600 dpi with Piezo) |
| Maintenance | Requires regular flushing, filter change | Lower maintenance |
| Ink Types | Solvent-based, fast-drying | Solvent, oil, UV, water-based |
| Applications | High-speed coding on bottles, cables, packaging | Carton marking, wood, pipes, slow-to-medium lines |
| Cost | Higher running cost (solvents, filters) | Lower operational cost |
When to Use CIJ
- Fast production environments (beverages, pharmaceuticals, FMCG)
- Printing on non-porous substrates like plastic, metal, glass
- Applications requiring continuous 24/7 operation
When to Use DOD
- Large character marking on cartons, wood, bricks
- Low-to-medium production speeds
- High-resolution barcode or logo printing
FAQs
- Which is more reliable? Both are reliable if maintained properly. CIJ needs more frequent cleaning; DOD is more forgiving for occasional use.
- Can I print variable data with both? Yes. Both CIJ and DOD support real-time printing of dates, batch numbers, and serial codes.
Conclusion
CIJ and DOD serve different needs in industrial printing. CIJ excels in high-speed, small-character coding, while DOD offers high-resolution, large-print versatility with simpler maintenance. Choosing the right technology depends on your substrate, production speed, and printing goals. Need help selecting between CIJ and DOD? Contact Cheef Inkjet at sales@cheef.cn for expert guidance!
