How CIJ Printing Improves Wire and Cable Identification

The Benefits of CIJ Ink for Marking Cables and Wires

In sectors where clear and durable identification of wires and cables is essential—like manufacturing, construction, automotive, and telecoms—Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) technology stands out as a reliable solution. At Cyklop Needham, we understand the importance of precision coding and offer CIJ inks formulated for the demanding requirements of cable and wire marking.

What Is CIJ Ink?

CIJ ink is used in Continuous Inkjet printers, which operate by pushing ink through a fine nozzle under high pressure. This stream is broken into tiny, charged droplets that are precisely directed onto the surface of a product—such as a wire, cable, or conduit—while it moves through the production line.

The result? Fast-drying, permanent marks that are resistant to wear and environmental conditions.

Key Advantages of CIJ Ink for Cable and Wire Applications

🔧 Long-Lasting Performance

CIJ inks are designed to be abrasion-resistant, smudge-proof, and fade-resistant—ideal for cables exposed to:

• Extreme temperatures

• Chemical exposure

• Mechanical stress

• Moisture or oil

This ensures your marks stay legible and compliant over time.

⚡ High-Speed Printing

CIJ printers are built for continuous, high-speed operations, allowing you to print:

• Batch codes

• Serial numbers

• Barcodes

• Meter markings
  …without slowing down production.

CIJ systems can apply thousands of characters per second, making them ideal for automated cable extrusion lines.

♻️ Versatility Across Materials

CIJ ink adheres effectively to a wide range of cable jacketing and insulation materials, including:

• PVC

• Rubber

• Polyethylene

• Metal

• Teflon

Whether you’re coding electrical wires, telecom cables, or industrial hoses, CIJ delivers clear, consistent results.

💰 Cost-Effective Coding

• Minimal ink usage per mark

• Long-lasting printheads with lower maintenance requirements

• Less downtime, more throughput

These factors contribute to lower total cost of ownership compared to alternative marking methods like labels or thermal transfer.

🧩 Enhanced Traceability

CIJ ink allows for printing unique identifiers, barcodes, and serial numbers—critical for:

• Tracking and tracing product batches

• Meeting ISO, RoHS, or UL standards

• Managing component recalls or inspections

This level of traceability is especially valuable in automotive, aerospace, and telecommunications industries where regulatory compliance and product integrity are non-negotiable.

Why Choose Cyklop Needham?

With over 60 years of ink formulation expertise, Cyklop Needham is a trusted provider of CIJ inks and coding solutions tailored for demanding environments. Our inks are engineered to bond to low-energy substrates, resist harsh conditions, and keep your production moving.

Whether you're printing on cable reels, insulation sheathing, or flat wires, our solutions ensure reliable, high-contrast marking—even on curved or moving surfaces.

Ready to Upgrade Your Cable Marking Process?

📧 Email: enquiries@needham-ink.com
📞 Call: +44 (0)1948 662629
🌐 Website: www.needham-ink.com