What Is Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) Printing?
What Is CIJ Printing? While inkjet printers are a common sight in homes and offices, a different class of technology powers the industrial world—...
2 min read
Samuel Mcgarrigle
May 11, 2023 12:53:04 PM
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📧 Email: enquiries@needham-ink.com
📞 Call: +44 (0)1948 662629
🌐 Website: www.needham-ink.com
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