Cyklop Needham Blog

Automotive Coding: Why CIJ's are Essential in the Vehicle Industry

Written by Samuel Mcgarrigle | Mar 14, 2022 2:32:28 PM

Why Traceability Matters in the Automotive Industry

Automotive manufacturers rely on efficient, high-quality coding and marking to ensure traceability, part identification, and regulatory compliance. From anti-counterfeiting to stock control, every code printed on a part or package plays a role in quality assurance and operational transparency.

One of the most effective and widely used solutions is industrial inkjet printing—particularly Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) technology.

At Cyklop Needham, we support leading automotive brands and suppliers with robust, scalable coding systems like the CM750 CIJ printer, designed for high-speed, high-volume production environments

Common Automotive Coding Applications

In modern vehicle manufacturing, thousands of individual parts and materials need to be marked for tracking throughout the supply chain. Some key use cases for inkjet printing in the automotive sector include:

  • Scannable anti-counterfeiting barcodes

  • Curved component surfaces (e.g. mufflers, aluminium wheels)

  • Electronic components

  • Tyre sidewall marking

  • Pipes, hoses, and underbody parts

  • Packaging and outer cases for stock control

Each of these surfaces may require different ink types—from durable, solvent-based inks to UV-readable or removable inks—depending on the use case.

What Inkjet Technology Works Best?

For most automotive marking requirements, Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) stands out as the most cost-effective and flexible option.

The CM750 CIJ printer is specifically designed to deliver:

  • High-speed, non-contact coding on virtually any surface

  • Sharp, legible codes even on curved or uneven substrates

  • Fast-drying inks that resist heat, oil, and environmental exposure

  • Full compatibility with coloured, UV-visible, and water-removable inks

CIJ is especially ideal for large, integrated production environments where uptime, speed, and durability are critical.

For packaging applications—such as cardboard component boxes—TIJ or Drop-on-Demand (DOD) may also be suitable, particularly when printing large, visible text or graphics. However, CIJ remains the most versatile option for both internal parts and packaging.

How Cyklop Needham Supports the Automotive Sector

At Cyklop Needham, we offer more than just printers. We provide turnkey coding systems, custom ink formulations, and engineering support for complex automotive production lines.

Our automotive coding solutions include:

  • The CM750 CIJ printer—built for harsh environments and high-throughput coding

  • Inks that meet industry-specific requirements (heat resistance, UV-readability, water-removability)

  • Support for full code types: alphanumeric, barcodes, variable data, and logos

  • Seamless integration with existing automation and production systems

We’ve worked with global automotive suppliers to help reduce downtime, improve traceability, and maintain compliance across every component.

Need to Improve Traceability in Your Automotive Production Line?

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