Why CIJ Printing Matters In Manufacturing

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, efficiency, precision, and traceability are non-negotiable. One technology that continues to revolutionise industrial printing is Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printing—a non-contact, high-speed solution that delivers consistent, permanent codes across a wide variety of substrates.

At Cyklop Needham, our CIJ printers, including the powerful CM750, are helping manufacturers around the world streamline their operations, meet regulatory standards, and enhance product traceability.

What Is Continuous Inkjet Printing?

Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printing is a non-contact coding method used to mark text, graphics, barcodes, and traceability information on materials like metal, glass, plastic, and cardboard—whether flat, curved, or flexible.

CIJ technology works by propelling ink droplets from a high-pressure printhead nozzle, directing them with electrostatic fields to form highly accurate, legible marks on moving products—making it ideal for high-speed, high-volume manufacturing.

How CIJ Printers Work: A Quick Breakdown

• Ink Reservoir: Circulates specially formulated ink for fast drying and durability

• High-Pressure Pump: Pushes ink toward the nozzle for uninterrupted flow

• Piezoelectric Crystal: Vibrates to break ink into controlled droplets

• Charging Electrode: Charges selected droplets for deflection

• Deflection Plates: Steer charged droplets to the substrate; uncharged ones are recycled

This continuous cycle results in seamless, high-speed printing that can be maintained for long production runs with minimal downtime.

Key Applications of CIJ in Manufacturing

✅ Product Identification and Traceability

CIJ printers apply batch numbers, expiry dates, and serial codes that help track products through every stage of the supply chain. This is crucial for recall readiness, regulatory compliance, and counterfeit prevention.

✅ Packaging and Labelling

From food wrappers to pharma bottles, CIJ can print logos, barcodes, and variable data directly onto packaging materials—removing the need for external labels or stickers.

✅ Serialisation and Anti-Counterfeiting

CIJ allows for unique, secure codes such as QR codes, 2D DataMatrix, and GS1-compliant markings to be printed at speed, enhancing both inventory control and brand protection.

✅ Visual Marking for Quality Control

Quickly apply inspection markers, such as dots or arrows, onto parts or components during assembly or testing.

Why Choose Continuous Inkjet Printing?

⚡ High-Speed Printing

Keep up with even the most demanding production schedules. CIJ printers like the CM750 can run 24/7 without interruption.

🎯 Versatile Substrate Compatibility

Print on nearly anything—glass, foil, metal, film, paper, rubber, wood—with excellent adhesion and clarity.

🛡️ Non-Contact and Damage-Free

Perfect for fragile or curved surfaces, CIJ printing ensures precision without risking damage to products or packaging.

💰 Cost-Effective Long-Term

CIJ systems offer low ink consumption, reduced maintenance, and high uptime, delivering substantial ROI over time.

How Cyklop Needham Supports Manufacturers

With over 60 years of expertise, Cyklop Needham is a trusted name in industrial printing solutions. Our CM750 CIJ printer is designed for:

• Easy integration into existing production lines

• Flexible coding options including text, graphics, dates, barcodes, and more

• Wide ink compatibility, including food-grade, UV-readable, and solvent-resistant formulas

• Reliable, long-lasting coding in even the harshest environments

We also offer OEM-compatible CIJ inks to help reduce ongoing operating costs without compromising print quality or compliance.

Final Thoughts

As manufacturing demands grow, Continuous Inkjet printing remains a critical tool for maintaining speed, quality, and traceability. From applying regulatory codes to supporting lean production lines, CIJ printers like the CM750 provide the performance, flexibility, and cost savings today’s manufacturers need.

Want to See CIJ in Action?

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