CIJ Ink Explained: Composition, Benefits, and Why It’s Essential

Introduction: The Power Behind Continuous Inkjet Printing

In the world of industrial printing, Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) technology stands as a pillar of speed, flexibility, and precision. At the heart of this powerful process lies a critical component: CIJ ink. Far from ordinary, CIJ ink is a specially engineered fluid that ensures smooth, high-resolution printing across diverse substrates and environments.

In this article, we explore the composition, operation, and advantages of CIJ ink—and how Cyklop Needham supports industries with high-quality, cost-effective CIJ ink solutions.

What Is CIJ Ink?

CIJ ink, or Continuous Inkjet ink, is a low-viscosity, fast-drying formulation developed specifically for use in CIJ printers. These printers continuously release microscopic ink droplets, guided by electrostatic charges, to print text, codes, and graphics with extreme precision—often at high speed and in difficult production conditions.

The performance of the printer is heavily dependent on the ink, making CIJ ink a mission-critical part of the system.

CIJ Ink Composition

CIJ inks are designed with a blend of highly specialised components:

• Solvents – Ensure proper flow through the printhead and rapid drying

• Colorants (Dyes or Pigments) – Deliver strong, lasting colours or contrasts

• Additives and Resins – Provide adhesion, resistance to moisture, and environmental durability

• Conductive Agents – Support accurate droplet charging during printing

The result is an ink that flows effortlessly, forms consistent droplets, and adheres well to a wide range of surfaces—from paper and cardboard to plastic, glass, and metal.

How CIJ Ink Works: A Quick Overview

Here’s a simplified breakdown of how CIJ technology and ink function together:

1. Ink Circulation: A pump feeds CIJ ink from a reservoir to the printhead.

2. Droplet Formation: A piezoelectric crystal vibrates, breaking the ink stream into consistent droplets.

3. Electrostatic Charging: Selected droplets are charged by passing through an electrode.

4. Deflection and Printing: Charged droplets are steered by electrostatic plates to create text or images; uncharged droplets are recycled.

CIJ ink must maintain conductivity, stability, and viscosity throughout this entire process—which is why its formulation is so precise.

Advantages of CIJ Ink

✅ Versatility Across Substrates

CIJ ink adheres to an impressive variety of surfaces, including glass, plastic, foil, metal, rubber, and paper, making it ideal for packaging, electronics, automotive, and food industries.

⚡ High-Speed Performance

CIJ printers—and the inks they use—are engineered for high-volume environments, where marking must occur in real time without halting the line. The fast-drying properties of CIJ ink prevent smudging even on non-porous materials.

🛡️ Durability

CIJ ink provides long-lasting marks that withstand heat, humidity, abrasion, and chemical exposure. This is critical for traceability in industries such as pharmaceuticals and aerospace.

🎨 Colour Range

Available in a wide palette including specialty inks (white, yellow, UV-readable, food-grade), CIJ inks enhance brand visibility and compliance in diverse applications.

Why Choose Cyklop Needham for CIJ Ink?

With over 60 years of ink manufacturing experience, Cyklop Needham is one of the UK’s most trusted suppliers of OEM-compatible CIJ inks. Our expertise lies in creating cost-effective alternatives that match or exceed the performance of original manufacturer inks.

We support industries worldwide with:

• ✔️ British-made CIJ ink formulations

• ✔️ Custom ink development for unique substrates or regulatory requirements

• ✔️ Reliable, long-term supply partnerships

• ✔️ Inks compatible with most major CIJ printer brands

Whether you're in packaging, food production, logistics, or electronics, we have the ink solution to suit your needs.

Looking for a Custom CIJ Ink or OEM Alternative?

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