What is Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) Technology

What Is Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) Printing?

Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) is a non-contact coding technology that uses heat to eject ink droplets from a cartridge directly onto a surface. Unlike Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers, which use ink bottles and solvent systems, TIJ printers operate using self-contained ink cartridges, making them cleaner, more compact, and easier to maintain.

TIJ is ideal for businesses that need cost-effective, high-resolution printing without the complexity of traditional industrial systems.

How TIJ Technology Works

TIJ printing is based on a process called drop ejection:

1. Ink is stored in a sealed cartridge.

2. The ink is rapidly heated to around 340°C, causing a bubble to form inside the cartridge.

3. As the bubble expands, it pushes a precise ink droplet out of the nozzle onto the substrate.

4. When the bubble collapses, it creates a vacuum, pulling more ink into position for the next droplet.

This heat-based process enables consistent, high-resolution printing while keeping the hardware simple and maintenance minimal.

Industries That Benefit from TIJ Printing

Thanks to its portability, low cost, and easy integration, TIJ is used across a range of industries for coding and marking tasks:

• 🪵 Lumber and Construction Materials – Print lot numbers or inspection marks directly onto wood or bricks.

• 🏭 Automotive and Aerospace – Mark small or bulky parts where full-size printers won’t fit.

• 🍞 Food Packaging – Add batch codes and expiry dates with food-safe inks.

• 💊 Pharmaceutical Packaging – Apply barcodes, serial numbers, or safety info onto cartons and blister packs.

• 🧰 Manufactured Components – Identify individual parts with model numbers or traceability data.

Key Advantages of TIJ Printing

✅ Low Maintenance

There’s no need for flushing, cleaning cycles, or expensive service contracts. Simply swap the cartridge, and you're ready to go.

✅ Cost-Effective Operation

TIJ systems eliminate the need for solvents, makeup fluids, and complex cleaning routines—cutting both consumable costs and downtime.

✅ High-Quality Prints

TIJ printers deliver high-resolution output (up to 600dpi), ensuring sharp, legible text and graphics—even on small or textured surfaces.

✅ Compact and Portable

Most TIJ units are lightweight and small, ideal for facilities with limited space or production lines that require frequent reconfiguration.

✅ Easy Colour Change

Want to switch to a coloured ink or UV-readable formulation? Just swap cartridges—no cleaning required.

Is TIJ Right for Your Business?

TIJ is perfect for small to mid-sized operations that require traceability and clear identification without the overhead of CIJ systems. It’s especially suited to industries working with:

• Bulky or immobile parts

• Variable product types or packaging

• Tight workspaces or mobile setups

If your goal is clean, efficient coding with minimal fuss, TIJ may be the right choice for you.

Partner with Cyklop Needham for TIJ Solutions

At Cyklop Needham, we supply a full range of Thermal Inkjet printers and OEM-compatible cartridges that suit a wide range of substrates and environments. Whether you’re printing on plastic, wood, cardboard, or coated materials, our solutions deliver consistent, reliable results—every time.

We also provide expert support and guidance to help integrate TIJ technology into your production line quickly and smoothly.

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