When it comes to coding and marking, simplicity, precision and efficiency matter. Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) technology offers all three — delivering high-resolution prints with minimal maintenance. Whether you're printing batch codes on food packaging or part numbers on construction materials, TIJ is fast becoming the go-to solution for clean, cartridge-based printing.
TIJ is a non-contact printing method that propels ink droplets onto a surface using heat. Unlike Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) systems, which rely on bottles of ink and solvent, TIJ printers use self-contained ink cartridges. That means:
No messy refills
No complex fluid systems
And no downtime for maintenance-intensive tasks
Changing ink colours is as simple as swapping cartridges — making TIJ a user-friendly and efficient solution for dynamic production environments.
TIJ operates using a process called drop ejection. Here's how it works:
Ink is stored in a cartridge.
A tiny heating element heats the ink to around 340°C, creating a vapour bubble.
As the bubble expands, it forces a precise ink droplet through the nozzle onto the substrate.
When the bubble collapses, it draws more ink into the chamber for the next droplet.
This cycle happens thousands of times per second, delivering sharp, high-resolution codes on a variety of materials.
TIJ printers have no moving parts, no pressurised ink systems, and require no cleaning between runs. The only ongoing cost? Replacement cartridges.
With no bulky fluid systems, TIJ units are small, light, and easy to integrate — even into tight spaces or mobile production setups.
TIJ cartridges deliver precise ink flow and excellent print quality, with no risk of clogging or contamination from open ink systems.
Because TIJ uses sealed cartridges and requires minimal upkeep, it offers one of the lowest total costs of ownership in industrial coding.
TIJ technology is widely used in industries that need high-quality, high-speed coding in a compact format:
Food packaging – batch codes, best-before dates, allergen info
Pharmaceuticals – clean-room batch and serial numbers
Building materials – lumber, plasterboard, bricks, piping
Automotive and aerospace parts – compact, rugged printing on metals and composites
Consumer goods – boxes, blister packs, cartons, and bags
If your production environment demands mobility, low mess, and high legibility, TIJ may be the ideal coding solution.
| Feature | TIJ | CIJ |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Minimal | Moderate |
| Ink delivery | Cartridge-based | Bottled ink & solvent |
| Portability | High | Lower |
| Print resolution | High (600dpi+) | Medium |
| Running cost | Low | Medium |
| Substrate versatility | Broad, but less than CIJ | Very broad |
If you need high-volume printing on difficult substrates (e.g., oily, curved, or flexible materials), CIJ may be the better fit. But for many applications, TIJ offers a cleaner, simpler, and more cost-efficient alternative.
At Cyklop Needham, we help businesses of all sizes integrate thermal inkjet solutions that deliver value, speed, and reliability. Whether you're printing on food cartons or construction-grade timber, our team can guide you to the best solution for your production needs.
Call us: +44 (0)1948 662629
Email: enquiries@needham-ink.com
Website: www.needham-ink.com