Matching Inkjet Printer Speed to Your Application Needs
Stretching back decades, inkjet printing is and has been a way for manufacturers to differentiate their manufacturing sophistication compared to competitors. It is one of the most valuable technologies for industrial and consumer product marking.
Capable of creating machine-scannable codes, variable data text, images, and more, inkjet printers are versatile machines that can complete diverse marking applications. Moreover, inkjet printers are compatible with a wide range of materials, including porous, non-porous, and semi-porous substrates, such as:
Thanks to inkjet printing’s wide material compatibility and application options, inkjet printers are found in many industries, including food production, beverage bottling, and chemical packaging, among others.
To meet the printing needs of different operations, coding and marking companies like InkJet, Inc. carry a variety of inkjet printer options, including:
Each of these printer types carries unique operating specifications, such as print height, DPI resolution, throw distance, and more.
In this blog, we delve into the subject of inkjet printer speed, detailing the general speed capabilities of each inkjet printer type, examining their most common applications, and describing which printer type may be right for your product coding needs.
Continuous Inkjet Printer Speed and Application Specialties
For high-speed coding applications, a continuous inkjet printer will be your best option.
Capable of operating 24/7 with no delays or interruptions, CIJ printers have been featured on industrial production lines for decades. Continuous inkjet models like the DuraCode Keyboard and DuraCode Touchscreen offer coding speeds above 300 m/min, allowing them to meet the output requirements of high-volume facilities. Today, CIJ printers are used to complete demanding code applications, including printing on:
Not only are CIJ printers fast enough to complete these tasks on high-velocity production lines, but they also have multiple features that boost application versatility and precision. Features include:
- Significant ink throw distance for better curved surface coding
- Compatibility with porous, non-porous, and semi-porous substrates
- Access to a wide variety of specialty inks
- IP-rated environmental fortifications
Thermal Inkjet Printer Speed and Application Specialties
Compared to CIJ printers, thermal inkjet printers generally offer slower marking speeds. Although the latest high-end TIJ models such as the Anser X1 can print at speeds around 300 m/min, most TIJ printers mark at speeds closer to 120 m/min. This makes TIJ printers better suited for slower-speed lines and intermittent coding applications.
While TIJ printers can’t match the speed of CIJ printers, they possess many qualities that make them appealing to specific operations. For one, they are very affordable. TIJ models like the Anser U2 Smart and Anser U2 Pro-S are available for under $2,000, making them accessible to most businesses. They are also very compact and weigh around five pounds, simplifying line installation and enabling easy adjustments.
TIJ printers are also known for their ability to create high-quality text and images. TIJ models like the Anser U2 SmartOne and Anser X1 can print codes and images up to 1” high at 600 x 600 DPI. These qualities allow TIJ users to outfit primary and secondary packaging with:
- Barcodes
- QR codes
- Brand logos
- Text codes
- Date codes
If you are searching for a versatile printer at a cost-effective price point, a TIJ printer is likely the right solution for you.
High-Resolution Case Coder Speed and Application Specialties
High-resolution case coders are not built for speed—they are built to outfit cardboard shipping cartons and other forms of secondary packaging with large, DPI-rich markings.
Hi-res models like the Precision Series 18 and Precision Series 72 use more viscous ink formulas than CIJ and TIJ printers to create richer, longer-lasting codes and images. Many operators have used high-resolution case coders to replace hand-applied physical labels. By fully automating the case coding process, companies benefit from:
- Lower material costs
- Fewer instances of human error
- Enhanced labeling efficiency
Looking for an Inkjet Printer that Matches Your Speed Requirements? InkJet, Inc. Can Help You Find It
Inkjet printer speed requirements vary from one operation to another. For example, industrial beverage bottling companies and pharmaceutical developers need top-of-the-line printing speed to meet demanding output quotas. Smaller operations and companies that don’t produce industrial product quantities will often prefer slower printers that emphasize qualities like intuitive operating principles and high-quality prints.
If you are unsure of which printer type is right for your applications, InkJet, Inc. can help. Stocked with a range of continuous inkjet, thermal inkjet, and high-resolution case coding printers, our team can provide you with a printing solution that meets your exact needs. Contact us today to learn which type of printer will work best for you.
For more information about inkjet printer speed, contact InkJet, Inc. online or call 1(800) 280-3245.