Paper / Card / Cardboard

Inkjet Coding and Marking Solutions

A continuous inkjet (CIJ) coding printer (non-contact printing technology) can quickly print high-quality codes, text, and graphics on various substrates. Food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and packaging industries mostly use CIJ for marking batch numbers, expiry dates, and barcodes. Here’s an overview of how a CIJ coder works:

Continuous Inkjet Printer Workings

1. Ink System:
   The Continuous Inkjet printer has an ink system so that it can reserve ink. The ink, which typically contains solvents, dyes, or pigments, circulates continuously through the system.
   
2. Ink Pressure and Circulation:
   CIJ pressurizes the ink and pumps it from the reservoir to the printhead. After passing through the printhead, CIJ collects the unused ink and returns it to the reservoir for recirculation.
   
3. Printhead and Nozzle:
   The printhead contains a nozzle with a small opening, usually ranging from 40 to 70 microns in diameter. A piezoelectric crystal inside the nozzle vibrates at a specific frequency, typically between 60,000 and 120,000 times per second.
   
4. Droplet Formation:
   As the pressurized ink enters the vibrating nozzle, it breaks into individual droplets due to the vibration effect. These CIJ droplets release in a continuous stream from the nozzle.
   
5. Charge Electrode:
   Immediately after the droplets exit the nozzle, they pass through a charged electrode. The electrode imparts an electrostatic charge to each droplet, depending on the intended position of the printable character.
   
6. Deflection Plates:
   The charged ink droplets travel through a pair of deflection plates, which create an electric field. Depending on the droplet charge with a more or less electric field, determining their position on the substrate.
   
7. Printing on the Substrate:
   The accurately deflected CIJ droplets reach the substrate, creating the desired characters or graphics. Meanwhile, the non-deflected droplets fall into a gutter and return to the ink reservoir for recirculation.
   
8. Drying and Curing:
   As the ink droplets land on the substrate, the solvents evaporate quickly, leaving behind the ink on the surface. This process results in a high-quality, permanent print that is resistant to smudging and fading.
   

Print with Food Grade Inks

The Continuous inkjet coder’s ability to print directly on moving products makes it an ideal choice for many industrial coding applications. Additionally, the technology offers high-speed printing, low maintenance requirements, and the capability to produce high-resolution prints with minimal downtime.

Expiry Date Printer

Continuous Inkjet Printers are popular for printing variable information, such as dates or batch codes during production. These printers explicitly handle products of different sizes, shapes, or textures, making them prime for many industries. Furthermore, Linx Printing Technologies offer a range of continuous inkjet printers that are cost-effective and efficient. Some features include remote printer monitoring and customer support, concealed and easy-to-clean printheads, error-free touch-screen control, and simple self-service capability. Compared to other industrial inkjet coders, Linx’s printers provide a reliable and quality solution to meet your needs.

Linx 8900 Continuous Inkjet Printer (CIJ)

This printer delivers efficient output with the help of a remote application to keep you in control anytime and anywhere. Moreover, Linx CIJ allows you to print up to six lines, including barcodes, batch coding, and QR codes. Therefore it’s perfect for high-speed production, retail packaging, and 24/7 operations.

Linx 8900 inkjet coder has popularity because of its remote access, control, and support through the Linx PrinterNet. This allows for error-free coding by enhancing your monitoring and control capabilities. Additionally, it features a quick operation with a touchscreen interface, self-service, and minimal intervention to maximize production uptime. The Linx 8900 CIJ Printer allows you to print onto both primary and secondary packaging. Hence, one printer further makes your printing process easy.

Take your production to the next level with the Linx 8900 Continuous Inkjet Printer.

Industrial laser etching on cardboard is a non-contact, efficient, and eco-friendly method. Furthermore, it can print expiry dates, QR codes, lot codes, and more directly on the product surface. It works by using a focused laser beam to create precise, high-contrast marks on the cardboard. Despite of highly intense laser beam, it does not cause damage or deformation to the cardboard.

Industrial laser marking on cardboard

1. Choosing the appropriate laser:
   CO2 laser for etching on paper and cardboard materials due to their ability to produce high-quality marks with minimal damage to the substrate. The wavelength of CO2 lasers suits well for absorbing energy from organic materials like cardboard, which results in efficient and clean marking.
   
2. Generating the design:
   Specialized software to create design, text, or code (such as an expiry date, QR code, or lot code). The software thereafter forwards the digital design to the laser system controller.
   
3. Focusing the laser beam:
   The laser system particularly focuses the beam onto the cardboard surface for etching. This usually happens through a series of lenses or mirrors. The focused laser beam has a very high energy density, which enables it to selectively remove or alter the top layer of the cardboard material.
   
4. Etching the cardboard:
   As the laser beam moves across the cardboard surface, it vaporizes or ablates the top layer of the material, creating precise and high-contrast markings. The process does not involve any ink or chemicals, making it an environmentally friendly option.
   

Advantages of using laser etching on cardboard

Laser etching is suitable for various applications, including marking on boxes of tobacco, perfumes, cereals, and many other products.

• High precision and quality: Creates accurate, legible, and durable markings, even on small or intricate designs.
• Fast processing speeds: Suitable for high-speed production lines, ensuring efficient operations.
• Non-contact method: Laser etching printers do not physically touch the cardboard surface. Overall, it reduces the risk of damage or deformation to the packaging.
• Eco-friendly: Eliminates the need for inks, solvents, and other consumables, reducing waste and environmental impact.

In general, laser etching is an effective marking technique for manufacturers looking to code on nonporous products.

Laser marking on paper packaging has become popular due to its precision, versatility, and eco-friendly nature. Here are some of the standard applications of laser marking on paper packaging:

1. Barcodes and QR codes:
   In the first place, Laser coders can create high-resolution barcodes and QR codes directly on the paper packaging. Also, it allows tracking and inventory management of the finished product.
   
2. Expiration dates and batch numbers:
   Laser marking can easily print expiration dates coupled with batch numbers on the packaging. In fact, ensuring accurate and legible data for consumers and manufacturers.
   
3. Logo:
   Lasers marking printers can also mark logos and branding elements on paper packaging. Moreover, it enhances product presentation and brand recognition.
   
4. Product information:
   Laser coders can print detailed product information, instructions, or warnings on paper packaging. In particular, it ensures clear communication with the end users.
   
5. Serialization and unique identification:
   Lasers can create unique serial numbers or identification codes on paper packaging for security, anti-counterfeiting, and traceability purposes.
   
6. Warning and Usage Instruction:
   Laser marking machines can directly mark warning signs and usage instructions on paper packaging. Indeed, adding an aesthetic appeal to the product.
   

Advantages of Laser marking on paper packaging

• Non-contact method: Lasers marking machines do not physically touch the product surface, reducing the risk of damage or deformation to the packaging.
• High precision and resolution: Lasers can create highly accurate and detailed markings, even on small or complex designs.
• Fast processing speeds: Laser marking is suitable for high-speed production lines, ensuring efficient operations.
• Eco-friendly: Laser marking eliminates the need for inks, solvents, and other consumables, reducing waste and environmental impact.

In summary, laser marking on paper packaging provides a versatile and eco-friendly solution for creating various types of markings, including barcodes, expiration dates, logos, product information, and decorative designs. This technology offers high precision, fast processing speeds, and reduced environmental impact, making it an attractive option for manufacturers and packaging companies.

Continuous Ink Jet Printer

Continuous Ink Jet Printer (CIJ) – High-speed, non-contact printing technology in time. Industries prefer these printers for coding and marking product and packaging information. It prints product data likewise, batch numbers, expiry dates, barcodes, QR codes, and logos on a wide range of materials.

Linx Global is a leading manufacturer of inkjet coding solutions and ink-jet printers. These printers are known for their ease of use and their need for very low maintenance. Linx CIJ best fits businesses looking to improve their coding and marking quality.

Benefits of Linx Global CIJ Printers in detail:

InkJet Coder for Printing Expiry Dates

1. High-speed printing:
   Linx continuous ink-jet printers can print easily despite fast-moving production lines and ensure minimal downtime.
   
2. Non-contact printing:
   The CIJ technology allows non-contact printing with the substrate in detail. Indeed it enables coding on uneven surfaces and reduces the risk of damage.
   
3. Wide range of inks:
   Linx offers a variety of ink types, such as food grade, pigmented, and special inks.
   
4. Easy setup and operation:
   Continuous ink-jet printers feature provides not only user friendly access but also a quick change of ink systems. As a result, this makes them easy to set up, operate, and maintain.
   
5. Robust design:
   Linx continuous inkjet printers can print in harsh environments coupled with sealed print heads to protect against dust and moisture.
   
6. Low maintenance:
   CIJ printers require minimal maintenance with self cleaning print heads in effect. Also, it provides automatic diagnostics, ensuring optimum performance and reduced downtime.
   
7. Connectivity and integration:
   Above all, These printers offer various connectivity options and can be easily integrated with existing production lines.
   

Overall, Investing in a Linx Global Continuous Ink-jet Printer can achieve clear coding and marking directly on your product.