What is a CIJ inkjet printer, and what are the Advantages of CIJ Printing over TIJ Printing?

What is a CIJ Inkjet Printer?

CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) is a type of industrial, non-contact printing technology widely used across manufacturing sectors. In a CIJ system, a high-pressure pump forces liquid ink through a nozzle, producing a continuous stream of microscopic ink droplets. Some droplets are deflected by an electric field to land precisely on the product, while unused droplets are recycled back into the system.

Gemini58

Example: Gemini 58 Series CIJ Printer

The Gemini 58 series is a high-spec printer that delivers exceptional print performance straight out of the box—no need for costly upgrade keys. It’s robust, reliable, and ideal for industrial production lines.

At Southern Technology Ltd, we back our CIJ printers with smart stock control systems and cross-brand compatible ink and solvent formulas. We've never run out of consumables—and that’s something to seriously consider when comparing printer suppliers.

Should your existing supplier let you down, we typically have hire printers available to keep your production running without interruption.

How CIJ Printing Works

  1. Ink Droplet Formation: Ink is constantly emitted through a microscopic nozzle.

  2. Charging & Deflection: Droplets are electrically charged and deflected by a high-voltage field, forming the desired print.

  3. Ink Recycling: Non-printing droplets are recaptured and returned to the reservoir for reuse.

Advantages of CIJ Printing (vs TIJ)

  • High-Speed Printing: Ideal for fast production lines with high throughput.

  • Versatility: Prints on curved, rough, or irregular surfaces—perfect for industries like food packaging, beverage, cosmetics, and electronics.

  • Non-Contact Operation: No need to touch the product, reducing wear and accommodating delicate items.

  • 24/7 Operation: Designed for continuous, high-volume environments without constant intervention.

  • Durable Inks: CIJ inks are often solvent-based, offering resistance to water, rubbing, and heat.

Limitations of CIJ Printing

  • Higher Initial Cost: CIJ systems tend to have a higher upfront investment.

  • Ongoing Maintenance: These systems are more complex and require regular servicing.

  • Ink Use: Some ink is lost during recycling, which can increase consumption over time.

What is a TIJ Inkjet Printer?

TIJ (Thermal Inkjet) is a compact, non-contact printing method that uses heat to eject ink droplets from a cartridge. It’s common in office printers, coding systems, and light industrial applications.

Handheld inkjet printer:

handheld TIJ inkjet printer

 

Conveyor or machine mount version:

Leojet MX1 Plus Printer:

Leojet inkjet TIJ conveyor mount printer


At Southern Tech, we offer LeoJet MX1 TIJ printers, designed to deliver excellent resolution and reliability for smaller-scale or lower-speed applications.

Limitations of TIJ Compared to CIJ

While TIJ printers provide crisp, high-resolution prints, especially on smooth surfaces, they have some critical constraints in production settings:

1. Short Idle Tolerance

TIJ cartridges are vulnerable to drying out quickly. If idle for more than 15 minutes (e.g., during breaks), the cartridge may need to be removed to avoid damage. The first few prints after a break often appear faded.

2. Cartridge Fragility

High-resolution cartridges can be costly and are prone to damage if handled or stored improperly.

3. Workflow Disruption

Removing and reinserting cartridges to prevent drying can disrupt your production flow and lead to wasted product during re-priming.

CIJ: The Ideal Choice for Industrial Printing

If your production environment demands uninterrupted uptime, consistently sharp prints, and substrate versatility, CIJ is the clear winner. It’s the printer of choice for operations where quality and efficiency are non-negotiable.

Flexible Solutions for Growing Businesses

For businesses just starting out or operating with tighter budgets, we offer a ‘Starter Hire Plan’ tailored to your production rates. This lets you access the power of CIJ printing without committing to full purchase costs. As your business grows, we can scale with you—offering both rental and purchase options, backed by expert support.

Ready to make the switch or upgrade?
Contact us to find the best CIJ or TIJ solution for your production line.