Why CIJ is the right technology for marking small characters
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In today's production, there is a lot that has to fit – and labelling simply cannot be a stressful moment. Whether you work with food, pharmaceuticals or industrial products, there is a common need: to get clear and durable information directly on the product. Best before date, batch number, serial number – these are small details that play a big role in traceability, quality and regulatory compliance.
But with so many different technologies on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is actually best for your line. Thermal inkjet (TIJ) and piezoelectric high-resolution (Piezo) printing have their advantages – but when it comes to printing small characters at high speeds, on different materials and in tough conditions, it is often inkjet printer/CIJ – Continuous Inkjet – which stands as the obvious choice. And it's not without reason.
Here are three key reasons why CIJ is the best solution for small characters in industrial marking:
Speed – keep up or fall behind
Your production pace sets the pace. If your printer can’t keep up, you risk bottlenecks, restarts and unnecessary downtime – something no one can afford in today’s competitive market. So let’s take a look at how fast the different inkjet technologies are:
- TIJ printer often manages up to 75 meters per minute.
- Piezo printer can reach up to 60 meters per minute.
- Logimark CIJ printer writes three lines of text in uppercase 135 meters per minute – and can reach over 420 meters per minute when printing one line.
CIJ technology is therefore superior when it comes to handling high production speeds. For you, this means the security that the marking will not be an obstacle – but a support – for efficient production.
Flexible print distance – for varied product shapes
An often overlooked but important aspect is the distance between the print head and the product – the so-called print distance. It is affected by the product's shape, surface, movement pattern and how much space you have on the production line.
- TIJ printer requires a smooth surface and a print distance of max. 8 mm.
- Piezo printer can handle slightly longer, up to 10 mm.
- CIJ printer, thanks to its unique dot matrix technology, enables print distances between 12 mm and up to 50 mm – without compromising readability.
This means that CIJ can easily sign:
Uneven or curved surfaces
Not all products are smooth and easy to mark – and this is where CIJ excels. Because the technology can handle longer print distances and still deliver clear codes, it works perfectly for:
- Bottles in plastic, glass or metal – for example water bottles, soda cans or beer bottles.
- Cans and preserves – where the surface is often round or uneven, e.g. canned food or animal feed.
- Flexible packaging such as bags of snacks, coffee or frozen foods, where the surface can be easily creased.
- Tubular products such as creams, toothpaste or glue – where the curved shape requires flexibility.
This is where other technologies such as TIJ or Piezo can have problems, as they require a smooth surface and a short distance between the print head and the product. CIJ, on the other hand, can deliver readable marking even when the surface is not completely perfect.
Products in motion or with vibration
In a real production environment, products are not always completely still when they are to be labeled. Vibrations or movements can occur for several reasons:
- High speed conveyor belt may cause slight vibrations in the products.
- Filling stations for beverages, liquid foods or chemicals can create vibrations when the products are filled and moved at the same time.
- Heavy products such as building materials or metal components may vibrate more on conveyor belts than lighter packaging.
- Environmental factors such as nearby machinery, presses or packaging equipment can create vibrations throughout the production line.
Because CIJ can print from a distance and compensate for movement, the codes are still clear and legible, making the technology reliable even when the environment is not “perfectly stable.”
Limited space on the production line
Not all production lines are designed with labelling in mind – printers often have to be integrated into already cramped spaces. Some common reasons include:
- Compact machine lines where filling, sealing and packaging take place close to each other.
- Retrofit installations where new equipment must be fitted into an older line with limited space.
- Small production areas where every centimeter counts, especially in smaller producers or in urban factories.
- Protective covers or conveyor belts which limits access to the surface to be marked.
Here CIJ becomes a smart choice as the print head can be placed further away from the product (up to 50 mm) and still deliver high quality marking. This provides greater freedom in layout and installation compared to other technologies that require close contact.
For you as a customer, this means you get a more adaptable and future-proof solution, whether you work with bottles, cans, cables, packaging or something completely different.
Low operating cost per tag – tag more, pay less
Investing in the right marking equipment is not just about purchase price – it’s about the total cost of ownership over time that really makes a difference. Here the CIJ models excel by offering a very competitive cost per labeled product, especially at high-volume production.
While TIJ printers may initially appear more cost-effective due to their lower purchase price, they often have higher operating costs. The reason is simple: TIJ uses ink cartridges that are placed in the print head itself, and when the ink in the cartridge runs out, the cartridge is discarded. This leads to higher consumable costs per print and more waste.
Logimark CIJ printers instead use a refillable ink system where the ink and solvent are filled separately. The result is:
- Less waste
- Fewer component replacements
- Lower cost per labelling
For companies with continuous production – whether in food, beverage, pharmaceutical or industrial – this means that each label is cheaper in the long run. The higher your volume, the greater the savings compared to other technologies.
Additionally:
- CIJ printers require less manual handling and maintenance, which saves both time and personnel resources.
- They are built to walk for a long time without stopping, which minimizes operational disruptions and unplanned maintenance – another cost advantage.
Summary – CIJ gives you control and capacity
Choosing the right marking technology is not just about getting text on a product. It’s about securing an entire process – from line speed to readability, regardless of the product’s shape or movement.
With CIJ printer from Logimark, for example Linx 8900 series, you get:
- High print speed – up to 420 meters per minute
- Large print distance – up to 50 mm
- Stable performance on different surfaces and materials
- Easy integration into existing production lines
If you want to know more about Thermal Inkjet Printing (TIJ) and Piezo Inkjet Technology (PIJ), as well as read a technical comparison between CIJ, TIJ and PIJ, you can click here!
Effective marking in practice – this is how our CIJ creates real value in production
Different industries, different challenges – but the same goal: to make labelling work seamlessly in production. By choosing Linx CIJ printers, three companies, with completely different needs, have managed to improve their traceability, increase productivity rates and strengthen relationships with their customers.
SeaSam Foods – Labelling that can withstand both cold and speed
From manual marking to automated precision – with Linx 8900 SeaSam Foods has taken a big step towards more efficient and reliable production.
The new solution handles both wet and frozen surfaces with ease, delivering clear codes that stay in place. With the right ink for the right environment, high quality is ensured in every marking – even when conditions are tough.
The result? Faster production, fewer interruptions and happier customers.
👉 Read the full case study here.
Recoma – Clear labelling for a circular future
When Recoma transforms residual materials into climate-smart building boards, a label is required that matches both the sustainability requirements and the pace of production.
With the Linx 8920, they have a robust CIJ solution that delivers sharp and traceable coding – XNUMX/XNUMX. The marking stays where it should, lasts over time and is clearly visible on construction sites.
Together with Logimark's technicians, Recoma has also received a service-adapted solution that minimizes interruptions and frees up time during the work shift. A smart choice that strengthens both production and the brand.
👉 Read the full case study here.
Nordic Plastic Group – Simple and reliable marking in every detail
As customer demands for clear labelling increased, Nordic Plastic Group faced a clear choice. The old solution was no longer sufficient – and the choice fell on Linx 8900.
With its ability to print both sharp text and small logos, the printer has quickly become a natural part of production. Operators appreciate the easy handling and quick settings, while the possibility of local service creates peace of mind in everyday life.
The result is a stable labelling process that not only saves time – but also strengthens the trust of the end customer.
“With the Linx 8900, everything works perfectly and it has made our production easier.” – Nordic Plastic Group
👉 Read the full case study here.
Ready to take the next step?
At Logimark, we have extensive experience in tailoring labelling solutions that match the reality of Swedish and international production. Please contact us for advice or a needs analysis. – we help you choose the right technology for your application.
Your production is our responsibility – with technology that makes a difference.
