What is an industrial inkjet printer?

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Industrial inkjet printers is a crucial component in many production and manufacturing processes. These printers are used to label products and packaging with information such as best-before dates, batch numbers, logos, barcodes and other important data. The marking can be applied to a variety of materials such as plastic, metal, glass, wood, cardboard and paper, making these printers extremely versatile. But what exactly is an industrial inkjet printer, how does it work, and why is it so important in today's modern industries?
In this article, we delve into the technology behind industrial inkjet printers, their various uses, and why they are indispensable to businesses worldwide.
How does an industrial inkjet printer work?
An industrial inkjet printer is a type of printer that uses tiny droplets of ink to create text, symbols, or images on a surface. The technology is often based on a method called Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ).


Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ)
CIJ is one of the most common technologies in industrial marking. It uses a continuous stream of ink droplets to be ejected from a nozzle. A loading mechanism controls which droplets are used to create text or graphics, while excess ink is recycled to minimize waste. CIJ technology is fast and is particularly well suited for marking products moving along a continuous production line.
Advantages of CIJ:
- Capable of high production speeds.
- Works on many different materials and surfaces, including uneven or curved surfaces.
- Withstands harsh environmental conditions such as dust, heat and humidity.
Applications for industrial inkjet printers
Industrial inkjet printers are used across a wide range of industries, and their flexibility makes them a key component in many production processes. Here are some examples of how they are used:
- The food industry – In the food sector, industrial inkjet printers are used to label packaging with best-before dates, batch numbers and traceability information. The marking must be safe and comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), especially when the printer comes into contact with food.
- Pharmaceutical industry – In the pharmaceutical industry, accurate and permanent marking is essential to meet strict regulations and safety requirements. Inkjet printers are used to print barcodes, serial numbers and traceability information on packaging and labels.
- Electronics industry – In electronics, inkjet printers are used to mark small components such as circuit boards, cables and contact points. The technology makes it possible to print very small and detailed markings.
- Packaging industry – In the packaging industry, inkjet printers are used to label cartons, bottles, cans and bags. The materials can vary from plastic and glass to paper and metal, and the printer must therefore be able to handle a range of different surfaces.
- Construction and engineering industry – Inkjet printers are also used to mark construction materials such as wood, concrete and steel. These printers must be robust and withstand harsh conditions.
Read more about labelling on dairy products and what is important to consider.



Advantages of industrial inkjet printers
Industrial inkjet printers are popular for several reasons. Here are some of their biggest advantages:
- Flexibility: Can be used on a variety of materials and in many different industries.
- Speed: Capable of high production speeds, making them ideal for high-speed marking on assembly lines.
- Cost-effective: Lower operating costs compared to other marking methods, especially for large volumes.
- High quality: Ability to print at high resolution for sharp and clear markings.
- Environmentally friendly alternatives: Modern models use inks and technologies that reduce environmental impact.
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Challenges and future developments
Despite their many advantages, industrial inkjet printers can also present some challenges. Regular maintenance is needed to ensure that nozzles do not clog, and the right choice of ink is crucial to avoid problems such as long drying time or poor adhesion.
The industrial inkjet printers of the future are being developed to be even more durable and user-friendly. New technologies focus on:
- Eco-friendly inks: Water-based and biodegradable options.
- Integration with IoT: Smart printers that can be monitored and controlled via the internet.
- Improved compatibility: Technology for an even wider range of materials and surfaces.
An industrial inkjet printer is an indispensable component in today's modern production lines. With their advanced technologies and versatile applications, they enable fast and efficient marking of products and packaging. Whether it's printing a best-before date on a plastic package or a barcode on an electronic component, inkjet printers offer solutions that combine precision, speed and flexibility.
This is how our customers work with inkjet printers
Industrial inkjet printers open up great opportunities for companies to increase their production flow. For companies looking to maximize productivity and ensure they meet industry requirements, choosing the right industrial inkjet printer is crucial. With continuous innovation, these printers are ready to meet the demands of the future and continue to be a central part of the manufacturing industry.
Here we share inspiring examples of how UNE-Produkter and Nordic Plastic have integrated inkjet technology into their operations.
UNE-Products strengthens the brand together with Linx 8900!
For UNE-Produkter, this has been a boost in terms of brand building. They now mark all moldings with their logo and the profile of the molding with two pieces. inkjet printer Linx 8900. When the strips are then collected in bundles, the labelling machine Weber LA4050e label the bundle with information such as color, length and logo. Read more!
Nordic Plastic chooses Logimark's Linx 8900 inkjet printer
When Nordic Plastic needed to replace their marking machine, they discovered Logimark. Their current machine did not meet their requirements, had quality deficiencies and required a lot of service. With Logimark as their marking machine supplier, Nordic Plastic feels that it has worked out perfectly, both with the choice of inkjet printer but also the availability of service and spare parts. Read more!