Thermal Inkjet (TIJ)
High-resolution coding for cartons, labels and flexible packs
What It Is
A drop-on-demand inkjet technology that ejects tiny ink droplets from a disposable or semi-permanent cartridge to print high-resolution text, graphics, and barcodes.
How It Works
A thin-film resistor rapidly heats ink in a micro-chamber, creating a vapor bubble that ejects a precise droplet through a nozzle onto the substrate as it passes beneath the printhead.
Typical Machine Appearance
A small cartridge-style printhead mounted on a bracket close to the product, connected to a compact controller.
Typical Applications
- • Carton and case coding
- • Corrugated box printing
- • Label overprinting
- • Barcode/QR printing
Suitable Substrates
Speed & Print Quality
Speed: Medium-high (up to 150-200 m/min typical for single-line coding)
Quality: Excellent — sharp text, logos, and scannable barcodes/QR codes
Consumables & Maintenance
Consumables: Ink cartridges
Maintenance level: Low — cartridge replacement is the primary consumable task
Best-Fit Industries
Advantages
- Excellent print quality
- Low maintenance
- Easy operator use
- Great for barcodes/QR
Limitations
- Cartridge cost per litre is higher than bulk CIJ ink
- Limited substrate range without pre-treatment
- Shorter throw distance than CIJ
Common Mistakes
- Choosing cheapest cartridges without checking cost-per-print
- Ignoring substrate absorbency causing smudging
- Not budgeting for cartridge consumption at full production volume
Hidden Cost Factors
- Cartridge cost per millilitre can be significantly higher than bulk ink systems
- Cartridge wastage if not seated correctly
- Primer/coating cost on difficult substrates
When Not To Use TIJ
For extremely high-volume, low-margin coding where cartridge cost per print would outweigh CIJ's solvent cost — evaluate CTIJ (bulk ink) instead.