The Cost of Maintenance – TIJ vs CIJ

2 MINS

One of the top concerns raised by manufacturers seeking guidance on their coding and marking operations, is that the maintenance involved in keeping their coding system running smoothly is too costly. They usually all have one thing in common – that they are coding their products using continuous inkjet (CIJ) technology.

Replacing an outdated CIJ system with a modern thermal inkjet (TIJ) coder has been a game-changer for many manufacturers. CIJ legacy printers are made up of many wearable parts and components, from ink pumps and filters to sensitive printheads, all needing regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation. This necessary maintenance is often labour intensive and time-consuming, and as such presents a huge financial implication to manufacturers, who risk downtime if neglected.

Owners of CIJ systems are often prisoners to service contracts – expensive agreements that delegate regular cleaning and repeairs to technicians. Failure to maintain these units properly can lead to operational failures, significantly reducing machine efficiency and lifespan.

When a continuous inkjet printer is idle, the ink that remains inside the ink system and printhead is exposed to air. This causes it to dry, blocking the nozzles and preventing operation. Consequently, maintenance shops are often filled with units awaiting repair or replacement parts.

 Cartons travelling on a conveyor one rejected code with red cross one correct code
  • Industry experts estimate 15% to 20% of a CIJ system’s costs are related to ongoing spare parts, maintenance and consumables (ink + make-up), not to mention greater labour requirements.

Thermal Inkjet - a maintenance-free alternative

Enter thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers, offering a maintenance-free alternative that significantly simplifies upkeep compared to their CIJ counterparts. Leveraging HP ink technology, TIJ printers deliver high-quality codes across various packaging types with ease. These compact coders seamlessly integrate into production lines across a range of industry sectors.

Unlike CIJ systems, TIJ printers boast a hassle-free ink cartridge replacement system, with each cartridge housing a new printhead. This swift swap-out process minimizes downtime and ensures long, predictable maintenance cycles.

 

The sole maintenance requirement for TIJ printers involves periodic printhead cleaning, easily accomplished with a lint-free cloth. A simple wiping motion clears any ink accumulation from the nozzles, ensuring optimal performance.

Our TIJ printers are equipped with user-friendly iDesign message-making software, facilitating seamless communication with the printhead. This intuitive software simplifies the creation of messages, formats, fonts, and barcodes, making it accessible to operators with minimal training.

If you’re considering transitioning from a cumbersome CIJ system to a hassle-free TIJ alternative, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team for assistance.

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