FAQ: Thermal Inkjet Printing

Due to the zero maintenance requirements of the TIJ printers we have seen no demand for offering service contracts on these systems. They truly are a maintenance free product with no filters, pumps or complicated ink delivery systems. They also benefit from the entire ink delivery system being within a sealed cartridge which can be disposed of through the normal channels of printer cartridge recycling companies.

Yes – although we do not recommend this due to the systems and cartridges that we supply being tuned to match each other for optimum performance read by a simple connection/interface by the printer once the cartridge is inserted. In addition to this, as the ink delivery system relies on a vacuum within the cartridge, replenishing/refilling can often lead to air being allowed to enter, subsequently leading to degradation of performance.

No – Our sealed cartridges mean that handling is simple with no specialist PPE required. The make-up of our cartridges is safe to handle and unlike CIJ, disposal requires no specialist removal or handling.

No, the TIJ systems can all be simply ‘turned-off’ at the end of a shift. Removal of the cartridge is a simple operation with a click-in/click-out and even if the systems are inadvertently shut-down, for example, there is loss of power to the line, no ink will be wasted or ejected, causing no detrimental effect to the ink solution or printer. Once power is restored, the systems all perform a quick software check, read the cartridge and then reset themselves ready to continue printing.

Yes – Our standard iDESIGN software package has a built-in ‘control’ page that allows connection to multiple printers. All printers are supported and utilise their own unique IP address. Printers can be named to reflect the lines that they are mounted to. Wireless networking is also available, we can provide details of upgrades to the printers where necessary.

Our Thermal inkjet systems are extremely easy to integrate onto all manners of packaging lines and equipment. Their compact size, low weight and the fact they are easily adjusted makes them ideal for virtually any installation. Added to this there are no large separate controllers or ink delivery systems and no additional rollers are required to re-route the packaging materials. Our TIJ systems can easily be retrofitted to existing equipment, we can even use existing mountings if required.

There are a number of factors which should be considered when calculating a comparison on running costs. Generally our TIJ systems will provide a lower cost per print even when calculating just using the physical consumable cost. For example, when comparing against TTO, the ribbon and printhead replacement should both be factored into the calculation along with downtime created through servicing, broken components, snapped ribbon, removal /disposal of waste cores and print substrate and overall set-up time when changing print position or formats. Likewise, when comparing CIJ technology, the cost calculation should include many of the points already mentioned for TTO, in addition costs relating to regular maintenance / servicing costs, parts replacement such as pumps, filters and nozzles, production downtime due to start-up and shut-down procedures and of course cleaning and resetting of the system following inadvertent switching off prior to the shut-down procedure being completed – which can also lead to ink being dispensed onto equipment and factory floors! We also offer a bulk-ink system which can further reduce the costs per print.

The installation of a thermal inkjet printer requires a lower investment cost as the systems are not as complex as CIJ or TTO printers. The investment cost is affected by the simplicity of the system which requires less additional training and has fewer complex installation requirements. There is also no need for  lines to be ‘shut-down’ for long periods of time during installation.