What Is Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)?
Understanding Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)
A CIJ printer pumps ink through a nozzle that breaks the stream into tiny droplets. Each droplet is given a charge, then deflected by an electric field to land where it is needed or returned to the system if it is not. Because the print head never touches the product, CIJ codes curved, uneven, and moving surfaces without slowing the line.
The trade-off is resolution and code type. CIJ is ideal for short alphanumeric codes, dates, and simple marks at high speed. For dense 2D codes, fine detail, or labels, thermal transfer or laser marking usually do a cleaner job. Many plants run CIJ for primary coding and a separate method for serialized labels.
Key Components of Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)
Why Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) Matters
CIJ keeps fast lines moving while still putting essential data on every unit. For brands, it is often the first mark a product receives, so it is a natural place to add a code that supports traceability and, with the right setup, authentication.
- Non-contact, so it codes curved and uneven surfaces
- Very high line speed
- Low cost per code
- Works on many materials
- Reliable for dates, batches, and short codes
- Can apply variable data per unit
How Acviss Supports Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)
Where a line already runs continuous inkjet, Acviss Certify can supply the unique codes that get applied, turning a routine batch mark into a verifiable identity for each unit.
For dense 2D or serialized codes that CIJ cannot resolve cleanly, Acviss pairs with label-based methods, so the code still feeds track and trace. See also coding and marking.
Code fast, verify everywhere
Talk to Acviss about adding verifiable codes to your existing coding line.
Book a Free DemoFrequently Asked Questions
Applying dates, batch numbers, and short codes onto products and packs at high speed, without the print head touching the surface.
It fires charged ink droplets and steers them with an electric field, so it can code curved, uneven, or moving products that a contact printer would struggle with.
For dense 2D codes, very fine detail, or printed labels, thermal transfer or laser marking usually give a cleaner, more scannable result.
Yes, when connected to a data source it can apply variable data, though for serialized 2D codes a label-based method is often paired with it.
