Continuous Inkjet Printers: The Best Solution for Coding and Marking

What is Coding and Marking?

Before we discuss why CIJ printers are the best choice for coding and marking, let’s learn what coding and marking are. Coding and marking are the processes of applying variable data to products, such as bar codes or best-by dates.

Coding refers to printing characters, symbols, or numbers onto a product or its packaging. Codes are generally used to identify a product throughout the supply chain, enabling businesses to manage inventory and/or ensure product quality.

Marking is when a business applies information that uniquely identifies a specific product, like the product name or serial number, directly onto the surface of the product. Industries like electronics or aerospace use this type of identification to provide traceability or product identification.

Various types of code and marks:

What Are Continuous Inkjet Printers?

Continuous inkjet printers are devices that are used to apply coding and marking to products and product packaging. The printers are constantly circulating a continuous stream of ink through the print head, even when the device is not printing. Non-stop ink circulation prevents the ink from drying out and clogging the print head.

The ink itself is electrostatically charged. When printing, the droplets are deflected by electrostatic plates onto the product as it passes, determining the shape of the code or mark.

At their core, inkjet printers are devices that use controlled droplets of ink to create text, images, numbers, and symbols directly on a wide variety of products and packaging materials. Unlike traditional labels or pre-printed cartons, inkjet printers can apply variable data on demand, right on your production line.

Inkjet printers are compatible with a wide range of substrates, including poly bags, shrink film, glass, metal, cardboard, and food-safe packaging. They’re ideal for printing on carton sealing tape, shrink sleeves, multi-depth boxes, and even complex shapes and bottle surfaces.

Why Continuous Inkjet Printers Are a Game-Changer

1. Flexibility for Any Application
   Need to print a LOT number on a can of cut-up tomatoes, then batch codes on a poly bag, and then expiration dates on food-safe packaging? Inkjet printers deliver the flexibility to mark nearly any packaging material, shape, or size. You can handle short runs or coding that changes frequently without expensive plates or delays.
2. Productive and Efficient
   LEIBINGER printers are maintenance-free for 5 years. That means you eliminate regular care measures, like cleaning the printheads before each use, and unplanned downtime, saving you time on frequent setup and maintenance.
3. High-Quality, Professional Appearance
   Modern continuous inkjet printers deliver crisp, high-resolution codes and labels, even at high speeds. For example, the LEIBINGER JET Rapid can print at speeds as high as 1,000 m/min, ensuring that you get the highest quality without losing efficiency.
4. Cost-Effective and Sustainable
   By printing only what you need, when you need it, you reduce material waste and eliminate the costs of storing pre-printed materials. Additionally, while other brands are making you replace your ink cartridges with 10% of the ink still in the cartridge, LEIBINGER printers use every last drop. Less ink, less solvent, and fewer cartridges going into the garbage.
5. Seamless Integration with Packaging Automation
   Inkjet printers are designed to work with automated packaging equipment—including case sealers, case erectors, stretch wrappers, and conveyors. SSI’s team ensures your printers fit seamlessly into your packaging systems for maximum efficiency.
6. Dust and Moisture Proof
   LEIBINGER continuous inkjet printers do not require downtime for cleaning in environments that have high levels of dust or moisture. Their Sealtronic® technology has a closed-loop function that prevents exposure to air. That means your ink won’t dry up and your printhead won’t get clogged. You can apply LOT numbers to flour bags where there are flour particles in the air or print manufacturer dates on beverage bottles in an extremely humid environment with zero downtime.
7. Meets Stringent Legislative Requirements
   In highly-regulated industries, like meat, fish, seafood, and poultry, producers must meet operational demands of fast, efficient production, while also complying with the most stringent food legislation. LEIBINGER printers are sleek and have a full stainless-steel cabinet that complies with legislation and provides for a healthy and safe supply chain.

How CIJ Printing Supports Traceability

Traceability is the ability to follow a product from its origin to the end user—and it’s essential for recalls, inventory control, and customer trust. Date and lot coding printers are the backbone of this process, marking every unit with unique, scannable data.

Best Practices for CIJ Marking and Coding

• Work with Trusted Experts: SSI’s team has deep knowledge of industry trends, automation, and packaging compliance. We help you choose the right printer, ink, and workflow for your needs.
• Integrate with Your Packing Line: SSI ensures seamless integration with case erectors, case sealers, and stretch wrappers.
• Test for Durability: Make sure your codes survive cold chain logistics, moisture, and handling. There’s an ink for every application, and we can help you find the perfect fit.
• Train Your Team: We provide hands-on training so your staff can operate inkjet systems with confidence.

The SSI Difference: Expertise, Solutions, and Support

At SSI, we’re more than a supplier—we’re your strategic packaging partner. Our team provides:

• Full assessment of your coding and marking needs
• Printer selection, installation, and support
• Custom solutions for labels and tags, bar code labels, and traceability
• Integration with case erectors, case sealers, stretch wrappers, and material handling experts
• Ongoing training, supplies, and support for long-term success

SSI helps you mark every product with confidence, protect your brand, and deliver a better customer experience.

The Bottom Line

Inkjet printers are among the most versatile, valuable tools in modern packaging. They help you cut costs, boost efficiency, and elevate your brand. With SSI’s expertise, you’ll have the right tools, the right support, and the confidence to grow your business in any market. Ready to see what inkjet coding and marking can do for your operation? Contact SSI today for a packaging assessment.