Thermal inkjet technology (TIJ) uses a series of tiny, heated nozzles to deposit a small amount ink on the printing surface. This results in a crisp print. This technology differs slightly from inkjet, which is a continuous ink flow to the printhead. “Despite inkjet’s ability to produce high-quality prints, TIJ technology produces an even better quality, coupled with higher color saturation, albeit at a slightly slower rate. Thermal inkjet printers are more cost-efficient as thermal ink doesn’t evaporate like the ink used by continuous inkjet printers,” says Kristy Sheng, Regional manager for Specialty Print & Technology Services for HP in Asia Pacific and Japan.
She says that TIJ technology has evolved over the years to become more versatile and durable. The improvements have made it one of the most versatile, reliable options for OEMs working in industries that are increasingly regulated such as pharmaceuticals and food.
TIJ & 2D barcodes in pharmaceutical and food packaging
TIJ technology enables a variety of printing applications that can meet the most stringent coding and marking requirements for pharmaceutical and food packaging. “Its ability to deliver high-resolution, high-speed coding directly to manufacturers’ production lines means 2D barcodes can be delivered consistently and reliably with lasting durability. All while driving efficiencies, resulting in an increased uptime on packaging coding and marking production lines,” Sheng shared.
She explained that packaging manufacturers could benefit from TIJ’s ability to use GMP-compliant inks as well as aqueous ones capable of delivering 2D barcodes with high resolution, QR codes, and other data metrics on both treated and untreated surfaces. This innovative approach allows specialty printing applications to meet ever-changing regulatory requirements.
When printing 2D barcodes, precision, high resolution, and durability are important. “With decades of innovation and leadership in inkjet-based applications, HP TIJ technology has the ability to consistently produce the sharp, high-resolution 2D codes required by manufacturers and regulators alike. Manufacturers benefit from minimal servicing and high uptime,” Sheng says.
Benefits of TIJ for sustainability
TIJ technology helps manufacturers achieve sustainability goals in many ways. Moving parts do not wear out during the entire printing process. As a result, maintenance is kept to a minimum. Unlike its counterparts, inkjet or continuous inkjet, TIJ does not use a constant stream of ink and is therefore less wasteful. Sheng explains that, when a print cartridge is exchanged, the printer gets a new printhead. This results in tij printing being cleaner than inkjet or continual inkjet.
Continuous inkjet printing can also produce excessive aerosol due to the ink droplets that are constantly being produced. This can be dangerous for workers in packaging production lines. Since TIJ doesn’t produce excessive aerosol, it is relatively safer to use. TIJ printing has a sharp, high-quality print, resulting less in batch or lot recalls for insufficient quality. This results in less waste.
Personalization in digital packaging
Digital packaging has become more personalized due to the widespread adoption of digitalization. The trend has spread to late-stage packaging and shipping boxes across many verticals, including entertainment, fashion and logistics.
“TIJ’s ability to print high-quality 2D barcodes at high-speed benefits industries’ growing use of barcodes for tracking, providing additional information that otherwise cannot fit on the box, while simultaneously being used to verify the authenticity of the product contained within. We are also seeing a sharp increase in the application of high data, such as QR codes owing to their dynamic nature and ability to convey larger amounts of information, as well as being used for authentication purposes,” Sheng says.
Personalization is a great way to enhance the value of packaging and make it more relevant to consumers. Personalization is easier and more affordable with the aid of digital printing.
“We will likely see the market for printing solutions to meet consumers’ increased demand for personalized products explode in the near future. HP is well-placed to offer reliable solutions with its extensive investment and commitment to produce TIJ technology capable of meeting this demand,” Sheng concludes.