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Industrial inkjet printing machines are available in distinct types to suit diverse needs. And these machines function to print on various surfaces, include porous and non-porous, needed in different industrial settings. The following are the most common types of industrial inkjet printing machines available on the market today.
Continuous inkjet printers operate by circulating ink through the system. These printers are well-suited for high-speed production lines where marking needs to be quick and efficient. The printers create ink droplets continuously, which can be charged and deflected to print images on substrates. These printers work on porous and non-porous materials and commonly print expiration dates, batch numbers, and barcodes on product packaging.
DOD printers work by producing ink droplets only when required. These printers use piezoelectric or thermal print heads to control droplet formation. Consequently, these printers allow for detailed imaging and precise ink usage, reducing wastage. DOD printers are ideal for applications requiring variable data printing, such as different labels or packaging. They also suit printing on diverse surfaces and product sizes.
For thermal industrial inkjet printers, they operate by heating ink to form a bubble that expels a droplet onto the target surface. These printers are mainly used in smaller industrial setups where flexibility and lower production costs are paramount. Thermal printers work best on non-porous surfaces like plastic and paper. These printers offer high-quality color printing, making them suitable for detailed images and labels in packaging.
UV industrial inkjet printers use ultraviolet light to cure or dry the ink immediately upon application. These printers ensure that the printed image adheres to the surface effectively and resists fading. These printers are particularly advantageous for printing on surfaces like glass, metal, or plastic, which require durable and vibrant colors. Moreover, UV printers are ideal for packaging and decorative printing and are suitable for multiple industrial applications.
Durable as they are, most industrial inkjet printing machines are made of robust materials enough to handle long hours of operation and withstand harsh manufacturing conditions. Both internal and external components of these printers require to be resilient to ensure performance and longevity.
In most cases, industrial inkjet printers have metal frames with high strength and rigidity. These metal frames, sometimes with sheets, support heavy components and maintain structural integrity over long periods of use. Common metals used include stainless steel and aluminum, as they provide resistance to corrosion.
Manufacturers of industrial machines commonly make print heads from ceramics, stainless steel, or other durable alloys. These materials are used because they can withstand degradation caused by heat or chemical interactions with the ink. Another advantage of these materials is that they also ensure they withstand the mechanical stresses of generating and ejecting ink droplets. And this also helps in enhancing their durability.
Usually, the covers and panels of industrial inkjet printers are either plastics or metal and are strategically designed to protect internal components. In most cases, manufacturers make these panels out of tough plastics, but in high-heat or chemically aggressive environments, metal panels take the lead. Since metals offer superior protection against abrasion and chemical damage.
Ink reservoirs and tubing systems often contain flexible polymers and rigid plastics, as the latter withstand pressure and provide easy access during maintenance. While these plastics are resistant to chemicals found in inks, in some cases, printers that deal with aggressive inks have reservoirs made of metals like aluminum or stainless steel. This move ensures that the ink does not corrode the equipment.
Industrial inkjet printers have a widespread commercial application across various industries. They have become an integral portion of these sectors because of their ability to print high-quality images and detailed texts.
The major application of industrial inkjet printing machines is in the packaging industry. This is because they help provide high-quality product labeling and packaging. The machines are better than most traditional methods considering the details they offer. That is why they are in charge of variable data printing, including barcodes, QR codes, and expiration dates on food and beverage containers.
Industrial inkjet printers have revolutionized the Textile printing process. This is especially true for those who want quick results and need to be more effective. Ideally, they allow direct printing of intricate patterns and designs on fabric, which integrates all the operations within the industry. Moreover, the use of high-quality synthetic inks enables vibrant color reproduction, enhancing the fabric's overall aesthetic appeal.
Like in the textile industry, industrial inkjet printing plays an integral role in the electronics industry. Here these printers apply conductive inks to print circuits, sensors, and other electronic components directly onto substrates. This process, also regarded as printed electronics, allows for thinner, more flexible designs. They further reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining functionality.
Large-format industrial inkjet printers have become the preferred choice for signage creation. They offer vivid color and high-resolution printing on various materials, including vinyl, fabric, and rigid substrates. This makes the signage ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. Apart from that, their versatility enables the production of banners, posters, and retail displays, accommodating the diverse needs of advertisers and retailers.
In the automotive sector, industrial inkjet printers apply decorative and functional components such as dashboards, door panels, and seat covers. After all, each part of this sector requires durable inks that can withstand constant wear and tear. Therefore, the machines' ability to print directly on 3D surfaces makes them especially suitable for this industry, which needs different shapes and designs.
Choosing the right industrial inkjet printing machines will require considering several factors since there are so many available options today. Below are important aspects that should be contemplated.
Every printing technology is ideal for specific applications. For instance, CIJ printers work well for fast-line coding, while DOD printers are perfect for variable printing. On the other hand, UV printers are best for high-quality decor elements. Understanding the required applications will help select the most appropriate printing technology.
Different industrial inkjet printers work well with other materials. For example, some work on porous materials, while others work on non-porous ones. While textile industries use printers compatible with fabric, electronic industries prefer printers that can manage complex substrates. So, ensure the selected printer can work well with the material used in a specific industry.
The printer speed and volume capability will affect the production process. That is why measuring their speeds in square feet per hour or units per hour and ensuring their output alignment is vital to the business's demands. And if considering high-volume production, machines with greater ink reservoir capacities will minimize frequent refills and maximize efficiency.
The print quality requirement will be defined by a specific application. Usually, quality is measured by resolution and droplet size. For instance, high-resolution printing requires smaller droplet sizes to achieve finer details. Packaging and labeling applications prefer machines that can provide sharp and vivid prints with essentials like barcodes and texts.
After selecting the printing machine, the next step is how to keep it maintained. In simpler terms, industrial inkjet printers can be quite costly to maintain. Some have easily replaceable components and maintenance requirements, while others don't. This is why understanding the maintenance needs and the manufacturer's support availability will ensure the machines frequently run at their optimum capacities.
All industrial inkjet printers are designed to operate in large-scale manufacturing. They use different printing technologies, such as CIJ, DOD, and thermal, which allow them to handle various applications. Additionally, these machines work on distinct materials, from packaging to electronics. They use the right inks suitable for each material. These have become a staple in manufacturing.
Yes! They can be extremely costly since these machines incur high operational and maintenance costs. However, they can save money in the long run for the large-scale companies that use them because of their ability to work at high volumes and crucial performance.
Fortunately, they can, considering that many of these machines are developed with durable inks that can withstand environmental factors like UV exposure, moisture, and temperature. These make the paints ideal for outdoor applications such as signage and coating.
The material compatibility, print quality, and required operation are pivotal in determining the right industrial inkjet printer. They shouldn't be neglected, as maintenance requirements and support from the manufacturer's end play a considerable role in the printer's overall performance and value over time.
