Continuous inkjet printers are often used when you need to print at high speeds but may not suit every printing task. You may benefit from a different printing technology in certain situations.
When it comes to industrial and commercial printing applications, thermal inkjet printers offer several distinct advantages. Learn more about the reasons to use a thermal inkjet printer over a continuous inkjet printer.
What Is a Thermal Inkjet Printer?
A thermal inkjet, or TIJ, printer uses replaceable ink cartridges. Each cartridge includes tiny nozzles that allow the transfer of droplets of ink. There are four steps involved in printing with a thermal inkjet printer:
- Heat the ink
- Create a bubble
- Transfer the ink
- Collapse the bubble
The printer heats the ink in the cartridge. The heat causes the ink to vaporise and form a bubble.
The bubble expands and creates a droplet of ink that breaks from the nozzle to the substrate. The bubble then collapses, which creates a vacuum effect. The vacuum effect pulls more of the ink from the cartridge, creating the next bubble.
TIJ Printers Often Require Less Maintenance
The simplicity of the four-step printing process makes TIJ printers less prone to wear and tear and mechanical issues compared to continuous inkjet printers (CIJ).
CIJ printers use larger tanks filled with liquid ink. CIJ printers also rely on print heads, pressurisers, and other components that add to the complexity of the machines. With fewer parts to break down, a TIJ printer may save money on maintenance.
TIJ Printers Are More Cost Effective
Along with lower maintenance costs, TIJ printers often have lower upfront costs. The typical TIJ printer costs much less than a comparable CIJ coding printer. Some TIJ printers may go years without requiring any maintenance, offering additional savings.
TIJ Printers Can Print on a Variety of Materials
TIJ printers are a popular choice due to their versatility. You can print on porous, semi-porous, and non-porous substrates. Common materials include paper, cardboard, plaster, concrete, metals, plastics, wood, and glass.
TIJ Printers Are Lightweight and Easy to Transport
A CIJ printer may weigh close to over 40 kilograms. TIJ printers can weigh up to a few kilograms, making them much lighter and easier to transport. You gain greater mobility with a TIJ printer, especially when using a handheld model.
In the end, TIJ printing technology offers many advantages, from lower maintenance costs to increased mobility. You can also find replacement ink cartridges that are 100% drop-in compatible with TIJ printers from the most popular brands, such as Videojet.
