CIJ · TIJ · TTO · LASER · DOD · LABELING
CIJ, TIJ, TTO, laser, DOD and print-and-apply solve different production problems. Start with the product or package, required code, material, speed and installation conditions before deciding which technology to evaluate.
CHOOSING A CODING METHOD
Start with what you need to mark and how it moves through the line. These are starting points for selection; a material test and the exact equipment configuration determine the final fit.
| Your requirement | Method to evaluate | Before choosing |
|---|---|---|
| Small codes on moving bottles, cans or cables | Continuous inkjet (CIJ) | Confirm the ink, adhesion, print distance and line conditions. |
| Detailed text or barcodes on cartons and labels | Thermal inkjet (TIJ) | Confirm the cartridge, surface, code size and scanning result. |
| Variable codes on flexible packaging film | Thermal transfer (TTO) | Match the film, ribbon and packaging motion. |
| Permanent marks without printing ink | Laser marking | Test the actual material and review guarding and extraction. |
| Large, visible codes on outer packaging | Large-character DOD | Check the material, ink, character size and print distance. |
| Variable labels applied to cases or pallets | Print & apply (LPA) | Check label placement, product presentation and data integration. |
Need a closer comparison? Read the full CIJ, TIJ, TTO, laser, DOD and print-and-apply comparison. Already have a printer? Start with ink and consumable identification or spare-part identification, using the original label and machine model. Starting a new project? Use the industrial coding selection checklist to prepare the details that affect the recommendation. New to the terminology? Read the industrial coding glossary.
COMPARE THE SAME REQUIREMENTS
COMMON COMPARISON QUESTIONS
Evaluate CIJ for many small, non-contact codes on moving products with varied shapes. Evaluate TIJ for detailed variable printing on compatible cartons, labels and packaging. The real substrate, ink, print distance, speed and required code determine the final fit.
TTO is commonly evaluated for supported flexible films and labels where packaging motion, film, ribbon and printer integration can be matched. Confirm the actual packaging process, print area and resistance requirement with representative material.
Not automatically. Laser marking may be evaluated where the material responds safely to the selected laser source and the installation can provide appropriate guarding and extraction. Confirm contrast, speed and material response on the actual product.
Evaluate print and apply when the process requires a variable label on a product, case or pallet. Direct coding may suit compatible surfaces and code requirements. Package presentation, label position, data source and line speed help determine the right configuration.
Send product or package photos, the actual substrate, a code or label sample, line speed, print position, environmental conditions and available installation space. Include existing machine and consumable references for replacement projects.
APPLICATION REVIEW
Send product photos, a code sample, material, speed, print position and any existing machine reference for a practical next discussion.