Maintenance

Zero Maintenance with TIJ

Part of any equipment operation involves maintenance, which plays a critical role in the total cost of ownership. CIJ printers require ongoing upkeep, including cleaning, filter replacements, and the addition of makeup fluid. These tasks are often complex and require skilled external services, adding significant costs. A rough estimate for CIJ maintenance is around $3000 per printer annually.

In contrast, TIJ printers require virtually no maintenance. Each time a cartridge—which contains both the ink and printing mechanism—is replaced, it effectively functions as a new printer. The closed system design eliminates the need for makeup solutions, resulting in maintenance costs that are effectively zero.

TIJ: No Maintenance
CIJ: High Maintenance

Equipment Uptime and Downtime

Reduced Downtime with TIJ

Operational productive time impacted by printers can be divided into three parts:

1. Unscheduled Downtime: This measures reliability. Assuming both CIJ and TIJ have similar reliability, the key factor becomes the time required to get the equipment back online. CIJ printers take significantly longer due to their complexity and lengthy startup times. Many users report a factor of 5 to 10 times greater uptime with TIJ.
2. Scheduled Downtime: This involves planned maintenance. CIJ printers require regular preventative maintenance, whereas TIJ printers require none.
3. Non-Scheduled Time: This refers to periods when production is not ongoing, such as during training or upgrades. For CIJ printers, long or complex startup times may necessitate leaving the machines running during these periods, which leads to increased evaporation of makeup fluids and reduced lifespan. TIJ printers, with their quick startup and simpler operation, are unaffected by such issues.

TIJ: Best Uptime
CIJ: Lower Uptime

Substrates

Prints on Everything

Previously, CIJ printers were the dominant technology for printing on non-porous substrates like plastics, metals, and varnished stock, thanks to their MEK solvent-based inks. However, advancements in solvent-based inks for TIJ cartridges now allow TIJ printers to print consistently on these surfaces. Applications such as printing on cans, plastic bags, and foils are now possible with TIJ, making it a versatile option.

TIJ: Same as CIJ
CIJ: Same as TIJ

TIJ – A Viable Replacement for CIJ Printers

TIJ solutions have reached maturity in the packaging industry. Challenges previously faced by TIJ, such as printing on non-porous substrates, have been overcome. With TIJ, the downsides of CIJ—including high maintenance, cleanliness issues, and operational complexity—are eliminated. TIJ now offers a high-quality, low-maintenance, and reliable solution for marking and coding applications.

InkjetPrint Bulking Ink System

The InkjetPrint Bulking Ink System for solvent-based and non-solvent applications is a game-changer. This system allows a single 250ml bulking ink reservoir to replace six standard cartridges, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership. By minimizing cartridge replacements and waste, this innovation further enhances the cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability of TIJ technology.

With advancements like the InkjetPrint Bulking Ink System, TIJ continues to provide a compelling alternative to CIJ for modern production lines.