What are the two types of inkjet printing?

Inkjet printing, a widely used printing technology, was invented in the 1970s. It mainly involves using tiny droplets of ink to print text or images on paper or other materials. Inkjet printers are classified into two main types; continuous inkjet and drop-on-demand inkjet printing. Here is an article discussing these two types of inkjet printing.

Overview of Inkjet Printing

Inkjet printing technology involves using very small droplets of ink to create text or images on paper or other materials. The droplets are sprayed onto the media surface through a printhead, which is passed over the surface in a series of back and forth movements. The printhead is programmed to produce specific patterns and shapes, which forms the text or images that make up the final result.

There are two types of inkjet printing; continuous inkjet and drop-on-demand inkjet printing. Both types use different techniques to produce high-quality prints.

Continuous Inkjet Printing:

Continuous inkjet printing (CIJ) is the original inkjet printing technology used by the first inkjet printers. It was first created by the American engineer, Steve Zoltan, in 1965. Continuous inkjet printing involves using a printhead that sprays tiny droplets of ink continuously. These droplets are then charged with an electrical charge, which directs them onto the media surface, such as paper or plastic.

Continuous inkjet printing is used in various applications, such as food packaging, coding, labeling, and product marking. The technology is a highly efficient way of producing high-quality printing at a low cost. The ink used in CIJ printing must be formulated to flow smoothly through the printhead nozzle to create a continuous stream of ink droplets.

The printing process involves producing droplets of ink that are electrically charged, and then selectively deflecting them using an electrostatic field. The deflected droplets form the printed image or text on the surface of the media.

Drop-on-Demand Inkjet Printing:

Drop-on-demand inkjet printing (DOD) is a newer form of inkjet printing that has gained much popularity over the years. It was first developed in 1975 by Seiko Epson Corporation. Unlike continuous inkjet printing, which produces a steady stream of ink droplets, DOD uses a printhead that creates droplets only when needed. The ink droplets are squirted through a small nozzle using heat or mechanical pressure.

Drop-on-demand inkjet printing is most commonly used in desktop inkjet printers but has applications beyond home use. It is used in industrial applications that require high-quality prints that are also fast and reliable. The printing technology is mostly used for printing text and images on a larger scale, such as billboards, signage, and packaging.

Comparison of CIJ and DOD

When comparing these two types of inkjet printing, it’s crucial to understand that both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Accuracy and Quality:

CIJ printing produces smaller droplets of ink that results in more accurate prints, especially with small fonts and intricate designs. However, the accuracy of CIJ is lower than that of DOD, which can also produce larger droplets of ink for faster printing.

Cost and Maintenance:

CIJ printers tend to be more expensive as they require more maintenance, production, and energy costs. On the other hand, DOD is more cost-effective as it involves less maintenance and production costs.

Speed:

DOD printing is faster than CIJ, as it can produce larger droplets of ink and is more efficient. However, the speed of the printing depends on the quality expected, the size of the image, and the complexity of the design.

Environmental considerations:

When it comes to environmental considerations, DOD is a better option. DOD printing generates less waste than CIJ printing, which requires a continuous supply of ink to produce prints.

Applications:

CIJ is used in applications that require high-speed printing, such as in the packaging and labeling of goods, and the coding of food products. On the other hand, DOD printing is popular in the direct-to-garment printing, printing of books, magazines, brochures, large-format printing, and outdoor signage.

Conclusion:

Continuous inkjet and drop-on-demand inkjet printing are two types of inkjet printing that are widely used in various applications. Both types of inkjet printing have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the specific application. CIJ printing is appropriate in applications that require high-speed printing, while DOD printing is ideal in direct-to-garment printing, printing of books, magazines, brochures, large-format printing, and outdoor signage. When looking for an inkjet printer, it’s essential to consider the features required for the application to ensure optimal performance.