Large Character Inkjet Printer vs CIJ Printer: How to Choose
A large character inkjet printer is the right choice when you need big, bold codes such as text, dates, logos or barcodes on outer cartons, sacks, boards and other large surfaces. A small character continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer is the right choice when you need small codes on fast-moving primary packaging such as bottles, cans, cables, pipes and pouches.
Both printers code products without contact, and both can print dates, counters and barcodes. They differ in drop technology, character size and the type of line they suit. This guide from Shenzhen Mufeng Technology Limited Company explains each type, compares them in one table and gives a 6-step method to choose.
What is a large character inkjet printer?
A large character inkjet printer prints tall characters, typically on secondary packaging. Our MF-D series uses drop-on-demand (DOD) solenoid-valve technology: each valve opens only when a dot is needed, so ink is fired dot by dot instead of circulating continuously.
The MF-D100 series DOD large character inkjet printer has one print head and the MF-D230 industrial inkjet printer has two. Their parameter tables list character heights from 5mm to 128mm, up to 4 lines, a best printing distance of 12mm and nozzle sizes of 80, 120 or 150 micrometres. Both have a 7-inch screen, one-key start and stop, and automatic cleaning to prevent clogging.
What is a small character CIJ printer?
A small character CIJ printer keeps a stream of ink drops circulating all the time. Only the charged drops are deflected onto the product; the rest return to the ink system. This lets it print small, fast codes on curved or uneven surfaces.
The MFS200 Plus series continuous inkjet printer prints characters 2 to 20mm high in up to 5 lines, with a maximum printing speed of 384m/min. It has a 10.1-inch screen, nozzle sizes from 40 to 85 micrometres and IP55 protection. Ink options include food-grade ink, edible egg ink, dye ink and pigment ink.
Large character inkjet printer vs CIJ: comparison table
| Point | Large character DOD printer (MF-D100 / MF-D230) | Small character CIJ printer (MFS200 Plus) |
|---|---|---|
| Drop technology | Drop-on-demand, solenoid valves | Continuous ink stream, charged and deflected drops |
| Character height | 5 to 128mm | 2 to 20mm |
| Lines | Up to 4 | Up to 5 |
| Print heads | 1 (MF-D100) or 2 (MF-D230) | 1 |
| Nozzle size | 80, 120 or 150 micrometres | 40 to 85 micrometres |
| Best printing distance | 12mm | 12mm |
| Ink types | MEK, water, alcohol, acetone-based and pigment inks | Food-grade, edible egg, dye and pigment inks |
| Typical products | Outer cartons, corrugated and particle board boxes, sacks, sheet material, pipes | Bottles, cans, caps, cables, pipes, pouches, electronic and automotive parts |
| Protection level | IP65 | IP55 |
When a large character inkjet printer is the better choice
Choose large character printing when the code must be read from a distance, for example a product name, batch, date and logo on the side of a shipping carton, or a barcode on a case. A carton coding printer like this can replace pre-printed boxes or labels for variable information.
The MF-D series prints text, time, Julian dates, logos, shift codes, serial numbers, dynamic barcodes and QR codes, with more than 20 independent counters. It is designed to work in dusty, wet and vibrating environments. Choose the two-head MF-D230 when you need two separate code areas or both sides of a box coded at once.
When a small character CIJ printer is the better choice
Choose CIJ when the code is small and the line is fast: expiry dates on bottles and cans, metre marks on cables, codes on pipes, and batch numbers on food, medical and chemical packaging. Its small drops reach curved and uneven surfaces, and the ink range covers food packaging and eggs.
CIJ needs ink and a matching make-up solvent, so plan for consumables and regular maintenance. Our CIJ inks and solvents range covers many common printer brands.
How to choose in 6 steps
- Measure the code height. Codes over 20mm high point to a large character DOD printer. Small codes of 2 to 20mm point to CIJ.
- Identify the package level. Outer cartons, cases and sacks usually suit large character printing. Primary packs such as bottles, cans and pouches usually suit CIJ.
- List the content. Count the lines, and check if you need a logo, barcode or QR code and how far away it must be readable.
- Check the surface and ink. Porous cardboard, plastic, metal and glass each need the right ink type. Ask us to match the ink to your material.
- Check the line speed. Note the line speed, product spacing and whether products are curved or flat.
- Test on real samples. Send samples or photos and your code layout. We will recommend a printer and ink and test where possible.
Can I use both on one line?
Yes. Many factories code each bottle or pouch with a small character CIJ printer and the outer shipping carton with a large character printer. Each printer then does the job it suits best.
Need sharp, high-resolution carton codes or QR codes at a smaller height? Thermal inkjet may also be an option; see our sister site tijinkjet.com for TIJ coders and cartridges.
FAQ: Large character inkjet printer vs CIJ
What is the difference between DOD and CIJ?
A drop-on-demand (DOD) printer fires a drop only when a dot is needed, using solenoid valves on our MF-D series. A continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer keeps a stream of drops circulating and deflects only the drops it needs onto the product.
How tall can a large character inkjet printer print?
The MF-D100 and MF-D230 parameter tables list character heights from 5mm to 128mm, in up to 4 lines.
Can a CIJ printer print on cartons?
Yes, CIJ can print small codes on cartons, but for large text, logos or barcodes on outer cartons a large character printer is usually the better fit.
Which printer is better for cables and pipes?
A small character CIJ printer such as the MFS200 Plus suits cables and pipes, with characters from 2 to 20mm and up to 384m/min.
How do I get a recommendation?
Contact Shenzhen Mufeng Technology Limited Company on WhatsApp +86 158 1405 1051 with your product, code size and line speed.
Written by the team at Shenzhen Mufeng Technology Limited Company. WhatsApp: +86 158 1405 1051