Refurbished vs New CIJ Printer: How to Choose
Refurbished vs new CIJ printer: a refurbished unit makes sense when your factory already runs that brand and model, so operators, inks, make-up and spare parts stay the same. A new CIJ printer is the better choice when you are starting fresh or adding a line, because you get a known condition, current software and one consistent model across the plant.
This guide explains what refurbished and new continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are, compares them side by side, and gives a checklist of what to ask before you buy a used machine. The examples are printers that Shenzhen Mufeng Technology Limited Company supplies: refurbished units of major brands and our own new MFS and MF-M series CIJ coders.
What is a refurbished CIJ printer?
A refurbished CIJ printer is a second-hand continuous inkjet printer from an original equipment brand that has been checked and prepared for resale. Because every machine has its own history, condition, test results and included accessories differ from unit to unit.
Our refurbished range covers models such as the Domino A200+, Linx Ultima MIDI 7900, VJ 1220, Markem-Imaje 9020 and 9030, Hitachi RX2 / UX / GU series, Leibinger JET2neo, Citronix ci5500 and Willett 630. The brand names refer to the original manufacturer of each machine.
What is a new CIJ printer?
A new CIJ printer is a never-used machine supplied with current hardware and software. MufengTech builds its own small-character CIJ coders in several series:
- MFS2000: stainless-steel CIJ coder, 1–5 lines, 2–20mm character height, 3–30mm print distance, IP55.
- MF-M2000: heavy-duty CIJ printer, 1–4 lines at up to 528m/min, IP65 protection.
- MF-S400 Plus: up to 5 lines, 2–20mm characters, maximum speed 384m/min, more than 20 independent counters.
- MFS1000 and MFS200 Plus: 10.1-inch screens, one-key start and stop, automatic cleaning against clogging and modules that can be serviced one by one.
Refurbished vs new CIJ printer: comparison table
| Point | Refurbished CIJ printer | New MufengTech CIJ printer |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Used; differs from unit to unit | Never used, known condition |
| How to check | Ask for photos and a test video of the exact unit | Standard specification sheet for each model |
| Best fit | Plants already running the same brand and model | New lines, new plants, or replacing mixed fleets |
| Inks and make-up | Uses the fluids of the original brand; compatible inks are available for many models | MufengTech inks, including food-grade, edible egg, dye and pigment inks on MF-S400 Plus |
| Operator training | Minimal if operators already know the model | New interface; simple one-key start and stop on MFS models |
| Spare parts | Depends on the model; widely available for some, such as the Linx 7900 | Supplied for the MufengTech model you buy |
| Price | On request, unit by unit | On request, by model and configuration |
When a refurbished CIJ printer is the right choice
The strongest reason to buy a refurbished CIJ printer is fleet consistency. If you already run several machines of one model, adding another of the same model means your team uses the same menus, message files, ink, make-up solvent and spare parts.
A used unit also suits spare or back-up machines, short projects, or lines where the printer will run a simple date and batch code. For example, the Linx 7900 runs on standard Linx inks and make-up fluids, and common spare parts such as filters and pumps are widely available.
When a new CIJ printer is the better buy
Choose new when you want a predictable starting point. A new machine has no unknown running hours and comes with current software, so it is easier to plan maintenance and training from day one.
New is also the simpler route when you need features such as dynamic barcodes and QR codes, many counters or a large touchscreen. The MFS2000 CIJ inkjet printer and the MF-M2000 high stable CIJ inkjet printer are good starting points for fast lines, and you can compare all models on the CIJ printers page.
7-point checklist before you buy a used CIJ printer
- Confirm the exact model. Model and series decide which inks, make-up and parts you can use.
- Ask for photos of the exact unit. Check the cabinet, keyboard or screen, the umbilical and the print head.
- Ask for a test video. The video should show start-up, a printed sample of your type of code and a clean shutdown.
- Check what is included. Confirm the print head, umbilical length, power cable and any accessories such as photocell or encoder.
- Match the fluids. Make sure the ink and make-up solvent you plan to use are matched to that printer model and to your surface.
- Check your line. Compare the number of lines, character height, print distance and maximum speed with your product and line speed.
- Agree terms in writing. Confirm price, shipping and lead time for that unit before you order.
Running costs: inks and make-up
Whichever you choose, a CIJ printer uses two fluids: ink and a matching make-up solvent that keeps the ink viscosity stable. Over the life of the printer, fluids and routine maintenance matter as much as the purchase. We supply compatible inks and make-up for many major CIJ brands, for example IR-236BK black ink for Domino A100, A200 and A300 printers and Linx 1240 black ink for Linx 4900, 5900 and 7900, so a refurbished machine can often run on compatible fluids. See CIJ inks and solvents.
Coding cartons and labels at short distance rather than bottles and cables? A cartridge-based thermal inkjet coder may be simpler. Our sister site tijinkjet.com covers TIJ cartridges and coders.
FAQ: Refurbished vs new CIJ printer
Is a refurbished CIJ printer reliable?
It depends on the individual unit. Condition, test results and included accessories differ from machine to machine, so always ask for photos and a test video of the exact unit before ordering.
Can a refurbished CIJ printer use compatible ink?
Many can. We supply compatible inks and matching make-up solvents for major CIJ brands. Always use the ink and make-up matched to the printer model and to your surface.
When should I buy a new CIJ printer instead?
Buy new when you are starting a new line or plant, want a known condition and current software, or need features such as dynamic barcodes, QR codes and many counters.
Which brands of refurbished CIJ printers do you supply?
Our range includes models from Domino, Linx, Markem-Imaje, Videojet (VJ 1220), Hitachi, Leibinger, Citronix and Willett. Ask us which units are currently available.
How do I get a quote?
Contact Shenzhen Mufeng Technology Limited Company on WhatsApp +86 158 1405 1051 with the printer model you want or your product, code and line speed.
Written by the team at Shenzhen Mufeng Technology Limited Company. WhatsApp: +86 158 1405 1051