Corrugated Box Printing: Printers, Case Coders, and Lasers | InkJet, Inc.

Countless companies utilize corrugated boxes for primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging applications. Strong, lightweight, and recyclable, corrugated boxes shield products during distribution, protecting them until they reach consumers. 

Throughout the distribution network, channel partners rely on box codes for key information, including:

  • Ship-to and ship-from addresses
  • Product title/description
  • Expiration dates/best-before dates
  • Manufacturing date
  • Handling instructions
  • Country of origin
  • Storage information
  • Tracking information
  • Regulatory information
  • Contact information

If these codes are absent or unreadable, you can experience numerous complications, including: 

  • Shipment delays
  • Improper handling
  • Inventory errors
  • Damaged products
  • Loss of tracking
  • Regulatory non-compliance

To maintain efficiency and prevent expensive distribution issues, you need a high-quality corrugated box printing system.

At InkJet, Inc, we carry numerous box-labeling technologies, including thermal inkjet printers, hi-res case coders, laser marking systems, and print-and-apply-labelers. Here’s how our systems can benefit your operation.

InkJet, Inc’s Corrugated Box Marking Systems

InkJet, Inc. carries multiple systems that excel at marking corrugated boxes. Our TIJ printers, hi-res case coders, and laser systems enable you to directly mark boxes with images, codes, text messages, and more. We also carry print-and-apply-labelers that streamline the physical labeling process. 

This table lists our various hardware options and notes their general specifications. Additional information on each machine can be located further below. Click the title in the table’s leftmost column to jump to a specific solution.


InkJet, Inc’s Corrugated Box Marking Systems

Coding Technology

Operating Method

System Options

Maximum Resolution and Print Height

Maximum Marking Speed

Cost Factors

Thermal Inkjet Printer

Uses heat to pressurize and eject ink droplets towards the substrate

Anser U2 Models

400 x 300 DPI (height varies by model)

76.2 m/min

Low unit cost, moderately consumable cost

Anser A1

600 x 600 DPI at 1” height (2” height with stitched print heights)

300 m/min with HP cartridges, 150 m/min with IUT cartridges

Moderate unit cost, moderate consumable cost

Anser X1

600 x 600 DPI at 1” height (2” height with stitched print heights)

300 m/min

Moderate unit cost, moderate consumable cost

Hi-Res Case Coder

Propels oil-based ink droplets to create stark codes

Precision Series 18mm & 72mm

180 DPI at 18mm height or 72mm height

Low to moderate speed

Moderate unit cost, low consumable cost

Laser Marking Solution

Creates a concentrated light beam to mark or engrave the substrate

F8100F Fiber, F8100C CO2, LDR 7100, & F8100U UV Laser Marking Systems

Lenses up to 300mm x 300mm 

2,000 characters per second

High unit cost, little to no consumables

Print-and-Apply Label Machine

Auto-prints and applies  labels to passing materials

Evolabel

300 DPI (height varies by printer model)

60 m/min

High unit cost, moderate consumable cost

Thermal Inkjet Printers: Anser X1, A1, and U2 Models

Thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers are compact, cost-effective machines with impressive coding specifications. For example, InkJet’, Inc’s Anser U2 Smart can create 400 x 300 DPI codes up to 0.5” tall (1” tall with the Anser U2 SmartOne). Higher-end TIJs like the Anser X1 and A1 can create 600 x 600 DPI codes up to 2” tall with stitched printheads. These qualities enable TIJ operators to complete product marking tasks as well as case coding applications.

TIJ printers also offer:

  • Simple Installation: TIJ printers are compact and lightweight, enabling easy and quick line integration.
  • Zero-Maintenance Operation: Unlike continuous inkjet printers, thermal inkjet printers do not require printhead cleanings, ink system maintenance, or professional servicing. Users can maintain proper TIJ operation for years by performing simple cleaning tasks and following basic usage guidelines. 

TIJ printers are often designed for slower speed lines and intermittent coding tasks, but some TIJ models offer high-speed capabilities as well. InkJet, Inc. carries numerous TIJ printers of varying specialties and price points. Our current options include:

The Anser U2 Smart and SmartOne Thermal Inkjet Printer: The Anser U2 Smart is InkJet, Inc’s most affordable printer option. Available for $1,499.00, the Anser U2 Smart is compatible with porous and semi-porous packaging such as cardboard boxes, paperboard cartons, and wood. The system’s max speed is 76.2 m/min, and the max resolution is 400 x 300 DPI. The stock U2 Smart has a max 0.5” print height, while the Anser U2 SmartOne has a max 1” print height.

The Anser U2 Pro-S Thermal Inkjet Printer: Compact and cost-effective, the Anser U2 Pro-S is an excellent choice for operations that don’t require CIJ-level marking speeds. Like the Anser U2 Smart and SmartOne, the Anser U2 Pro-S has 76.2 m/min max speed and 400 x 300 DPI max resolution. However, the Anser U2 Pro-S is compatible with more materials, for the printer can mark porous, semi-porous, and non-porous substrates. If you need an affordable multi-purpose printer, the Anser U2 is right for you.

The Anser A1 Thermal Inkjet Printer: The first all-in-one TIJ that offers 2” printing and mid-message DPI adjustments, the Anser A1 is both powerful and affordable. Built with 2 cartridge slots, the A1 can create 2” tall markings with varying DPI elements (e.g., 300 DPI QR code with 150 DPI text). These qualities make the A1 an excellent case coding printer. Users control the A1 through a large touchscreen interface.

The Anser X1 Thermal Inkjet Printer: Even though the Anser X1 is a thermal inkjet printer, you wouldn’t know that from its spec sheet. With printing speeds up to 300 m/min, the Anser X1 is one of the most powerful TIJs on the market today. Beyond industrial speed marking, the Anser X1 offers a 600 DPI max resolution, a 3.87” max print height (with stitched printheads), IP66 protection, and the ability to control two production lines simultaneously.

See the chart below for a closer look into how our TIJ options compare to one another:

InkJet, Inc’s Thermal Inkjet Printer Options

Specification

Anser U2 Smart and

SmartOne

Anser U2 Pro-S

Anser A1

Anser X1

Max Printheads

1

1

2

2

Display

3.5” Color LCD with LED backlight

3.5” Color LCD with LED backlight

5” Color LCD Capacitive Touchscreen 480x800 (portrait)

7-inch Color LCD Capacitive Touchscreen (800 x 480 px)

Input Device

Pocket-sized IR remote keypad

Pocket-sized IR remote keypad

Pocket-sized IR remote keypad

Pocket-sized IR remote keypad

Print Height

0.5” with Smart 1” with SmartOne

0.5”

1” with single printhead, 2” with stitched printheads

1” with single printhead, 2” with stitched printheads

Print Resolution

400 x 300 DPI

400 x 300 DPI

300 DPI

600 x 600 DPI

Print Speed

76.2 m/min

76.2 m/min

121 m/min

300 m/min

Print Distance

0.25” (6mm)

0.25” (6mm)

0.25” (6mm)

0.25” (6mm)

Operating Temp.

0°C ~ 40°C (32°F ~ 104°F)

0°C ~ 40°C (32°F ~ 104°F)

5°C – 40°C (41°F – 104°F)

5°C – 40°C (41°F – 104°F)

IP Rating

N/A

N/A

N/A

IP66

Dimensions and Weight


(L/W/H) 4.5″ x 3″ x 2.5″

0.49kg (1.08 lb) – excluding cartridge and bracket


(L/W/H) 4.5” x 3” x 2.4” 

0.49kg (1.08 lb) – excluding cartridge and bracket

(L/W/H) 6.7” x 5.4” x 4.9”

1.8kg (3.97lb) w/o guide plate

(L/W/H) 11.5” x 5.6” x 2”

2.7kg (6lb)

Compatible Materials

Porous and semi-porous materials

Porous, semi-porous, and non-porous materials

Porous, semi-porous, and non-porous materials

Porous, semi-porous, and non-porous materials

High-Resolution Case Coders: Precision Series 18mm & 72mm

High-resolution case coders (hi-res) excel at printing on corrugated cardboard, especially for secondary and tertiary packaging applications. 

High-resolution case coders like InkJet, Inc’s Precision Series 18mm and Precision Series 72mm use powerful piezoelectric printheads to create large messages, intricate graphics, and stark images. Hi-res ink is oil-based and thicker than CIJ or TIJ ink, making hi-res codes more durable and visually appealing. As case coding solutions, Precision Series systems enable users to replace physical shipping labels with printed codes, text, and images. 

Direct printing holds numerous benefits over manual labeling, including:

  • Faster coding times
  • Fewer material costs
  • Lower risk of coding errors
  • Better code durability
  • Improved print quality

In addition to these factors, Precision Series case coders further benefit users with these unique features:

  • Internal Barcode Generation: Precision Series case coders can operate as completely standalone machines. Equipped with label design software and internal memory, Precision Series case coders allow users to create and store designs without an external computer.
  • Seamless System Integration: Precision Series case coders are compatible with NiceLabel and Windows systems, enabling easy integration with external networks.
  • Dual-Head Functionality: Precision Series printers can be equipped with two printheads, allowing operators to print on two box sides simultaneously, whether for repeat images or independent codes. Users can stack heads to increase image size as well.

See the chart below for a closer look into the Precision Series’ most important specifications:

Specification

Precision Series 18mm & 72mm Hi-Res Case Coder

Dimensions and Weight (Including Bracket)

  • (L/W/H) 322 x 183 x 480 mm / 12.7” x 7.2” x 18.9
  • 3.35 kg / 7.38l bs

Line Speed

Up to 200/min

Print Area

53.7mm x 500mm per print head

Print Speed

0 - 60 m/min

Print Head

180 DPI

Operating Environment

  • Temperature: 5-38° C / (41-100.4°F)  
  • Humidity: 10% – 90% (non-condensing)

Internal Memory

42 MB for fonts, images, and labels. The number of labels depends on the size.

Barcode Options

EAN8, EAN13, CODE 39, CODE128, ITF, and QR with adjustable height and module width. Multiple barcodes are possible in one label.

Automatic Shift Codes

Up to 25 shift codes, definable over a maximum of 7 days. Multiple shift codes are possible in one label.

Laser Marking Solutions: Fiber, CO2, and UV Laser Models

Laser marking systems are perfect for companies that require high coding speeds, reliable accuracy, and exceptional code appearance. High-output operations frequently use laser systems to meet demanding quotas, minimize coding errors, and enhance their products’ visual appeal. As laser marking machines have become more affordable, they have become increasingly popular with smaller-scale companies as well.

Laser systems are more expensive than printers but do not use any consumables. Moreover, they have minimal maintenance needs and do not require annual servicing. Depending on your output needs, these factors can make laser marking more cost-effective than printing.

InkJet, Inc’s F8100C CO2 Laser Marking Machine is compatible with corrugated cardboard and offers the following benefits:

  • Marking speeds up to 2000 characters/sec.
  • 24/7 uninterrupted coding
  • Reliable ingress protections
  • Long laser tube life
  • Enhanced high-resolution mark quality
  • Plug-and-play laser module for easy line replacement
  • User-friendly control panel via computer or smartphone app

See the chart below for a closer look into our laser systems’ most important specifications.

Specification

F8100C Laser System

Marking Speed

Up to 2,000 characters/second

Line Speed

Up to 200 m/min

Wave Lengths

  • Fiber: 1,055 - 1,070nm
  • CO2: 10.6um, 10.2um, and 9.3um
  • LDR: 10.6um, 10.3um, and 9.3um
  • UV: 355nm

Marking Formats

  • Standard industrial fonts (Windows TrueType®) and single line font  
  • Machine-readable codes (OCR, 2D matrix, etc.) 
  • Bar codes: code 128a, code 128B, code 128c, code39, code93, QR Code, Data Matrix, Aztec-Code, Han Xin-Cod
  • Graphics, logos, symbols, etc. 
  • Linear, circular, angular, reverse, rotate sequential, and batch numbering  
  • Automatic date, layer and time code, real-time clock 

Laser Tube

  • Fiber: Ytterbium (YT) pulsed fiber laser
  • CO2: Sealed CO2 laser
  • LDR: Sealed CO2 laser
  • UV: Solid-state UV laser

Beam Deflection

Steers beam with digital high-speed galvanometer scanners

User Interface

Personalized touch control screen with an easy-to-learn interface

Communication

  • UDP, TCP/IP, and RS232
  • Inputs for encoder and product detector triggers
  • 4 inputs/4 outputs for start/stop signals, machine/operator interlocks, and alarm outputs (in addition to safety circuits)
  • Customer-specific solutions are available

Integration

Flexible beam delivery options (beam extension unit/beam turning unit) 

Cooling System

Air-cooled

Operating Environment

  • Temperature: 5-40° C (41-104°F)  
  • Humidity: 0%-90%, no condensing
  • Inputs for encoder and product detector triggers

IP Rating

Cabinet: IP54 standard

Weight

Approx. 40 kg 

Print-and-Apply Label Machine: Evolabel Systems

Print-and-apply labeling machines (PALM) streamline the labeling process by continuously creating and applying labels to passing products or shipping cartons. Predominantly used to label shipping cartons, PALM systems can complete primary, secondary, and tertiary applications with the right equipment. 

Users can customize their print-and-apply labelers to complete specific tasks. PALM systems consist of multiple components, with two of the most important being:

  1. The printer module, which prints labels on-demand
  2. The label applicator, which dispenses and applies each label to a product, carton, or pallet

By selecting the ideal printer/applicator combo, you can use a PALM system to label your cardboard packages quickly, accurately, and efficiently. 

The Evolabel Print-and-Apply Labeler is InkJet, Inc’s PALM option. Evolabel systems are compatible with three different printer modules:

We offer numerous applicators to fulfill diverse packaging requirements. Available applicators include

 


By investing in an Evolabel system, you can simplify your case package labeling process, reduce the risk of error, and maximize packaging efficiency.  

High-Quality Inks for Different Packaging Requirements

InkJet, Inc. has produced high-quality inks for over 30 years. Our comprehensive catalog contains numerous cardboard-compatible formulas that excel in different applications. 

We offer many formulas with special properties, including:

  • Superior substrate adhesion
  • Ultra-quick dry times
  • Sunlight resistance
  • Fade resistance
  • Rub resistance
  • Soft/hard pigmentation

We also carry aftermarket formulas for today’s most popular printer systems. Our aftermarket options are more affordable than their OEM counterparts but perform just as well, if not better. 

InkJet, Inc. carries aftermarket options for printers made by the following companies:

  • Videojet
  • Domino including Bitjet and Jet array
  • Markem-Imaje
  • Linx
  • Diagraph
  • Willett
  • Leibinger

We also offer custom ink services for unique applications and situations.

Improve Your Corrugated Box Printing Process with InkJet, Inc. Technology

InkJet, Inc.’s printers, lasers, and PALM systems help companies of all industries improve their corrugated box printing processes. With our hardware and high-quality ink options, we can help you streamline the marking process, comply with relevant regulations, and improve the visual appearance of your packaging. Contact us today to learn more.