Rigid Plastic Industrial Inkjet Printing and Coding Applications ij

Rigid plastic must be marked with various codes to comply with federal and state regulations and aid in distribution. Required codes frequently include:

  • Serial numbers
  • Traceable lot codes/batch numbers
  • Production date codes
  • Packaging facility information
  • QR codes/barcodes
  • Anti-counterfeiting codes
  • Regulatory symbols
  • Sell-by/best-before dates

For a plastic that puts up with so much use and abuse, you need a printing and coding solution that’s equally resilient. That's where InkJet, Inc. technologies come in with the perfect solution for rigid plastic printing. Our printers are as reliable as they are robust, and our nontransferable inks won't melt or smudge, even under the harshest printing and use conditions.

Marking Solutions for Rigid Plastic Printing

Rigid plastic comes in many shapes, sizes, and substrates. Your specific printing needs may differ for a lightweight PET plastic versus a heavy-duty HDPE plastic—and the surface area you plan to cover also makes a difference.            
 

This table lists our recommended rigid plastic printing systems and their general specifications. Additional information for each option can be found further below. Click the linked title in the table’s leftmost column to jump to a specific solution.

InkJet, Inc’s Rigid Plastic Printing Systems

Coding Technology

Operating Method

System Options

Maximum Resolution and Print Height

Maximum Marking Speed

Cost Factors

Continuous Inkjet Printer

Propels pressurized ink droplets toward the substrate

DuraCode Touchscreen, Keyboard, and Pigment

70 DPI at 15 mm height

320 m/min.

Low to moderate unit cost, low consumable cost

Thermal Inkjet Printer

Uses heat to pressurize and eject ink droplets toward 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

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

Continuous Inkjet Printers: DuraCode Touchscreen, Keyboard, and Pigment

Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are non-contact production line printing systems designed to mark substrates moving at 300 m/min and above. CIJ printers operate up to 24 hours daily without downtime because they’re built with powerful ink circulation systems. The speed, wide ink compatibility, and versatile printheads of CIJ printers enable users to mark thousands of products daily with long-lasting, highly legible codes. 

InkJet, Inc. meets diverse coding needs by maintaining a comprehensive CIJ ink catalog with dozens of formulas designed for rigid plastic coding. Over 30 years of producing ink has given InkJet, Inc. an endless catalog of inks developed with specialty formulas to meet a broad range of printing needs, including:

  • Superior substrate adhesion
  • Heat resistance
  • Alcohol resistance
  • Rub resistance
  • Ultra-quick dry times
  • Anti-transfer properties
  • Extreme temperature resistance
  • Soft and hard pigmentation
  • Oil/grease penetration
  • Condensation penetration 

With so many options to choose from, Inkjet, Inc. can provide you with the ideal printer & ink combo for your facility’s unique rigid plastic coding applications. 

InkJet, Inc. carries three CIJ systems:

  1. DuraCode Keyboard
  2. DuraCode Touchscreen
  3. DuraCode Pigment Printer

All DuraCode systems can mark porous and non-porous substrates at speeds up to 320 m/min. Equipped with an IP55 outer structure and able to operate in temperatures ranging from 41-113° F, the DuraCode CIJ can withstand potentially hazardous environmental elements to deliver consistently excellent results. 

The DuraCode Keyboard and Touchscreen offer the same specifications and compatibility with ink formulas. The only difference between them is their input medium. The DuraCode Pigment has identical specifications as the DuraCode Keyboard and Touchscreen but uses pigmented ink instead of dye ink

 

See the chart below for a closer look at the DuraCode models’ most important specifications. 

Specification

DuraCode Touchscreen, Keyboard, & Pigment CIJ Printers

Nozzle

40, 50, 60, 70 μm

Print Height

1.2-15 mm

Maximum Print Speed

Up to 1,050 ft./min (320 m/min)

Print Distance

1-3 in. (25.4-76.2 mm)

Input System

Touchscreen or Standard Keyboard / WYSIWYG

Print Font

5x5, 7x5, 9x6, 11x8, 16x11, 24x17, 32x22

Operating Environment

  • Temperature: 5-45° C (41-113°F)  
  • Humidity: 0%-90%, no condensing

User Defined Field

Bar Code, QR Code, Logos, Clock, Counter, Classes, etc.

IP Rating

IP55 Industrial Protection

Gross Weight with Complete Package

45 kg / 99 lbs

Standard Features

Font library - Multi-language support - Traverse printing - 90-degree vertical printing - Special counter Counter replacement - Clock replacement - Encoder port - USB port - Ink recovery pump - Solvent flush pump - Micro print

Optional Add-Ons

Serial port - Network LAN connection - Positive air pump

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

Thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers are smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective than CIJ systems. While CIJ systems typically weigh around 100 lbs and can cost around $10,000, most TIJ models weigh 5-10 lbs and cost as low as $1,499.00.          
 

Although thermal inkjet systems are compact and lightweight, they offer impressive coding specifications. For example, the 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 can create 600 x 600 DPI codes up to 2” tall with stitched printheads.          
 

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

The Anser U2 Smart and SmartOne Thermal Inkjet Printer

The Anser U2 Smart and SmartOne Thermal Inkjet Printer: Compact and cost-effective, the Anser U2 Pro-S is an excellent choice for rigid plastic printing in applications that do not require CIJ-level marking speeds. The Anser U2 Pro-S offers a 76.2 m/min max printing speed, 400 x 300 DPI max resolution, 0.5” max print height, intuitive operation, and easy installation. 

The Anser A1 Thermal Inkjet Printer:

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). The A1 maxes out at 300 m/min for product marking applications with certain cartridges. Users control the A1 through a large touchscreen interface.

The Anser X1 Thermal Inkjet Printer

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 Pro-S

Anser A1

Anser X1

Max Printheads

1

2

2

Display

3.5” Color LCD with LED backlight

5” Color LCD Capacitive Touchscreen 480 x 800 (portrait)

7” 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

Print Height

0.5”

1” with single printhead, 2” with stitched printheads

1” with single printhead, 2” with stitched printheads

Print Resolution

400 x 300 DPI

300 DPI

600 x 600 DPI

Print Speed

76.2 m/min

121 m/min

300 m/min

Print Distance

0.25” (6mm)

0.25” (6mm)

0.25” (6mm)

Operating Temp.

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

IP66

Dimensions and Weight

(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)

 

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

Specification

F8100F, F8100C, LDR7100, & F8100U Laser Systems

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 

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

High-resolution case coders (hi-res) excel at placing high-quality images and codes on rigid packaging. InkJet, Inc.’s Precision Series 18mm and Precision Series 72mm are ideal for secondary and tertiary packaging tasks.         
 

High-resolution case coders use robust 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 offers 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 independent, 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, allowing for 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 also stack heads to increase image sizes.        
     

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.

Print-and-Apply Label Machine: Evolabel Systems

Evolabel on a secondary packaging line.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 are made 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 plastic bottles 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 package labeling process, reduce the risk of error, and maximize packaging efficiency.  

Ink Options for Industrial Coding on Rigid Plastic

After more than three decades of producing high-quality inks, InkJet, Inc.’s comprehensive catalog contains numerous formulas to better meet the needs of diverse companies.       
 

In addition to a wide assortment of inks with special properties, we also carry aftermarket formulas for today’s most popular printer systems. Our aftermarket options are more affordable than their original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) counterparts but perform just as well, if not better. 

Food-Grade Inks

For packaging that may come into contact with food, our food-grade inks are manufactured in accordance with the U.S. FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure the health and safety of your consumers. In fact, this type of ink is so safe that it can be used to print directly on food, too.

Industrial CIJ Ink

Our industrial CIJ ink is suitable for a wide range of printing needs and is compatible with OEM printers, other makers’ printers, and our own industrial InkJet, Inc. printers. We offer low-VOC options that are able to resist environmental challenges such as moisture, abrasion, and chemical exposure. Our UV/invisible inks provide a simple and easy answer to counterfeiting challenges, including those often encountered by beauty product manufacturers.

Custom Ink Solutions

We are also able to create a custom ink for your application, should you require a more specialized solution for the specific plastic printing and coding challenges your business faces.
 

Optimizing Your Rigid Plastic Printing and Coding System

When you need to optimize your tracking and traceability capabilities to comply with regulatory requirements or improve operational efficiency, it’s important to pair the best industrial inkjet printer with the best ink for rigid plastic printing. From sole proprietors to massive manufacturing operations, there’s a perfect solution out there for everyone - and our experts here at InkJet, Inc. are happy to help you find yours. We also offer testing and validation services to ensure maximum success for every project.

InkJet, Inc. has been a leading provider of high-quality printers and inks for years, with CIJ options for high-volume production lines as well as TIJ and other more economical options for lower-volume manufacturers.  Call us at 1-(800) 280-3245 or contact us online today to find your ideal options for rigid plastic printing.