Continuous Inkjet Printers / Case Coder
Continuous Inkjet Printers / Case Coder
The KEYENCE lineup of continuous inkjet printers includes the MK-G Series for all types of objects, such as individual packages, containers, cartons, bottles, construction materials, and electronic components, as well as the CC-1000 Series for printing on corrugated cardboard and kraft bags. We offer the best model for each customer's application.
Product Lineup
MK-G Series is the world's first self-troubleshooting continuous inkjet printer that completely eliminates the guesswork of inkjet maintenance and can be operated without any specialized product knowledge or skills. By incorporating KEYENCE sensor technologies to enhance self-diagnostic capabilities, the new MK-G Series can automatically perform maintenance and troubleshooting on its own – just like how a trained inkjet technician would. The unit features new functions that ensure automatic cleaning is performed every time before shutdown even when the power is disrupted, and allow users to check the status and perform operations on the printer remotely from a PC or Smartphone.
KEYENCE has been an innovative leader in the inkjet printing industry since the early 1990s. By integrating KEYENCE’s proprietary sensors and machine vision technologies, the CC-1000 Series solves conventional box printing challenges, simplifies setup and maintenance, and ensures superior print quality and reliability.
Continuous inkjet printers function by spraying closely controlled ink particles onto targets, such that clear and lasting marks are made. Inkjet printers are largely grouped into two categories: those that are connected to a PC for the office or home use, and continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers that are used on production lines in factories for purposes. KEYENCE’s MK-G Series is a continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer and is primarily used for printing expiration dates, lot numbers, barcodes/2D codes on products in factories, and warehouses. Blurring and product damage are inherently avoided from the non-contact nature of inkjet printing. This technology can print at high speeds from any direction or orientation and the compact head can be mounted easily onto packaging machines or filling machines, making installation painless. Count-up values and dates can be updated automatically to prevent printing incorrect data.
Benefits of Continuous Inkjet Printers / Case Coder
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers can print characters by spraying quick-drying ink in a non-contact manner, regardless of the material or shape of the targets. They have been used for printing lot codes, date codes, barcodes/2D codes on products, and are widely used in many industries.
In the food industry, continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are mainly used for printing expiration dates and lot numbers in factories. Their targets include containers such as PET bottles and beer cans, packaging film of frozen food, aluminum pouch, jam jars, and coated cartons. The non-contact method allows direct printing on the curved surfaces of bottles or on film after contents are sealed. Other than the food industry, continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are also used widely for printing information such as the length of extruded products including building materials and wires; lot numbers on cosmetics containers and boxes; and 2D codes on plated or coated surfaces of automotive parts and electronic components.
Continuous inkjet printers (CIJ) can print at high speeds from any direction or orientation. The compact head can be mounted easily onto packaging machines or filling machines, making installation painless.
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers have been installed and used in various types of packaging machines and filling machines. For example, horizontal/vertical pillow type packaging machines, rotary fillers, heat sealers, cartoners, hopper labelers, sealing machines, and cup sealers. Since printing on moving targets is possible, there is no need to stop the operation of packaging machines. If the movement speed varies, printing can be synchronized with an encoder. Installation in existing machines is easy in three steps: 1) install the dedicated attachment, 2) mount a sensor, and 3) install an encoder if necessary.
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers automatically update count-up/down values and dates, so printing data can be changed correctly without human errors.
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers have a calendar function for printing automatically-updated expiration or manufacturing dates. If you want to assign numbers to individual products to enhance traceability management, you can use a counter function to print serial numbers by counting up or down automatically. Moreover, you can change printing data via the packaging machine or filling machine by sending characters using Ethernet. This ensures the printing of correct data without mistakes.
Continuous Inkjet Printer Case Studies
Food, Pharmaceutical, and Cosmetics Industries
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers can be used to print expiration dates and lot numbers on individual packaging films for snacks, frozen food, and condiments. When installed in a pillow type packaging machine or rotary filler, a continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer can help prevent printing mistakes while improving manufacturing productivity. Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers can also be used to print use-by dates and lot numbers on container bottles for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Installing a continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer on a conveyor belt carrying filled bottles allows printing information on the curved side or bottom of the bottles, which are difficult to print with stamps. Moreover, continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers can be used to print best-before dates and lot numbers on pudding, yogurt, and jelly cups filled by a cup sealer or deep-drawing packaging machine. Products filled in parallel can also be printed on by traversing the print head.
Electrical Machinery and Electronics Industries
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers capable of non-contact printing are widely used for products susceptible to damages. Marking on connectors, switches, and PCBs is commonly done by laser markers. Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers, however, are used when laser marking can potentially cause damage to products such as insulating films, plating, or flexible PCBs, or when the marking contrast will be low due to the high heat resistance of the resin.
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are also used for bad mark printing on defective products found by an inspection machine. Printing data can be switched based on the result obtained from the inspection machine such as for wafers, PCBs, and films. Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are useful because they can change printing data without producing foreign substances.
Automotive, Metal, and Other Industries
In the automotive industry, continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers capable of reliable non-contact printing are used for many applications. Non-contact printing of continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers is effective for printing on mufflers and aluminum wheels that have curved surfaces. Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are often used for products with plated or cation-painted surfaces to prevent corrosion. White or yellow ink is used to print on black-painted undercarriage parts.
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers are also used for printing on pipes and hoses made by extrusion molding. Once manufacturing starts, molding can continue for several days, which means that contact-type stamping cannot maintain sufficient printing quality. With a continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer, reliable printing can be offered with no smudged or incomplete characters even over extended operating time.
Continuous inkjet printers (CIJ) have several key features that make them more suitable for carrying out high-speed industrial printing, especially compared to more traditional printing methods, such as stamping, hot foil printers, labelers, and punching machines. Revolutionizing the industry for industrial continuous inkjet printer suppliers, here are some of their key features:
• High-Speed Printing: CIJ printers are designed for high-speed printing, and some models are capable of printing up to 470 m 1542′ of single-line text per minute.
• Variable Data Printing: Industrial inkjet coding printers are perfect for handling variable data printing, which allows them to update information like date and time stamps as well as serial numbers.
• Resolution and Quality: Small but high-quality text limited to one to six lines of text, 1D and 2D barcodes, and simple logos.
• Wide Substrate Compatibility: Continuous inkjet printer manufacturers create them to print on a wide range of materials, including uneven, curved, or textured surfaces.
• Operate in Dirty/Wet Conditions: KEYENCE's MK-G Series CIJ printers are equipped with a durable, IP55-rated body that can withstand accidental drops.
• Simple Maintenance and Operation: CIJ printers from KEYENCE have a console that displays illustrations that help solve issues. Operators can also check the status of the printer via an ethernet cable or the web.
The KEYENCE CC-1000 Series high-resolution case coders set a new benchmark for printing on corrugated boxes and kraft bags. With 360-DPI output and a throw distance of up to 0.6 inches, they create crisp barcodes and clear text even when substrates vary in height or surface texture. The long throw design prevents nozzle collisions and ink splashback that often disrupt production in older systems.
Each CC-1000 Series includes an integrated print-inspection camera that verifies every mark in real time. The multi-sensing unit tracks conveyor speed, vibration, and product position to prevent stretched or distorted codes. Combined with temperature-stable ink and a simple maintenance routine, these features make the CC-1000 Series a strong option for dependable case coding applications on fast-moving lines.
Printing requirements vary widely across industries. The MK-G Series CIJ printers manage most primary packaging work, marking lot codes, expiration dates, and product details on bottles, pouches, and film. Compact printheads fit easily into filling or sealing equipment. Quick-drying inks stick cleanly, even on slick or curved packaging.
Case coders address the secondary stage of production, printing large alphanumeric text, barcodes, and graphics on shipping cartons or distribution boxes. In food and beverage lines, CIJ printers mark individual containers while CC-1000 Series case coders label cases that carry those units downstream. Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive parts manufacturers use the same combination to maintain product-to-carton traceability across diverse materials and environments.
Modern production lines rely on coding and marking solutions that keep pace with constant throughput, short changeovers, and complex substrates. KEYENCE provides a complete range of options from continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers for fine text and date codes to large character inkjet printer systems, also known as case coders for secondary packaging. Both deliver accurate, repeatable printing that supports traceability and production efficiency across industries, including food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
KEYENCE’s MK-G Series of continuous inkjet printers is the first ever self-troubleshooting CIJ printer in the world, freeing up engineers and maintenance staff to focus on other critical production and manufacturing needs.
KEYENCE’s industrial continuous inkjet printers offer unmatched reliability and performance analysis, ensuring consistent and error-free printing for a wide range of industries. With advanced features like direct connection to print inspection equipment and Smart Startup, our CIJ printers are designed to save time, reduce costs, and provide peace of mind.
The CC-1000 Series combines print quality, durability, and ease of operation in one platform. Automatic print inspection and synchronized setup simplify daily operation and help maintain consistent output without separate inspection hardware. The multi-sensor unit automatically compensates for changes in conveyor speed or vibration, keeping codes aligned from box to box.
Maintenance is also straightforward. The cleaning module shields the nozzle during purging, so buildup doesn’t damage it over time, and the one-touch head-core swaps take only a few minutes. Operators can tweak print data remotely through CC Designer when needed. In practice, that means less downtime and a line that stays running without extra hands on it.
By combining high-resolution printing with automated inspection and simplified upkeep, the CC-1000 Series provides a practical, high-reliability case coding solution for end-of-line packaging and distribution centers.
Continuous Inkjet Printer Applications
Date and Lot Codes Printing on Glass Bottles
Glass bottles of wine or jam are date coded while moving on a belt conveyor or in a bottle-filling machine. CIJs can print clear characters without flaws, even on curved surfaces.
Printing Lot Codes and Date Codes on Plastic Bottles/Containers
Cosmetics containers or other plastic bottles are date-coded while moving on a belt conveyor or in a bottle-filling machine. CIJs can print clear characters without flaws, even on curved surfaces.
Date/Lot Number Printing on Cans
High speed industrial inkjet printing lot codes and date codes on cans has become specialty for continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers.
Serial Number Printing on Extruded Plastics like Wire, Cable, and Piping
Building materials and electrical components are comprised of countless different extruded tubing materials from smalls wires to large pipes.
Date Code Printing on Pouches
A wide variety of flexible films and pouches are used to package goods across industries including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
Serial Number Printing on Metal Parts
Easily apply clear, durable serial numbers and lot codes to metal parts—even those with coatings, curves, or challenging surfaces—using KEYENCE’s advanced continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers.
Case Coders for Corrugate & Cardboard Boxes
Corrugated packaging can have more complexity than most substrates. Depending on the thickness and makeup of the surface, ink absorbency varies.
Date Printing on Packaging Film: Best Practices
Packaging film is printed with a CIJ mounted on a pillow-type packaging machine, a heat sealer, or a cup sealer during the packaging process.
Large Character Marking for Kraft Packaging
Kraft materials, while aesthetically appealing, aren’t easy to print on. Their rough texture, natural brown tone, and high absorbency make them unpredictable on the line.
Case Coding on Folding Cartons
Case coding on folding cartons requires clear, consistent coding on these boxes, as it’s necessary for traceability, brand protection, and operational efficiency.
Serial Number Printing on Building Materials
When it comes to direct printing and coding for tracking and traceability, there is no tougher environment than that of building products manufacturers.
Serial Number/2D Code Printing on PCBs
Printed circuit boards or PCBs are critical for the functionality of a wide range of products today. Tech products in the consumer electronics industry of course need PCBs, but the use is so much more widespread across the automotive industry, medical devices, lighting to name a few.
Date/Serial Number Printing on Cartons
Cartons are one of the most versatile, cost-effective, and eco-friendly packaging solutions available. Given the wide range of shapes and uses, an easy to integrate and flexible printer is needed to mark data/serial numbers on various cartons for tracking and traceability.
Large-Character Inkjet Printing on Pallets & Lumber
From traceability and inventory to regulatory compliance and export readiness, clear and legible codes support lumber traceability on wooden pallets in inkjet pallet printing. This is essential for keeping production and logistics moving smoothly and without disruption.
Case Coding on Corrugate Trays: Improve Tray Visibility
Case coding on corrugated trays is standard in industrial and retail packaging, but coding them introduces additional challenges. Porous surfaces and unstable motion make consistent, scannable codes difficult.
Inkjet Coding on Paper Bag Packaging Machines
Inkjet printers are common on flexible packaging lines, but paper bags introduce unique variables like porous surfaces that can cause ink to bleed, and movement on conveyors often disrupts print position.
Case Coding on Box Conveyor Packaging Lines
Conveyor-based case coding introduces precision challenges not faced by static packaging setups. Speed changes, vibration, and box misalignment all impact print clarity. These issues put barcode accuracy, traceability, and compliance at risk, especially in high-throughput operations.
Case Coding on Automatic Palletizers Made Easy
In many facilities, the last step before a load leaves the floor is stacking cases onto a pallet. Pairing that process with palletizer case coding means each pallet carries a code that can be scanned at any checkpoint, from the loading dock to the customer’s warehouse.
Case Coding for Sealers and Taping Machines
For many operations, the last step before shipment—printing accurate, readable codes on sealed cartons—is critical for compliance and traceability. Integrated with automated taping machine case coding systems or sealing machines, the right case coding solution ensures each package leaves the line with durable, scannable information applied at full speed.
Date Printing on Bottle Filling Machines
Bottle fillers are used in a wide range of industries. Anything that requires liquid products will use some type of automated bottle filling system. The beverage industry would be the first to come to mind, requiring many variations of bottle fillers for each type and size of consumer drink from water, juice, soda, beer, and of course dairy products, notably milk.
Date Code Printing on Flow Wrappers
Flow wrappers also known as pillow type packaging machines can come in many different types, commonly used for packaging of food products, pharmaceuticals, paper products and many more in sealed flexible films.
Date/Lot Code AND Barcode/2D Code Printing
Secondary packaging carries the information that keeps products compliant and traceable. Date and lot codes, barcodes, and 2D codes are needed for moving goods through the supply chain, managing recalls, and meeting industry regulations.
High-resolution case coders are used for printing barcodes, lot data, and logos on corrugated boxes, kraft bags, and secondary packaging materials. On food and beverage lines, they complement CIJ printers by marking outer boxes that hold sealed pouches or bottles. In logistics and e-commerce, they print shipping data directly onto packaging for faster order fulfillment.
In pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and electronics applications, the CC-1000 Series supports serialized and 2D codes that meet regulatory and tracking requirements. With printing speeds up to 100 meters per minute and stable performance at extended throw distances, these large character inkjet printer systems integrate easily into conveyors, form-fill-seal machines, and palletizing lines. Their combination of precision, speed, and simple maintenance gives manufacturers reliable case coding and marking across every stage of production.
This website provides comprehensive knowledge about continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers. The information contained within ranges from basic knowledge, such as printing principles and internal structure, to practical know-how, such as installation examples and handling procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Continuous Inkjet Printers / Case Coder
Industrial-use inkjet printers can print on a wide variety of materials such as metals, resins, glass, packing films, cans, and PET bottles.
In order to print on products moving on production lines, quick-drying ink, which dries in under 1 second, is used. This enables printing on materials other than just highly absorbent ones, such as paper and cardboard. As such, these printers are used in a wide range of applications in the food, medical, cosmetic, electrical and electronic components, transportation, and metal industries.
Dye-based and pigment-based inks are commonly used with continuous inkjet printers. Dye-based ink can be quickly absorbed by print targets, which allows fast dry time. It also doesn't precipitate when mixed with liquid, making the printer easy to maintain. On the other hand, color pigment ink sticks to the surface of print targets and gives long-term fade resistance. However, precipitation will occur with this type of ink. Therefore, the printer needs to have an auto-circulation feature to ensure no ink hardening.
Industrial continuous inkjet printers have a wide range of applications across various industries, most notably the packaging industry, as CIJ printers excel at printing lot codes, expiration dates, batch numbers, 1D and 2D barcodes, and other relevant product information.
KEYENCE's MK-G Series offers advanced features that enhance the reliability and performance of CIJ printers in all industries. With a direct connection to print inspection equipment, the MK-G Series eliminates any chance of incorrect or missing printed details, ensuring product traceability and compliance. Its auto-cleaning feature ensures cleaning is a hands-free process, maintaining print quality.
Industrial continuous inkjet printers are a noncontact, versatile, and high-speed way to print lot codes and date codes on substrates along a manufacturing line. These printers utilize an ink tank system to deliver ink through a nozzle, where it is fragmented into numerous droplets via high-frequency vibration. After the droplets are produced, specific ones are charged using electrodes. The stream of droplets then navigates through deflector plates, generating an electrostatic field.
As the charged drops traverse the deflector plates, they are redirected out of the print head onto the product, shaping the desired message. Droplets that remain uncharged are recirculated within the system for future use. This process generates the height or Y-axis of printed text. At the same time, the substrate or print head must be moving to help generate the width or X-axis.
In the past, industrial continuous inkjet printers required frequent maintenance and troubleshooting by a skilled engineer, maintenance technician, or third party service tech.
With the release of KEYENCE'S MK-G series self-diagnosing and troubleshooting CIJ printers, any beginner operator can press a button or follow along with the on-screen, easy-to-follow instructions and videos to run production. This reduces the need for skilled/trained on site staff, disruptions during employee changeover/turnover, and expensive service contracts.
When evaluating a CIJ printer, consider the material, surface texture, print speed, and ink formulation required. For non-porous or curved surfaces, a non-contact system such as the MK-G Series maintains print quality. Automated cleaning, predictive diagnostics, and remote monitoring functions reduce maintenance effort and keep line uptime high.
CIJ printers mark lot codes and dates on bottles, cans, and pouches as products move through the line. Case coders print barcodes and tracking data on cartons at the packing stage, keeping packaging consistent from filling to shipment.
The MK-G Series prints more than 2,500 characters per second with encoder control, and the CC-1000 Series runs at up to 100 meters per minute. Both keep codes clear even as line speed or spacing changes.
This guide explains continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer applications together with pictures and illustrations. It contains many installation examples in various industries divided into food, medicine, and cosmetics; electrical machinery and electronics; and automotive, metal, and others. These examples show printing on targets specific to each industry.
This guide explains the printing principles and the workflow up to printing by comparing hot foil coders and continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers. Both machines are analyzed from the aspects of productivity, quality, management, and running costs. Tips for solving accidents caused by date coding mistakes are also described.
This is a technical guide describing basic knowledge of continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers from mechanisms such as the types, printing fundamentals, and internal structure, to running costs and legal compliance. Subsequent issues will also be available. By reading all of these issues, you can understand the entire overview of continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers.
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers work by discharging ink particles to print information such as characters and figures on targets. This document describes the differences between industrial use inkjet printers and office-use printers, as well as their structures, circulation principles, and application examples.