Thermal Inkjet Technology for Precise Inkjet Marking
Since 1998, BOWA has been developing high-performance solutions based on thermal inkjet technology. As an HP licensed partner, we combine high-quality print cartridges, optimized inks, and in-depth technical expertise to deliver reliable industrial inkjet marking.
Our solutions are suitable for variable data, barcodes, 2D codes, lot numbers, best-by dates, and other industrial marking tasks.
High-Precision Contactless Inkjet Printing
How Thermal Inkjet Technology Works
Thermal inkjet technology is based on a precise, contactless inkjet printing process. Inside the printhead, tiny heating elements heat the ink for a very brief moment. This creates a vapor bubble that propels a precisely metered ink droplet through the nozzle onto the material.
This process repeats several thousand times per second, enabling fast, clean, and high-resolution inkjet printing —without direct contact between the printhead and the product surface.
Thermal inkjet is therefore particularly well-suited for variable marking within industrial production and packaging processes.
Efficient, flexible, and easy to integrate
Advantages of Thermal Inkjet Technology in Production
TIJ systems combine high print quality with a compact design and easy integration. This makes thermal inkjet technology suitable for a wide range of industrial inkjet marking applications—both in existing production lines and in new applications.
High print quality
Precise inkjet printing produces sharp text as well as clearly legible barcodes and 2D codes.
Low maintenance requirements
The print head and ink reservoir are often integrated into a single unit. When replacing the cartridge, a new print head is immediately available.
Flexible Integration
Compact TIJ printing systems can be integrated into production and packaging lines to save space.
Quick Product Changeover
Variable print data can be adjusted on short notice—without printing plates or time-consuming setup changes.
Development Expertise and Proven Quality
Over 25 Years of Experience with TIJ and HP Technology
BOWA is one of the most experienced specialists in thermal inkjet technology and industrial ink solutions. Through our long-standing partnership with HP Specialty Printing & Technology Solutions, we gain early access to technical requirements, specifications, and developments.
Our thermal inkjet inks and cartridges undergo comprehensive testing in our in-house laboratory. Among other things, we test viscosity, conductivity, droplet formation, print performance, and long-term stability.
Our core competencies:
- HP-45-Compatible Inks and Cartridges
- In-house laboratory development and application testing
- Custom ink development
- 10% sample inspection of every production batch
- ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001:2015 certified processes
The right ink determines the print quality
Optimally matching thermal inkjet technology and ink
The quality of inkjet marking does not depend solely on the printing system. Ink formulation, substrate surface, production speed, and environmental conditions also influence adhesion, drying, and readability.
BOWA develops inkjet inks that are specifically tailored to thermal inkjet printing systems and a variety of materials. In doing so, we take the following factors into account, among others:
In doing so, we take the following into account, among other things:
- Adhesion to the respective surface
- Drying time at the planned line speed
- Contrast and machine readability
- Resistance to water, light, and abrasion
- Open time and initial flow characteristics of the cartridge
- Industry-specific requirements
Versatile Inkjet Coding for Industry and Packaging
Inkjet Marking with Thermal Inkjet
Thermal inkjet technology is suitable for numerous industrial inkjet marking and coding tasks. Variable information can be applied contactlessly, quickly, and directly within existing production or packaging lines.
Typical applications range from lot and serial numbers to best-by dates, barcodes, and 2D codes.
Flexible Marking of Various Materials
For which materials is inkjet printing suitable?
Which surfaces can be printed on using thermal inkjet depends largely on the ink used. With the right ink solution, a wide range of materials can be marked within industrial production and packaging processes.
Possible materials include paper, cardboard, labels, films, plastics, coated surfaces, and other product-specific materials.
Key factors include surface texture, adhesion requirements, production speed, and desired drying time. BOWA provides support in selecting a suitable ink solution.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Thermal Inkjet Technology
What is thermal inkjet technology?
Thermal inkjet technology is a contactless printing process in which tiny heating elements generate ink droplets. It is frequently used for variable product and packaging labeling.
What does TIJ stand for?
TIJ stands for Thermal Inkjet. The term refers to a thermal inkjet printing process that enables high print resolutions, fast print speeds, and a compact system design.
What materials are suitable for inkjet printing?
Depending on the ink used, paper, cardboard, film, plastic, metal, glass, and coated packaging can be printed on. The key is to match the ink to the surface.
Is thermal inkjet suitable for barcodes and 2D codes?
Yes. With the right ink, the appropriate printing system, and optimized production conditions, high-contrast barcodes and 2D codes up to A-grade quality can be achieved.