The Unsung Hero of Coding — Ink
The value of an inkjet coding system is measured not only by the machine itself, but also by the formulation of the ink circulating within it . The date, lot number, or serial number printed on packaging in seconds on the production line is the most important link in the brand's traceability chain.
However, whether this information remains long-lasting, indelible, and legible depends directly on the chemical composition of the ink used, its interaction with the surface, and the environmental conditions
As Electrojet, we have been testing in different sectors for years and the result is clear: The right ink selection affects printing performance by 60%.
Solvent-Based Inks: Speed, Adhesion and Versatility
Solvent-based inkis the most commonly used type in industrial inkjet systems. Thanks to the organic solvents it contains (such as MEK, ethanol, and acetone), the ink evaporates as soon as the droplet comes into contact with the surface, instant drying .
Advantages
- Sharp, clear printing even at high production speeds
- Strong adhesion on smooth surfaces such as plastic, glass, metal, foil, film
- Stable drying performance even at low temperatures
Disadvantages
- Requires ventilation due to solvent odor and VOC (volatile organic compound) release
- The solvent may act aggressively on some specific surfaces.
Pigment-Based Inks: The Symbol of Permanence
Pigment-based inks achieve printing by physically adhering colored particles to a surface. These inks are particularly preferred in environments requiring high-contrast, fade-resistant coding
Where is it used?
- White prints on a black surface in the cable and wire industry.
- High heat and UV resistant coding for automotive parts.
- Areas requiring solvent and acid resistance in chemical packaging
Advantages
- High opacity (excellent visibility, especially on dark surfaces)
- Long-lasting resistance to sunlight, moisture and chemicals
Disadvantages
- More prone to nozzle clogging (due to particle density)
- Requires regular mixing and filtering
Water-Based Inks: The Safe Choice for Food and Paper Packaging
Water-based inkis environmentally friendly because it uses water instead of solvents. It provides excellent results on paper, cardboard, labels, and absorbent surfaces.
Advantages
- Low odor and near-zero solvent release
- Formulations suitable for food contact (non-toxic)
- Low cost of use
Disadvantages
- Poor adhesion to non-absorbent surfaces (plastic, glass)
- Drying time is longer than solvent-based ones.
UV Curable Inks: Permanent Printing with the Power of Light
UV-curable inks are gaining prominence in next-generation coding systems . These inks solidify immediately after being printed onto a surface by being cured with UV light
Key advantages
- Instant drying in fast production lines
- High gloss and wear resistance
- Wide surface compatibility from plastic to glass
- Solvent-free printing on heat-sensitive packaging
Things to Consider When Choosing the Suitable Ink
Choosing the wrong ink not only impacts print quality but also production costs and machine life. Here's a checklist recommended by Electrojet engineers:
| Criterion | Explanation | Recommended Ink |
| Surface type | Plastic, metal, glass, paper | Solvent or UV |
| Production rate | Above 100–300 m/min | Solvent or pigment |
| Environmental conditions | High temperature, humidity | Pigment or UV |
| Food safety | Indirect contact packaging | Water-based |
| Color contrast | Light print on dark background | Pigment based |
Ink Management: Optimizing, Not Just Filling
In professional systems, ink management is not simply about "topping up." Electrojet's advanced InkFlow Management system continuously monitors viscosity, temperature, and density to maintain optimum print quality.
The advantage of this:
- Minimum ink consumption (lower cost)
- Stability in color tones
- Reduction of downtime
- Extended print head life in the long term
Looking Ahead: Smart Inks
In the Industry 4.0 era, inks are no longer just liquids, but smart data carriers . The new generation Electrojet ink systems integrate with RFID and QR coding infrastructure, increasing traceability on the production line
In this way:
- Which ink was used in which product line,
- which formulation was used for printing within which date range
is automatically recorded by the system.
The Right Ink for Every Surface, Every Condition is at Electrojet
In inkjet coding systems, “not every ink is suitable for every job.” The right ink should be determined according to the surface, speed and environmental conditions.
As Electrojet;
- solvent-based speed solutions,
- pigment-based permanence-oriented prints,
- water-based environmentally friendly options and
- innovative UV-curable formulas,
we provide long-lasting and clear printing across all sectors.
Which ink is right for your line?
Get free technical advice from Electrojet engineers and let's plan the best coding solution together.
