What will the system cost?
Understand equipment, integration, consumables, service and the information needed for a useful quotation.
Read the cost guide
Industrial inkjet knowledge centre
Industrial inkjet printer buyer guides
Clear, application-led answers for comparing CIJ and large-character DOD coding systems before you request a quotation.
Choose by decision
Start with the question blocking your project.
Industrial coding is easier to specify when the product, code and production conditions come before the machine. These guides turn common buying questions into a practical shortlist.
Will the code adhere?
Compare plastic, glass, metal, film, card and other substrates, then plan a meaningful sample test.
Check substrate factorsHow should food packs be coded?
Plan date, lot and traceability coding across bottles, cans, pouches, cartons and cases.
Explore food codingCan we print QR or GS1 codes?
See how data structure, print resolution, line speed, verification and system integration fit together.
Plan 2D codingHow do we protect uptime?
Build cleaning, operator checks, spares and service access into the buying decision.
Review maintenanceWhich printer technology fits?
Compare compact product coding with larger case and outer-pack marking.
Compare printer typesA faster route to a shortlist
Six facts make an enquiry more useful.
A model number is rarely the best starting point. Share the real production constraints and the technology can be narrowed with fewer assumptions.
- The exact product or packaging material and surface finish
- The code content, physical size and required contrast
- Products per minute, line speed and available print window
- Mounting space, product presentation and print orientation
- Dust, moisture, washdown, heat and ventilation conditions
- Post-print handling: chilling, abrasion, chemicals or outdoor exposure
Quick answer
What is an industrial inkjet printer?
An industrial inkjet printer is a non-contact coding machine used to apply variable information—such as dates, batches, serial numbers and machine-readable codes—to products or packaging on a production line. CIJ is commonly used for compact, fast codes; large-character DOD is commonly used for bigger marks on cases and industrial materials.
Core technologies
Two practical starting points.
| Decision | Continuous inkjet (CIJ) | Large-character DOD |
|---|---|---|
| Typical role | Compact variable codes on products and primary packs | Larger text, graphics and case codes on outer packaging or industrial materials |
| Common surfaces | Plastic, glass, metal, film, cables and coated parts | Corrugated board, card, sacks, timber and selected non-porous surfaces |
| Key checks | Ink adhesion, print distance, speed, environment and maintenance | Print height, resolution, absorbency, product stability and printhead count |
| Next step | Explore CIJ printers | Explore DOD printers |
Turn the guide into a practical recommendation.
Send your sample, code, speed and environment. Oxford Traceability will help define the printing and integration requirements.
What should a production print trial record?
Record the substrate, code, print position and operating conditions alongside the sample. Check the code after the handling and storage stages relevant to your process. Include consumable changes and data updates in the evaluation so the chosen printer can be assessed for routine production as well as initial print quality.
- Substrate and operating conditions
- Durability after relevant handling
- Data and consumable changes
Related guidance: Printer cost guide · Maintenance and uptime