Industrial printers are indispensable in fast-paced production. They help businesses handle large-scale printing tasks and save both time and resources. Before you buy an industrial printer, consider these four things to ensure you make the best choice for your business.
Type of Industrial Printer
The various types of industrial printers available include thermal inkjet (TIJ) and continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers. TIJ printers use heat to create high-quality, crisp images. They are popular for printing barcodes, product information, and expiration dates. On the other hand, CIJ printers use a continuous stream of ink. They are known for their speed and ability to print on a variety of surfaces.
Explore and compare various industrial printers, keeping in mind your business’s printing needs and the materials you’ll be working with.
Assessing Your Production Needs
Consider your business’ current and projected production needs when purchasing an industrial printer. Your printer should be able to handle the volume and speed necessary to keep up with your production demands.
Think about how many items you’ll be printing, how quickly they need to receive labels, and whether your business requires continuous or intermittent printing. Choosing a printer that matches your production requirements will save you time and resources in the long run.
Print Quality
Another thing to consider when buying an industrial printer is print quality, which ultimately affects the legibility and durability of your product markings or labels. Look for a printer that offers high-resolution printing to ensure your labels and print resolution on various surfaces and materials are legible and can withstand moisture, friction, and temperature changes.
The type of ink you use can impact the print quality. Some inks are designed for printing on different materials and in various environments. Make sure the printer you choose works with inks your business needs or already uses.
Line Speed
Other factors include how many lines of copy you need and how quickly they can be printed on a surface. A continuous inkjet industrial printer is faster than a thermal inkjet industrial printer, which also plays a role in the decision-making process. A CIJ printer prints information using small dots to create a quicker marking without full detail. A TIJ printer is slower yet efficient with high resolution prints.
Product Shape
Are you looking to print on labeled glass bottles? Do you need to put lot numbers on wood pallets or electrical wires? The shape of a product or material that needs text printed directly on it determines the type of printer you use.
Printing Surface
The product or material you are printing on is a huge consideration because an even or uneven printing surface requires different printing capabilities. Are you printing on rubber tires or plastic piping? Uneven surfaces like rubber or flat surfaces like plastic play a role in determining the type of industrial printer you need.
Print Resolution
The preciseness and durability the inked QR code, lot number, serial number, or product marking are important capabilities to factor into the purchase of an industrial printer.
After-Sales Support
Efficient and reliable after-sales support can make a big difference in your experience with an industrial printer. Look for a manufacturer or distributor who provides support services, such as installation assistance, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Check customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the reputation of the company, and ensure you’ll have access to a knowledgeable support team when you encounter any issues with your printer.
Taking the time to evaluate your options before buying an industrial printer will pay off in the long run. Once you’ve found the perfect printer, you can reap the benefits of smooth and efficient printing!
If you’re in the market for high-quality industrial printers, check out Tourmaline Enterprises’ lineup of production line printers, including thermal inkjet and continuous inkjet options. Our printers are excellent starting points in your search for the ideal industrial printer for your business.