FAQ - Products
FAQ on industrial marking and coding products
Answers from our experts about our products
Our team has compiled here the answers to the most frequently asked questions about our industrial marking and coding products. We’re here to help you optimize your production.
If you can’t find the answer to a specific question, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
CIJ Technical FAQ
How CIJ works
What is a CIJ printer?
A continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer sprays a stream of pressurized ink, which is deflected electrically to form the characters.
What are the advantages of CIJ?
- High-speed printing
- Contactless printing
- Compatible with multiple surfaces
- Industrial reliability
Common CIJ issues
Why is the inkjet misaligned?
Possible causes:
- Incorrect viscosity
- Partially blocked nozzle
- Calibration required
- Ink contamination
Why is the print quality poor?
- Incorrect settings
- Incorrect pressure
- Clogged print head
- Dusty environment
The machine has been off for a long time
What should I do if the CIJ has not been working for several days?
- Check fluid levels
- Perform a cleaning cycle
- Do not force a restart if the error persists
- Contact technical support
Viscosity
Why is viscosity important?
It directly influences droplet formation and print quality.
What does too low viscosity mean?
- Ink too thin
- Blurry print
- Poor drop trajectory
What does too high viscosity mean?
- Ink too thick
- Risk of clogging
- Poor droplet loading
RFID and bottle detection
Why is the CIJ printer not correctly detecting my bottles with RFID tags?
- Sensor interference
- Incorrect positioning of the bottle in front of the RFID sensor
- RFID is already in use
- RFID update required
Maintenance
How often should CIJ maintenance be carried out?
- Annual inspection recommended
- Major maintenance depending on usage
- Full maintenance every 3 years
How to avoid breakdowns?
- Use the recommended fluids
- Operate the machine regularly
- Keep the area clean
Safety
Can I handle the fluids myself?
Yes, provided you follow the procedures and safety data sheets.
Support
When should I contact technical support?
- Unstable spray
- System alarms
- Unable to start
- Persistent poor quality
Thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers and industrial HP cartridges
How TIJ works
What is a TIJ (thermal inkjet) printer?
A thermal inkjet (TIJ) printer uses an ink cartridge containing micro-resistors that heat the ink, creating microscopic bubbles. These bubbles eject the ink through the nozzles, forming the print.
What are the advantages of TIJ technology?
- High print resolution
- Quick start-up with no heavy maintenance
- No pump or pressure system
- Simple cartridge replacement
- Ideal for codes, dates, logos and text
What materials can be printed on with a TIJ?
- Cardboard
- Paper
- Wood
- Plastic
- Metal (with specialized inks)
- Films and coated surfaces (depending on the ink)
Common problems with TIJ cartridges
Why has my cartridge stopped printing?
Common causes:
- Dried-out nozzle
- Empty or faulty cartridge
- Poor electrical contact
- Dusty environment
- Prolonged period of inactivity
Why is the printout faint or incomplete?
- Partially blocked nozzles
- Density setting is too low
- Head-to-product distance too great
- Incorrect line speed
Why are some lines not printing?
This is usually caused by:
- Blocked nozzles
- Contamination of the nozzle plate
- Cartridge wear
Cleaning the cartridges
How do you clean a TIJ cartridge?
Recommended procedure:
- Remove the cartridge.
- Gently wipe the nozzle with a lint-free cloth.
- Use a suitable cleaning solution if necessary.
- Reinstall the cartridge, then perform a test print.
Can I use alcohol for cleaning?
Yes, in some cases, but only if recommended by the manufacturer or your supplier.
Unused cartridge
What should I do if the cartridge hasn’t been used for several days?
- Clean the nozzle
- Run several test prints
- Check that the cartridge has not dried out
- Replace if necessary
Why do you need to put the protective cap back on?
The cap prevents air from drying out the ink in the nozzles and extends the cartridge’s lifespan.
Setup and installation
What is the optimal distance between the TIJ print head and the product?
Generally, the optimal distance is between 1 mm and 3 mm, depending on the application.
Why is the distance important?
- Too far: blurred print
- Too close: risk of collision and contamination
Can I print while moving?
Yes. Industrial TIJ systems are designed for production lines.
Electrical contacts
Why isn’t my cartridge being recognized?
- Dirty contacts
- Incorrect installation
- Incompatible cartridge
- Electrical fault
- Cleaning the contacts can often solve the problem
Multi-row printing (2 rows)
What does “2 rows” mean on an HP cartridge?
Some cartridges have two rows of nozzles, allowing for:
- Greater print height
- Better redundancy
- Improved resolution
Environmental conditions
Does temperature affect TIJ printing?
Yes.
- High temperature: ink is more fluid
- Low temperature: thicker ink
Does humidity affect performance?
Yes, especially for certain specialist inks.
Cartridge lifespan
How long does a TIJ cartridge last?
It depends:
- The content being printed
- The resolution
- Frequency of use
- The environment
How can you extend the lifespan?
- Put the cap back on
- Clean regularly
- Avoid leaving it unused for long periods without protection
- Keep the environment clean
Alarms and errors
Why am I experiencing intermittent printing errors?
Possible causes:
- Mechanical vibrations
- Faulty encoder
- Poor line synchronization
- Unstable cartridge
Industrial applications
Are TIJ printers suitable for industrial use?
Yes, they are used for:
- Production dates
- Batch numbers
- Barcodes
- Logos
- Variable information
TIJ maintenance
What maintenance is required?
TIJ maintenance is minimal:
- Occasional cleaning
- Cartridge replacement
- Mechanical checks
Unlike CIJ technologies, there are no complex internal ink systems.
Industrial integration
Can TIJ systems communicate with industrial equipment?
Yes, via:
- Inputs and outputs
- Encoders
- Industrial protocols
- Network communication
Technical support
When should I contact technical support?
- Unable to print after cleaning
- Cartridge not recognized
- Persistent printing issues
- System error messages
Cartridge policy
What is the cartridge return policy?
Cartridges may be returned within ten (10) days, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
Automatic industrial label applicators
General
What is an automatic label applicator?
What is the difference between an applicator and a Print & Apply system?
- Labeller: applies a pre-printed label
- Print & Apply: prints the label in real time and then applies it immediately
DMS system technology
What types of systems do you offer?
We offer Foxjet automatic industrial labelling systems, including:
- Automatic applicators
- Print & Apply systems
- Multi-sided configurations
- High-speed applications
Models include high-precision servo-electric systems.
Why choose a servo-electric system?
Advantages:
- High positioning accuracy
- Less mechanical maintenance
- High reliability
- Consistent positioning
- Reduced downtime
The systems use electronically controlled brushless motors for precise label dispensing.
Label printing
Industrial integration
Can applicators communicate with a PLC?
Yes. The systems can be directly interfaced with a PLC via industrial input or output cards.
Can the system be controlled remotely?
Yes. Remote access lets you adjust settings and check system status from a computer or a controller.
Accuracy and performance
How accurate is the label placement?
Accuracy can reach approximately 1.6 mm depending on the configuration.
What production speed is possible?
Depending on the module:
- Up to 120 products per minute in certain modes
- Up to 800 products per minute for certain applications
- Line speed up to 300 feet per minute
These performance figures vary depending on the application type and label size.
Application configurations
What types of applications are possible?
We offer several configurations:
- Top
- Side
- Front
- Rear
- Bottom
- Corner (corner wrap)
- Multi-sided
- Tamp
- Tamp-blow
- Swing arm
- Wipe
The modules can be applied to different sides and panel combinations.
Can you adapt the application arm to my product?
Yes. We offer a wide range of modules to suit most industrial applications.
Sensors and system intelligence
What happens if a label is missing from the roll?
The systems are equipped with smart sensors that detect missing labels and automatically advance the roll to prevent:
- Double application
- Unlabelled products
Can the system detect errors?
Yes. The interface displays:
- Real-time diagnostics
- Alerts
- Machine status
- Production data
User interface
Is the system easy to use?
Yes. The equipment features a colour touchscreen with an intuitive interface and built-in diagnostics.
Redundancy and production continuity
Is an automatic backup system available?
Yes. Some systems can operate in redundant mode with two units to minimize production downtime.
Product types
What products can be labelled?
- Cardboard boxes
- Food products
- Bags
- Bottles
- Containers
- Industrial products
- Pallets
Maintenance
What maintenance is required?
The systems are designed for:
- Low friction
- Low maintenance
- High reliability
Annual maintenance is generally recommended.
Compatible labels
What label sizes are available?
The systems support:
- Widths of up to approximately 9 inches for applicators and 6.5 inches for print-and-apply printers
- Lengths up to approximately 22 inches
Depending on the configuration
Operating conditions
Under what environmental conditions do the systems operate?
- Typical temperature range from 5°C (41°F) to 40°C (104°F)
- Humidity from 10% to 85%, non-condensing
Common problems
Why is a label misaligned?
Possible causes:
- Incorrect product sensor setting
- Variable line speed
- Incorrect timing (time synchronization)
- Unstable product
- Incorrect applicator pressure
Why isn’t the label sticking properly?
- Contaminated surface
- Incorrect adhesive
- Insufficient pressure
- Inappropriate temperature
Typical industrial applications
In which sectors do you use these systems?
- Food and drink
- Logistics
- Pharmaceutical
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Industrial products
Support and Projects
Do you offer an application analysis before purchase?
Yes. Our technical team can analyze your production line to recommend the most suitable configuration.
Do you provide installation and training?
Yes, including full installation and operator training.
Label applicators
Choice of technology
How do I choose between a label applicator and a Print & Apply system?
If your labels contain variable data (codes, batches, dates), a Print & Apply system is recommended. If your labels are already printed, a standard applicator will suffice.
What is the difference between a “tamp” applicator and a ”wipe” applicator?
The “tamp” applies the label by vertical pressure, while the ”wipe” applies the label by direct contact with the moving product.
When should a ”swing arm” be used?
The ”swing arm” is ideal for Reveal or multi-sided applications that require pivoting.
Can multiple sides be labelled with a single system?
Yes, certain configurations allow for the application to two adjacent panels.
Performance and speed
What is the maximum speed a label applicator can reach?
The speed depends on the configuration, but some applications can reach several hundred products per minute.
Can the systems operate 24/7?
Yes, industrial equipment is designed for continuous use in a production environment.
Can these systems be used on high-speed lines?
Yes, high-speed modules are available to meet fast production requirements.
Accuracy and quality
Why is labelling accuracy important?
Good accuracy ensures regulatory compliance and a consistent product presentation.
How can labelling accuracy be improved?
- Sensor adjustment
- Encoder synchronization
- Product stability
- Choosing the right applicator module
Products and formats
Can boxes of different sizes be labelled?
Yes, with a mechanical or automated adjustment depending on the system.
Can irregularly shaped products be labelled?
Yes, some modules are designed to adapt to a variety of shapes.
Can the applicators apply labels to flexible bags?
Yes, using specific configurations such as the ”tamp” or ”wipe”.
Can labels be applied to pallets?
Yes, pallet labelling systems are available in the logistics sector.
Intelligence and automation
Can the systems detect a missing product?
Yes, using product detection sensors.
Can an applicator be connected to a vision system?
Yes, for label validation or traceability.
Can the systems send production data?
Yes, depending on the industrial integration.
Printing and software
Can the label be modified in real time?
Yes, via software or a connected ERP system.
Do the systems support GS1 barcodes?
Can QR codes be printed?
Yes, no problem.
What print resolution is available?
It depends on the print engine; generally, 203, 300, or 600 dpi.
Installation and integration
How long does it take to install an applicator?
It depends on the project: usually between a few hours and a day.
Can an applicator be installed on an existing line?
Yes, the majority of installations are carried out on existing lines.
Does the installation require compressed air?
For some configurations, yes, but servo-electric systems reduce this requirement.
Reliability and maintenance
What is the service life of a label applicator?
With proper maintenance, it can last for several years.
What should I do if the labels come off?
- Check the adhesive
- Check the product surface
- Adjust the application pressure
Why is the label creasing?
- Incorrect tension
- Poor alignment
- Incorrect pressure
- Unstable product
Technical support
Do you offer post-installation support?
Yes, including technical support and maintenance.
Do you provide operator training?
Yes, we provide training to ensure optimal use.
Can the system be upgraded in the future?
Yes, several configurations are modular.
Why choose DMS for an automatic labelling project?
Because we offer expertise, technical analysis, installation and comprehensive support to ensure the success of your project.