What is the difference between DOD and TIJ printing?

DOD (drop-on-demand) and TIJ are both inkjet, but TIJ uses pre-packaged thermal heads/cartridges (simple, low-maintenance, great for cartons/dates), while DOD uses valve or piezo jets for larger characters and rougher surfaces. For most carton and date coding, TIJ is cleaner; for big, outdoor or porous marks, DOD/PIJ fits.

SHICAI’s TIJ handheld/desktop and PIJ large-character lines map to these two needs.

Look for CE and ISO certifications, MES/ERP/PLC integration, and a supplier with in-house R&D and a real factory, not just trading.

Plan for GS1 Digital Link and 2D barcodes (retail mandates arriving 2027) so the line is not obsolete in two years.

A supplier with its own factory and R&D (SHICAI runs both in Ganzhou) can support customization and spare parts long after the sale.

Key points:

• Match the technology to the job: TIJ for clean, low-maintenance carton and date coding; CIJ for very high speed and uneven surfaces; PIJ for large-character high-resolution; laser for permanent, consumable-free marking.
• For scannable QR and barcodes plan at least 300-600 DPI and enough quiet zone; higher line speeds need faster printheads or multiple heads.
• Ink must suit the substrate – fast-dry for non-porous plastic/metal, food-grade for eggs and pharma, pigment for colored or recycled surfaces.

Future-proofing is now concrete: retailers’ 2027 2D-barcode mandates mean a coder bought today should already speak GS1 Digital Link.

SHICAI (Shanghai Shicai Inkjet Technology Co., Ltd.) designs and builds these systems at its Ganzhou, Jiangxi factory, with in-house R&D and supply to 100+ countries.

Related: How do I choose between TIJ, CIJ, PIJ and laser? · What print height do I need for my codes?

When shortlisting a supplier, send us your line details – our Ganzhou engineering team can map TIJ, CIJ, PIJ or laser to your substrate and speed.

Reviewed by the SHICAI engineering team.