The packaging substrate determines the marking technology
Choosing between TTO and inkjet is not simply a matter of comparing two printers. First consider the packaging: is it flexible or rigid, porous or non-porous, glossy or absorbent? Must data be transferred onto film before sealing, printed on a carton or deposited on a moving bottle?
TTO uses a thermal printhead and an inked ribbon. It is particularly suited to films, pouches, lidding film and labels. Inkjet prints without contact and covers a wide variety of substrates, including glass, metal, plastic, cardboard and wood.
Recommended substrates and technologies
| Substrate or packaging | Recommended technology | Why? |
|---|
| PE, PP, PET or complex film | TTO | Sharp transfer on flexible film, dates and variable lots |
| Varnished or synthetic label | TTO + resin ribbon | Adhesion and rub resistance |
| Corrugated carton | LCIJ inkjet | Direct contactless printing on porous material |
| Wood pallet or crate | ResMark 5000 or X72 | Large format, variable data and direct marking |
| Glass bottle | CIJ inkjet | Contactless printing on curved non-porous surfaces |
| Rigid plastic part | CIJ or TIJ | Ink selected for the material and required durability |
| Tube, profile or metal part | CIJ inkjet | Printing on round or glossy surfaces in motion |
Why choose TTO for flexible packaging?
TTO deposits a precise ink layer on film and is ideal for dates, lots, text, logos and codes. The
NG range is designed for reinforced resin ribbons and complex substrates requiring high resistance. The
53K adds ultrasonic ribbon indexing, SMARTFORCE™ tension control and advanced variable-data management through KCC.
Why choose inkjet?
Inkjet is preferred when products pass without contact in front of the printhead, when their shape is curved or when direct marking is required on cardboard, wood or a part. It eliminates mechanical pressure and allows the message to be changed without a cliché or label. The
IQJET suits glass, plastic and metal. The
X72 suits cartons and secondary packaging with its FREEFLOW™ system without pump or valve.
Conclusion
TTO is the reference for films and flexible substrates; inkjet is more versatile on rigid, porous, curved and non-porous surfaces. Testing your actual packaging remains essential to confirm durability and readability.
ALLEN FRANCE, distribuidor oficial de Allen Coding y Diagraph desde 1984, acompaña a los industriales en sus proyectos de marcaje y trazabilidad. Nuestros técnicos se encargan de la instalación, la formación y el mantenimiento de sus equipos en toda Francia, con stock permanente de consumibles y repuestos. Contacte con nuestros expertos para un presupuesto gratuito y una demostración sobre sus propios productos.
