Mailing Systems Technology - September/October 2008 - (Page 30) substrates. Other recent improvements include faster printing (up to 760 feet per minute) and better printhead-to-substrate throw distance. With its excellent print resolution, TIJ reliably and consistently prints the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB). Which Technology Works in My Application? Print Resolution — Both TIJ and Piezo DOD technology feature many nozzles in a small vertical line/space, providing high fixed print resolution (dpi). With Binary Array CIJ’s print mechanics, the nozzles require more spacing between them, so this technology has a lower fixed dpi. Binary array CIJ is able to handle more aggressive solvents (MEK, acetone). More resolution typically means better print quality. Capital Cost — Equipment pricing is determined primarily by the type of printhead technology and the hardware required to make it work (binary array printheads are significantly more expensive to manufacture than TIJ printheads, for instance) and also by the capabilities (speed, substrate, etc.) of the equipment. Equipment prices typically do not include additional system requirements, such as high end controllers, transports, UV lamps and IR dryers. More print height requires more hardware, which adds more cost. Operational Costs — Binary Array CIJ tends to have a higher cost per 1,000 addresses due to make-up consumption. However, this cost is marginalized if the system is utilized continuously. With TIJ, because the printhead is part of the ink cartridge, every time a cartridge is replaced, you are “installing” a new printhead, thereby all but eliminating any hardware maintenance requirements. Print Speed — Both TIJ and Piezo DOD technology “buy” print speed with a reduction in print resolution. The higher the dpi, the slower these technologies print. Binary Array CIJ is typically not impacted by the speed/resolution conundrum. Some Binary Array CIJ technologies utilize a “doubledrop mode,” which does impact speed; this is not an improvement in resolution, just an additional ink drop almost on top of the previous drop, to enhance darkness, improve coverage, etc. All inkjet technologies experience some drop-off in print quality at higher line speeds. Substrates and Inks — Binary array CIJ, using solvent-based inks, is capable of printing on most substrates. Additionally, the solvent inks tend to literally bite into the substrate, providing code permanence. TIJ inks dry on the surface of the substrate and can be wiped away. Both TIJ and Piezo DOD typically require additional hardware for drying/curing. Piezo DOD solvent inks expand the range of substrates somewhat, but for the maximum substrate range, Binary Array CIJ is the best choice. Binary array provides the widest range of substrate coverage; TIJ provides the least. Start-Up Time — Because Binary Array CIJ uses solvent inks, it requires more time (12-15 minutes) to start up. Once it is up and running, it will operate with minimal intervention. TIJ technology typically requires five to 10 minutes; simply wipe the heads and begin printing. Piezo DOD technology typically requires 10 to 15 minutes; usually a slight purge and wipe will get the system printing optimally. Daily Maintenance — TIJ technology requires more attention during a normal production day; you typically need to wipe the printhead to clean it of debris every few hours. Also, the more aggressive the ink, the less time the printhead can sit idle. Piezo DOD requires less attention than TIJ, but more than Binary Array CIJ, as dust/debris build-up over a shift will require cleaning. Binary Array CIJ, once up and running, requires little attention until the end of the run/shift. Printhead-to-Substrate Distance — Throw distance is impacted by linear speed; the faster the substrate is moving, the more likely the print will look “shadowy” and fuzzy. Because both TIJ and Piezo DOD are not pressurized, they have less throw distance than Binary Array CIJ. Intelligent Mail Barcode IMB implementation has been officially delayed until May 2009; however, that deadline will be here soon. The IMB is a 65-bar, four-state (e.g., four different types of bars in the code) barcode that contains 31 digits of data. The IMB encodes: • The delivery-point address routing code used by the USPS to sort and track mail • Any special services requested by the mailer, such as Address Change Service or Confirm • The class of mail and mailer’s ID code (a new feature being introduced with IMB) • The unique identity of the mailpiece The IMB holds nearly three times the data of POSTNET and can be printed using the same technology. There is one potential caveat — it cannot be deciphered by the human eye, which raises quality-control challenges in mail production. However, like its machinereadable symbol predecessors, there is little doubt that technology will overcome this caveat, and the IMB will become as ubiquitous on mail as the UPC has become on retail products. At least until the next new technology comes along. But by then, that inkjet printer that prints 500,000 pieces per hour, at 600 dpi, with a printhead-to-product throw distance of a half inch, that prints onto ANY and EVERY substrate, and requires no maintenance, just might be readily available. Scott Liniger is a Business Manager for Domino’s Commercial Printing line of industrial inkjet printers. He has been involved with ink jet printing technology for 20 years. Contact: Scott D. Liniger, Domino Amjet, Inc., 1290 Lakeside Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031, www.dominoamjet.com, sliniger@dominoamjet.com. 30 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2008 | WWW.MAILINGSYSTEMSTECHNOLOGY.COM http://www.dominoamjet.com http://www.MailingSystemsTechnology.com
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