Case Studies, Marking and Coding, Printing

Achieving Flawless Traceability: An Introduction to Thermal Inkjet (TIJ)

2 September 2025

The Growing Demand for Data-Rich Codes

The world of product coding is evolving rapidly. Simple expiry dates are no longer enough. Today’s supply chains demand complex, data-rich 2D codes like DataMatrix and QR codes. These codes are the backbone of modern traceability, enabling everything from regulatory compliance and anti-counterfeiting to direct consumer engagement. To print these intricate codes with the clarity and precision required for machine scanning, manufacturers are turning to a technology renowned for its exceptional quality: Thermal Inkjet.

How Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) Technology Works

Thermal Inkjet technology uses a disposable cartridge that contains both the ink supply and the printhead. Inside the printhead, tiny resistors are heated to over 300°C in a microsecond, creating a vapor bubble in the ink which expands and ejects a precise, perfectly formed droplet onto the product surface. This process offers a unique set of benefits:

Pros:

Exceptional Print Quality: TIJ is capable of printing at very high resolutions (typically 600dpi), producing crystal-clear text, graphics, and Grade-A scannable barcodes.

Virtually Maintenance-Free: The printhead is part of the disposable cartridge. Every time you change the cartridge, you are effectively installing a brand-new printer.

Clean and Simple: The self-contained cartridges make for a clean, simple, and error-free ink changeover process.

Compact and Easy to Integrate: TIJ systems are small and can be easily integrated into existing production lines where space is limited.

Cons:

Substrate Limitations: TIJ works best on porous or semi-porous surfaces like paper and cardboard. It is less suitable for non-porous surfaces like glass or metal without specialized inks.

Throw Distance: The printhead needs to be very close to the substrate, making it less ideal for products with irregular surfaces.

Why Choose TIJ Over Other Technologies?

The choice for TIJ becomes clear whenprint resolution and code scannability are the absolute top priorities. It is the definitive technology for printing machine-readable 2D codes onto secondary packaging like cardboard cartons and medical device packaging. In automated supply chains where a single unreadable barcode can cause significant disruption, the flawless quality delivered by TIJ is non-negotiable.

Why Domino’s Gx-Series is the Smart Choice for Traceability

Domino’s Gx-Series of TIJ printers are engineered for the modern, connected factory, with full Domino Cloud connectivity for remote monitoring and management. The standout advantage is its unmatched modularity and scalability, allowing a single controller to manage up to four printheads. For Malta’s thriving pharmaceutical sector, a Domino Gx-Series printer is far more than a piece of operational equipment; it is a passport to the €500 billion European market. Its ability to deliver verifiable, Grade A codes consistently and reliably is a strategic imperative that underpins the entire business model for any local pharmaceutical manufacturer looking to export.

Designed for GMP: Validation and Compliance in Mind

A printer in a pharmaceutical environment is more than just hardware; it’s a validated part of a regulated process. The Domino Gx-Series is engineered to integrate seamlessly into your existing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) workflow. We understand that compliance is non-negotiable, which is why we provide a comprehensive Validation Support Package, including detailed documentation for your Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ). Furthermore, the Gx-Series is ideally suited for cleanroom applications. Its contained, spill-free cartridge system minimizes the risk of contamination, while the smooth, non-porous casing is designed for easy cleaning and wipe-down procedures. This ensures that your coding process upholds the highest standards of product safety and environmental control.

Market Applications for Maltese Businesses

The high-resolution capabilities of the Gx-Series are perfectly suited to the compliance and quality demands of Malta’s key export industries. Pharmaceutical Serialization: This is the flagship application for TIJ. The Gx-Series enables Maltese pharmaceutical companies to achieve full compliance with the EU FMD by printing crisp, verifiable 2D DataMatrix codes onto cartons. Our solutions for industrial coding and traceability are designed to meet the strictest global standards. Food & Beverage Shelf-Ready Packaging: The Gx-Series can print high-resolution logos, nutritional information, and promotional QR codes directly onto cardboard sleeves and packaging. Logistics and Distribution: The Gx-Series excels at printing flawless, Grade-A GS1-128 barcodes on outer shipping cartons, ensuring smooth passage through automated warehouses and distribution centers. Discover how Domino Printing technologies can optimize your entire supply chain.

The Future of High-Definition Coding

As supply chains become more data-driven and regulations more stringent, the need for high-quality, machine-readable codes will only grow. The Domino Gx-Series stands as the most intelligent, flexible, and future-proof TIJ solution on the market, empowering Maltese businesses to compete on a global scale.