In the ever-evolving world of industrial printing, new technologies often promise revolution—yet only a few prove their reliability on the production floor. One such breakthrough is CTIJ, or Continuous Thermal Inkjet, a printing technology that bridges the gap between high-speed, continuous operation and the maintenance-free simplicity of Thermal Inkjet (TIJ).
Since MapleJet first introduced Hx Ultro in 2022, CTIJ has quietly proven its reliability across hundreds of flexible packaging production lines. Now, with the launch of Hx Ultro 25w and the upcoming Hx Ultimo, CTIJ is stepping forward as a category of its own—a dependable, high-performance solution built for the future of coding and marking.
What is CTIJ?
CTIJ (Continuous Thermal Inkjet) is an evolution of TIJ designed to overcome the traditional limitations of cartridge-based systems in high-speed, high-volume production.
While standard TIJ printers rely on self-contained cartridges, CTIJ introduces a bulk ink delivery system with continuous ink supply to the printhead resulting to uninterrupted operation.. This means:
- No frequent cartridge replacement — ideal for long production runs.
- Stable print pressure and flow, ensuring consistent print quality.
- High-speed, uninterrupted operation even in demanding industrial environments.
- Reduced running cost per print through bulk ink usage.
In short, CTIJ retains the core strengths of TIJ—clean, maintenance-free printing and sharp resolution—while delivering the performance continuity typically associated with Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) systems.
Why CTIJ Matters
Today’s production lines, particularly in primary packaging, demand both precision and speed. Traditional TIJ excels at short runs and simple setups, but when lines run continuously or operate in challenging environments, a new level of robustness is required.
That’s where CTIJ fits perfectly—it offers the durability, ink capacity, and integration flexibility that high-output lines need, without the solvent-heavy maintenance of CIJ.
CTIJ is also Industry 4.0–ready, integrating seamlessly with smart factory systems for monitoring, remote management, and cloud connectivity.
Proven in Action: Hx Ultro
The Hx Ultro printer has been running on production lines across various regions since 2022, particularly in flexible packaging applications—one of the most demanding segments for coding and marking.
Video documentation and case studies have shown Hx Ultro delivering:
- Consistent, high-resolution prints on film, foil, and pouches.
- Continuous operation without manual intervention.
- Reduced downtime and lower cost-per-mark compared to CIJ and TTO.
This proven reliability has established Hx Ultro as the benchmark of CTIJ performance, validating the category’s long-term potential.
The Next Generation of CTIJ
Building on the success of Hx Ultro, MapleJet expands the CTIJ lineup to meet emerging industry needs:
Hx Ultro 25w – for E-Commerce and High-Volume Secondary Packaging
A high-throw-distance CTIJ printer, the Hx Ultro 25w offers superior flexibility for e-commerce and logistics applications. It handles larger codes, logos, and barcodes on secondary packaging at high speeds—ideal for variable data printing on corrugated boxes and shipping materials.
Hx Ultimo – for Bottles and Curved Surfaces
The upcoming Hx Ultimo takes CTIJ further, enabling precise coding on curved and uneven surfaces, such as bottles and containers. With advanced ink delivery control and compatibility with industrial materials, Hx Ultimo opens new possibilities for sectors like beverages, personal care, and pharmaceuticals.
CTIJ: Proven, Evolving, and Here to Stay
From Hx Ultro’s proven performance in flexible packaging to the next-generation versatility of Hx Ultro 25w and Hx Ultimo, CTIJ has moved beyond concept—it’s a proven printing category redefining what manufacturers can expect from industrial inkjet.
As industries demand smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable coding systems, CTIJ stands as the bridge between performance and simplicity—a technology built not just for today’s production, but for the future of intelligent manufacturing.
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