Date coding is the most ubiquitous packaging-line equipment — every product sold needs lot, date, or traceability coding — and the CapEx choice between continuous inkjet (CIJ), thermal inkjet (TIJ), and laser coding swings from $2,000 to $45,000. Lintyco's LTC420 is referenced here as an integration point; date coders come from specialists (Videojet, Domino, Markem-Imaje, Hitachi). CIJ ($2,500-$15,000) is the workhorse for porous and non-porous surfaces at high speed.
TIJ ($2,000-$8,000) delivers high-resolution printing for primary packaging. Laser coders ($15,000-$45,000) etch permanent codes without consumables — preferred for traceability and sustainability. CapEx drivers: (1) technology (CIJ/TIJ/laser), (2) print resolution, (3) number of print heads, (4) integration with line controls. Annual consumable cost often exceeds depreciation: CIJ ink + solvent $800-3,000/year, laser has no consumables.
Cost Breakdown
CapEx → running cost
| Cost Component | Typical Range |
| Capital expenditure (CapEx) | $2,000 - $45,000 |
| Annual maintenance | $400 - $3,000 |
| Energy consumption | 0.3 - 2.5 kWh/hour |
| Labor per shift | 0 (automated) |
Benchmarks at a Glance
2026 data
Typical Speed
50-400+ (matches line)
Price Range
$2,000 - $45,000
ROI Period
6-18 (consumable savings) months
Industry Note
Date coder ROI runs 6-10 months when switching from CIJ to laser (consumable savings). For new installations, laser ROI is 12-18 months due to higher CapEx offset by zero consumables and longer service intervals.
Buying Decision Factors
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Technology choice: CIJ ($2.5-15k) for high-speed non-porous surfaces (plastic film, metal, glass). TIJ ($2-8k) for high-resolution primary packaging (cartons, labels). Laser ($15-45k) for permanent codes, no consumables, sustainability — preferred for premium and pharma.
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Print resolution: CIJ: 5-12 dot vertical resolution (readable, not pretty). TIJ: 600 dpi (high-resolution barcodes, logos). Laser: 600+ dpi equivalent (permanent etching). Match resolution to content: dates = CIJ; barcodes = TIJ; traceability = laser.
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Substrate compatibility: CIJ works on almost anything (plastic, metal, glass, paper). TIJ prefers porous or treated surfaces. Laser requires substrate-specific wavelength (CO2 for film, fiber for metal, UV for plastic). Verify substrate compatibility before buying.
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Consumable cost: CIJ: $800-3,000/year in ink + solvent. TIJ: $400-1,500/year in cartridges. Laser: $0 consumables (electricity only). For 24/7 operation, laser saves $10-30k over 5 years despite higher CapEx.
Products That Use a Date Coder (Inkjet/Laser)
Cross-linked selectors
Frequently Asked Questions
Continuous inkjet (CIJ) vs thermal inkjet (TIJ) — when to choose?
CIJ for non-porous surfaces at high speed (plastic film, metal cans, glass bottles) — works on almost anything, dries in 1 second. TIJ for porous surfaces and high-resolution printing (cartons, labels, sachets) — 600 dpi, lower cost, but slower and substrate-specific.
Is laser coding worth the higher CapEx?
Laser ($15-45k CapEx) vs CIJ ($2.5-15k CapEx). Laser wins on: (1) zero consumables ($800-3k/year savings), (2) permanent etching (tamper-proof), (3) no solvent VOC emissions. Payback 12-18 months on high-volume lines. For low volume, CIJ is cheaper.
What substrates can each technology print on?
CIJ: nearly any substrate (plastic, metal, glass, paper, rubber). TIJ: porous paper and treated plastics. Laser: substrate-specific — CO2 laser for film and paper, fiber laser for metal and engraved plastic, UV laser for clear plastic and sensitive substrates.
Why is my CIJ printer skipping or printing faint codes?
Causes: (1) ink viscosity drift (CIJ auto-adjusts but needs service), (2) clogged nozzle (run auto-flush cycle), (3) low ink make-up level, (4) print head distance from substrate (should be 5-12mm), (5) substrate speed mismatch. Run preventive maintenance monthly.
What is the typical print speed?
CIJ: 1-5 m/s (very fast, matches any line). TIJ: 0.3-1 m/s (slower, suits most packaging). Laser: 1-3 m/s. All technologies can match typical packaging line speeds; the constraint is print resolution and substrate dwell time.
How much do CIJ consumables cost per year?
CIJ ink + solvent: $800-3,000/year depending on volume (1-5 liters ink, 2-10 liters solvent). TIJ cartridges: $400-1,500/year. Laser: $0 consumables. For 24/7 high-volume operation, consumable cost often exceeds equipment depreciation.
Can a date coder integrate with my MES/ERP for traceability?
Yes — modern CIJ, TIJ, and laser coders support Ethernet/IP, Profinet, or RS-485 protocols to receive lot codes, expiry dates, and serialization data from MES/ERP systems. Plan $500-2,000 for integration software and protocol gateway.