PIJ inkjet printers are widely used in industries such as food, medicine, and electronic components due to their high resolution, low cost, and ease of operation. However, users often encounter a thorny problem in their daily operations: the inkjet coding characters are blurry and unclear. This not only affects the appearance of the product, but also may lead to the inability to read traceability information, causing significant losses.

Understanding the root cause of the problem: Why is PIJ inkjet coding blurry?

The essence of blurred handwriting is that the ink fails to adhere to the surface of the substrate in an exact form. The main reasons can be summarized into the following four categories:

1. Nozzle issues: Blockage, physical damage or surface contamination.
2. Ink issues: Type mismatch, poor quality or expiration.
3. Parameter setting issue: The inkjet printing parameters do not match the current environment and material.
4. Substrate and environmental issues: Unsuitable material surface or poor environmental conditions.

Step-by-step investigation and solutions

Step 1: Basic inspection and cleaning (the most commonly used solution)

Most fuzzy problems can be solved through simple cleaning and maintenance.

1、Clean the nozzle

（1）Operation: Use the non-woven fabric and special cleaning solution provided by the manufacturer to gently wipe the surface of the nozzle. Remove the accumulated ink, dust and debris.
（2）Note: Do not scratch the nozzle with sharp objects, and also avoid using strongly corrosive solvents (such as alcohol) to prevent damage to the nozzle.
2、Carry out nozzle inspection

Operation: Perform the "Nozzle Inspection" or "Print Test" function in the machine menu. Check if the test pattern has any broken lines or crooked lines. If so, it indicates that some nozzles are clogged.

3、Perform the cleaning function

Operation: Based on the results of the nozzle inspection, perform the "light cleaning" or "strong cleaning" function of the machine. This can use the internal pump force to break through minor blockages.

Step 2: Check the ink and consumables

If cleaning is ineffective, the next step should be to check the ink.

1、Confirm the type of ink and its shelf life

Key point: Ensure that the ink used is compatible with the material of your substrate, such as plastic, metal, or glass. For instance, using the wrong ink on PVC material can lead to penetration and diffusion. At the same time, check if the ink is within its expiration date. The properties of expired ink will change.

2、Use original or certified ink

Suggestion: It is strongly recommended to use the original ink recommended or certified by the equipment manufacturer. Poor-quality compatible ink is a common cause of nozzle clogging and printing quality issues.

Step 3: Optimize the inkjet printing parameter Settings

Improper parameter Settings can directly lead to blurring, divergence or smudging.

1、Adjust the printing resolution (DPI)

Note: On some models, excessively high resolution may cause blurring during high-speed printing. Try to fine-tune the resolution according to the printing speed.

2、Adjust the waveform Settings

Explanation: The waveform controls the shape of the ink droplets and the ejection speed. If the device supports it, try fine-tuning the waveform Settings. Generally, the equipment is preset with multiple material modes (such as "porous material", "non-porous material"), and choosing the appropriate mode is safer and more effective than manual adjustment.

3、Optimize the drying time

Note: If the code print is slightly scratched and blurred after printing, it may be due to insufficient drying time. You can try to turn on or enhance the attached drying device (such as a small air duct).

Step 4: Consider the substrate and the environment

Solution: Some materials have oil stains, dust or mold release agents on their surfaces. Add a cleaning process (such as corona treatment, plasma treatment or wiping with a clean cloth) before inkjet coding.

2、Control the temperature and humidity of the environment

Extreme temperatures or humidity can affect the viscosity and drying speed of the ink. Ensure that the working environment is within the temperature and humidity range specified by the equipment.

Solving the problem of blurry characters on PIJ inkjet printers is a systematic investigation process. By following the process of "cleaning -> checking consumables -> optimizing Settings -> reviewing the environment", you can mostly quickly locate and solve problems on your own in most cases, ensuring the smooth operation of the production line.