Product sensors
Photoelectric, contrast or other sensing chosen for reliable pack detection.
From printhead to data flow
Thermal inkjet printer
line integration.
Mechanical, electrical and data integration that keeps print position, message selection and production response under control.
A complete coding station
Reliable print needs
reliable product control.
The printer is only one element in an on-line coding process. Packs must arrive in a stable position; a sensor must detect them accurately; speed must be known; the correct message must be selected; and a failed code may need a controlled response.
Oxford Traceability considers these elements together, whether adding a TIJ coder to an existing conveyor or engineering a dedicated coding and inspection station.
MechanicalMounts, guides and handling
ElectricalSensors, encoders and PLC I/O
DigitalMessages, data and verification
01Product control and triggering
Mechanical integration
Present every product
the same way.
A small, repeatable printhead gap helps TIJ maintain sharp output. Guides, side belts, hold-downs or dedicated conveyors may be needed for unstable or variable products.
The trigger sensor should see one clear feature per pack, away from transparent edges, reflective labels and adjacent product interference.
- Rigid, adjustable printhead and controller mounting
- Product guides and controlled print distance
- Sensor selection and repeatable trigger point
- Encoder mounting where conveyor speed varies
Existing conveyors
We review available space, belt condition, product stability, access, guarding and the effect of upstream/downstream equipment.
02Controls and traceability
Data and response
Select, print and
confirm the message.
The correct message can be selected locally, through a recipe, by barcode scan, via PLC signals or from a networked production system. The solution should reduce manual choice without making recovery difficult.
Where the code is critical, readers or vision systems can inspect presence, readability and expected content, then signal an alarm, reject or controlled line stop.
- PLC ready, busy, fault and print-complete handshakes
- Recipe, product and message selection
- Networked or database-fed variable data
- Inspection, reject confirmation and line status
Define failure behaviour
Agree what happens after no-read, printer fault, low ink, lost data, full reject bin and inspection bypass.
Integration components
The elements around
the printhead.
Each component is selected to suit the product, environment, code and required level of control.
Line encoders
Speed tracking to maintain horizontal scale when conveyor velocity changes.
Mounting systems
Rigid, adjustable brackets that protect alignment and allow safe cartridge access.
PLC I/O
Signals for ready, trigger, fault, job selection and production response.
Data connections
Controlled transfer of recipes, serials and other variable production records.
Vision & reject
Inspection, failure signalling, reject actuation and confirmation where required.
Site survey
Information needed
to engineer the station.
Line drawings, videos and site visits help expose integration constraints early.
ProductsSize range, weight, material, stability, spacing and orientation
ConveyorType, width, speed range, controls, available straight length and height
Print positionProduct face, height, available gap, access and changeover range
ElectricalSupply, control voltage, existing PLC and preferred signal interface
DataMessage ownership, recipe source, network, database and serial management
SafetyAccess, guarding, emergency stops, line control and site standards
Frequently asked
Useful answers
before you specify.
For application-specific advice, call 01865 362785.
Does a TIJ printer need an encoder?+
Not always. A fixed-speed conveyor can often use a set speed value. An encoder is useful where speed changes or accurate horizontal scale must be maintained through acceleration and deceleration.
Can a TIJ printer connect to our PLC?+
Industrial systems commonly provide discrete I/O, serial or network options. Exact protocol and signal requirements should be agreed for the chosen controller.
Can you integrate code inspection and rejection?+
Yes. A reader or vision system can inspect the print and signal a reject, alarm or line stop. Product tracking, reject confirmation and fail-safe behaviour should be engineered to the risk.
Can a printer be fitted to our existing conveyor?+
Often yes. The conveyor must provide suitable product control, speed stability, mounting space, access and electrical integration. A site survey or detailed line information confirms what is practical.