Inkjet technology is a combination of hardware, software and procedures used for inkjet printing. In inkjet printing, small droplets of ink are pressed from a nozzle in order to create a printed image.

All inkjet technology systems have the following four features in common:

• They use non-contact printers. This means that the printer does not touch the printed surface as only the ink droplets need to come into contact with it. As a result, inkjet printers are able to print on moving, uneven or sensitive surfaces.
• They do not require paper. Since the ink is directly applied to the surface, there is no need to print labels and then apply them to the package. In this sense, both procedures can be done at the same time.
• Information can be rapidly modified. Texts (e.g. time, date, batch numbers) can be altered in real-time at the conveyor belt.
• A high-speed printing rate. Depending on the technique employed, products moving at a rate of up to 5 metres/second can be printed, which is sufficient for most production needs.

Inkjet technology systems are widely used in labeling.

The main component of a labeling system based on inkjet technology is the drop-on-demand inkjet printer. This type of printer allows manufacturers to directly print the information that would otherwise be contained in a label on their products or packaging.

The great advantage of drop-on-demand inkjet printers is that the production of labels becomes unnecessary. Manufacturers can therefore save time and money. In addition to this, drop-on-demand inkjet printers can print at high speed and offer an excellent printing quality, something that other labeling systems are not able to deliver. Drop-on-demand inkjet printers are also compatible with multiple surfaces (e.g. plastic, cardboard, metal), which makes it an ideal labeling solution.