Marking PE pipes is an important link in the pipeline industry to achieve product traceability, brand display and specification management. Because PE pipes are often used in construction, municipal water supply and drainage, gas transportation and other fields, their use environment may involve outdoor exposure, long-term friction and even buried underground, so the durability, adhesion and migration resistance of the code are put forward higher requirements. Choosing the right coding equipment is crucial to ensure that the information is clearly identifiable throughout the life cycle of the pipe.

Among all kinds of inkjet printing technology, CIJ has become one of the mainstream choices for PE pipe marking because of its excellent adaptability. This technology uses a non-contact spray printing method, which means that the spray head will not come into physical contact with the surface of the pipe, thus avoiding the problem that the surface of the pipe may be deformed or blurred due to extrusion or collision. More importantly, CIJ technology can be paired with multiple types of specialized inks.
For PE, a non-absorbent plastic material with low surface energy, it is crucial to choose penetrating inks such as keto or alcohol groups. This type of ink can combine with the surface of the pipe through slight chemical action to form a strong mark that effectively resists scratching and wear. In addition, the design of modern CIJ equipment also fully considers the continuity of industrial production. For example, some models are equipped with large-capacity solvent systems, which can significantly reduce the number of shutdowns to add solvent, which directly improves the overall operating efficiency of the production line for pipe manufacturing companies that pursue efficient and uninterrupted production.
Among them, the Videojet 1580 + small-character inkjet printer and the Videojet 1280 small-character inkjet printer follow the proven and innovative technology of the traditional Videojet models, and also provide intelligent modules to provide fully automatic, efficient and high-quality inkjet printing technology for the production line. It adopts intuitive touch screen operation, is easy to use, and eliminates the need for complicated technical training for operators.
The production speed of the Videojet 1580 + and Videojet 1280 can reach 278 meters per minute, and the SmartCell service module replacement is quick and simple, ensuring optimized production line efficiency and avoiding additional downtime. The Videojet Smart Cartridge system is messy, waste-free, error-free, drains all ink in the cartridge, and provides additional anti-leakage protection during transportation and handling.
In addition to the classic CIJ technology, Thermal Foaming Inkjet Technology (TIJ) also provides another possibility for high-quality labeling of PE pipes. Thermal foaming inkjet printers can achieve print resolutions of up to 600 dpi, which is particularly beneficial for scenarios where QR codes containing large amounts of data or complex brand logos need to be sprayed on pipes. The high-resolution logo ensures quick and accurate reading of information and improves the level of refinement of product management. At the same time, TIJ equipment is usually compact and relatively simple to operate and maintain.
Of course, if you pursue the ultimate permanent identification, laser coding technology is also an option worth considering. The laser marking machine adopts a non-contact marking method and has certain advantages in terms of marking quality, durability and consumables quantity. It causes a physical or chemical reaction on the surface of the PE pipe through a laser beam, leaving a permanent mark. Such markings usually have extremely strong corrosion and wear resistance. It should be noted that the effect of laser coding will be affected by the additives and pigments of the pipe itself, so sample testing before selection is an important step to ensure the best effect.
When selecting a brand suitable for PE pipe coding, industry-renowned brands such as Videojet can provide a variety of solutions including small character coding machines with their extensive technical types and rich industry experience, and provide professional ink selection suggestions for the characteristics of PE materials to help you obtain clear, lasting and industry-compliant marking effects.



