Continuous Inkjet Printing for Flexible Circuit Boards

Flexible circuit boards and electronic components often require compact, readable codes without slowing the production line. This application shows a small-character continuous inkjet printer integrated with an automated handling station to print identification information on flexible circuit materials.

Why CIJ printing works for flexible electronics

Flexible printed circuits have limited printing space and move through several production steps before final assembly. A non-contact continuous inkjet printer can place small text on the available surface without pressing against the material. The printhead can be installed above the work area while a sensor or positioning system controls the print timing.

Typical printed information may include a production date, lot number, shift code, internal tracking number or short product code. Clear identification helps operators separate batches and trace a component back to its production record.

Automatic positioning and repeatable printing

In this case, the flexible circuit material is placed on an automatic fixture. The fixture positions the part under the printhead and presents the printing area at a consistent distance. This is important because stable print distance and accurate triggering help keep the character position uniform from one part to the next.

The final image shows light-colored characters printed on the narrow circuit area. For this type of application, the customer should test the ink against the coating, surface treatment and production environment before confirming the final ink type.

Points to confirm before production

• Available printing area and required character height
• Surface material, coating and ink adhesion
• Required contrast between the code and the circuit color
• Line speed, fixture movement and sensor position
• Message format, production data and code change frequency

A practical sample test is the best way to confirm print quality. DAYSJET can evaluate the material, required code and line arrangement before recommending a printer and ink combination.

Application photos

The following photos were extracted from the production video and show the automated station, the printhead position and the finished printed circuits.