The core idea of this page: three coding technologies differ in durability and cost — CIJ is the fast non-contact workhorse for date and lot codes, TTO gives a crisp durable code on film, and laser etches a permanent mark with no consumable ink.
CIJ
Continuous inkjet sprays conductive ink droplets and deflects them to form characters. Fast and non-contact, but the code is low-resolution and solvent-removable. A Videojet 1860 reaches 960 fpm.
TTO
Thermal transfer melts a ribbon onto the substrate for a crisp, durable code on film and labels. Consumes ribbon.
Laser
Laser etches or ablates the surface with no ink or ribbon — permanent. Slower to set up and surface-dependent.
Decision rule
- Date/lot at high speed → CIJ.
- Crisp durable code on film → TTO.
- Permanent, consumable-free → laser.
Source: Videojet
1860 CIJ "speeds of up to 960fpm (293mpm)".
Frequently asked questions
Which coding technology is most durable?
Laser is the most durable (etched into the surface), then TTO, then CIJ.
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Last verified: September 10, 2026.