Clean, Accurate Coding on Ice Cream Tubs with Curved Surfaces

In the food packaging world, ice cream tubs present a unique challenge when it comes to coding and marking. Their curved surfaces, cold environments, and non-porous materials make it difficult to apply clear, consistent batch codes, expiry dates, or QR codes – especially at production speed.

Traditionally, Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers were used for this task, but they come with downsides: maintenance-heavy hardware, solvent use, frequent cleaning, and inconsistent print quality on uneven surfaces.

That’s why more manufacturers are turning to Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) solutions like the RNJet H1, paired with customized compensator systems. This innovative setup allows clean, accurate, and reliable coding on curved ice cream containers – without the mess or complexity of CIJ.

Can you guess? CIJ or TIJ?

Coding on ice cream tubs isn’t as simple as printing on flat cartons or pouches. Key challenges include:

Curved, tapered surfaces that shift the printhead’s angle and distance
Cold, sometimes moist or frosted packaging, especially near the filling point
Short contact windows on fast-moving production lines
Non-porous plastic surfaces that require fast-drying, high-adhesion ink

CIJ printers, while capable of spraying in multiple directions, are vulnerable to clogging, ink overspray, and adhesion issues in this type of environment. Their high maintenance demands and volatile solvents also raise food safety concerns.