There are many ways to mark wire and cable. One of the most popular is ink-jet marking. The technology is fast, flexible, inexpensive and easy to maintain. This article reviews the latest developments in inks and ink-jet marking equipment.

Like every niche assembly process, manufacturing cables for industrial equipment presents numerous challenges. One of the most common is being able to consistently print clear markings on each cable.

Whether it is text, numbers, bar codes or even just a pattern to aid identification, producing clear, accurate and long-lasting marks on wire and cable is becoming increasingly important.

Wire and cable insulation is typically made from thermoplastics, thermosets or fibrous coatings such as fiberglass and fiber-braiding. Unfortunately for manufacturers, inks and coatings do not print or bond well to most of these materials when using standard techniques.