Reviewed: 9 September 2026

Construction materials are often difficult to mark consistently because the printing surface may be rough, curved, dusty, damp, oily or coated. A thermal inkjet (TIJ) printer can help create clear variable information such as part numbers, batch references, dates, inspection identifiers, text, barcodes or QR codes, but the printer and ink must be selected for the actual material and working conditions.

Where direct coding may be useful

• Cartons, timber and other absorbent packaging materials
• Pipes, profiles, panels and fabricated components
• Plastic, metal and coated surfaces after compatibility testing
• Warehouse, fabrication and site-identification workflows

Direct coding can reduce reliance on separate labels in suitable applications. It does not by itself create a compliant traceability system: the code format, database, scanning process, records and acceptance criteria must be defined by the customer.

Why the actual sample matters

Two materials that look similar may have different coatings or surface treatments. Ink adhesion and readability can also be affected by dust, oil, moisture, temperature, curvature, texture, printing distance and handling after printing. For that reason, PTS recommends testing the customer’s real sample under representative conditions before confirming a solution.

A practical test should check the required code size, contrast, drying time, rub resistance, scan quality and performance after the customer’s normal handling or storage process. If the item is exposed outdoors, to chemicals, heat or water, the customer should include those conditions in the test.

Choosing a suitable BENTSAI format

For compact handheld coding, the BENTSAI 6205BL and BENTSAI 6210BL may be considered according to the required print content and cartridge compatibility. For larger characters, the BENTSAI B85 wide-format printer offers a documented maximum print height of 92 mm and can be used handheld or with a suitable inline arrangement.

Water-based cartridges are generally intended for selected porous and semi-porous materials. Solvent-based cartridges may be considered for selected semi-porous and non-porous materials. This is application guidance, not a universal surface guarantee; the exact cartridge, chip and printer compatibility must be confirmed for the Malaysian model supplied by PTS.

Before selecting a printer

• Provide the actual material or a representative sample.
• State whether the surface is coated, oily, dusty, wet, curved or textured.
• Confirm the required print height, content and scanning distance.
• Explain whether printing is handheld or on a production line.
• Describe the operating and storage environment.
• Define your own durability and acceptance test.

Explore our Construction Materials & Hardware Coding Solutions or browse Coding & Marking Solutions by Application.

PTS Technology Sdn Bhd is the exclusive authorised distributor for BENTSAI handheld inkjet printers in Malaysia. We provide application discussion, sample testing, product demonstrations and local technical support. Contact us through WhatsApp to arrange a test using your actual material.