Ink4Mail is a stocking distributor of TIJ 2.5 HP45-format ink cartridges for industrial date coding, lot marking, and batch coding on packaging lines. We carry Kao Collins OEM cartridges, HP originals, and Colorlabs remanufactured options — all shipping same day on orders placed before 4 PM Central.
We sell ink, not printers. If you already run a Wolke, Videojet, Domino, Matthews, FoxJet, REA JET, HSAJET, Reiner, Linx TJ, or any other HP45-compatible case coder, the cartridges on this page fit that platform. Match the chemistry to your substrate below, or call 1-866-INK-CART (465-2278) and we will match it for you.
What Date Coding Covers
Date coding is inline product marking — the codes that keep product moving through retail and regulatory requirements:
- Date and expiration codes — calendar date, Julian date, use-by / best-by / sell-by marks on outer cases and retail packs
- Lot and batch numbers — traceability under FSMA, GS1, and most retailer programs
- Production data — shift codes, line IDs, and counters printed with the date
All TIJ 2.5 printers use the same HP45-size cartridge. The question is not which brand of coder you own; it is the surface you are printing on.
Match the Ink to Your Packaging Surface
Wrong chemistry is the main cause of unreadable date codes: smearing on coated board, transfer when cases stack, or marks that fail scan verification.
Porous and Semi-Porous (Corrugated, Matte Paper, Uncoated Board)
Kao Collins Super Fast Black (TWK1961H) — dye-based ink for porous and semi-porous substrates. Dark, fast-drying, scannable date and lot codes at line speed. Direct replacement for the Wolke UB7482 and the discontinued Collins CM-796KB.
Kao Collins Pack Ink (TWK-2103) — pigment option with long decap for porous packaging lines that stop and start at changeovers.
Non-Porous and Coated (Plastic Film, PVC, Tyvek, Foil, Coated Cartons)
Kao Collins Max 3 (TWK-1396) — pigment-based ink for non-porous and coated stocks. Smudge-resistant expiration and lot codes on films and coated cartons.
Collins Stratus (TSK281503) — solvent-based option for difficult media (UV coating, foil, some metals). Ask us before ordering if your surface is in that class.
Aqueous-Coated Stocks (Glossy Labels, Clay-Coated Board)
Max 3 (TWK-1396) covers many aqueous-coated jobs. The IQ2392A (General Ink of Japan) replaces the discontinued HP Q2392A / Secap Picasso / RENA EasyInk on this substrate class. Collins Reliable H (TWK328001) is formulated for matte and glossy papers and chipboard with long decap.
Lines That Idle Between Jobs
Uncapped nozzles dry during shift changes and product changeovers — the usual cause of a missing or faint first code after a stop. Prefer Pack Ink (TWK-2103) or Reliable H (TWK328001) when the line cycles on and off.
Which Printers These Cartridges Fit
Every ink on this page is HP45 / TIJ 2.5 format. Model-specific notes: Wolke, Videojet, Domino, Matthews, FoxJet, REA JET, HSAJET, Reiner, Linx — or the full by-printer-brand index.
For the full HP45 lineup by substrate (OEM, HP original, and remanufactured), see TIJ 2.5 Compatible Ink. Running CIJ or thermal transfer instead of TIJ? Start at the Industrial Coding hub.
Pricing and Volume Discounts
Date coding cartridges are stocked with volume pricing at 6, 12, and 24+ units. Continuous lines usually buy case quantities — ask for a quote on larger runs. See current pricing in the shop, or email info@ink4mail.com.
Date Coding FAQ
Looking for a date code printer or coding machine?
Ink4Mail supplies ink cartridges for TIJ 2.5 systems you already own (or are specifying with an integrator). We do not sell complete coders. If your head takes an HP45 cartridge, use the substrate guide above; if you are unsure of the format, send the printer model to info@ink4mail.com.
Will the codes survive stacking and shipping?
On the right substrate/ink pairing, yes — dye inks absorb into porous board on contact; pigment inks bond to coated and non-porous surfaces. Transfer problems almost always mean a chemistry mismatch, not a bad printer.
Do these inks meet food-packaging requirements?
These inks are used on outer packaging (cases, cartons, film) — the usual FSMA/GS1 lot and date application. For direct food-contact work, contact us before ordering.
My first code after a line stop is missing or faint
That is nozzle decap — ink drying at the face while the line idles. Switch to a long-decap formulation: Pack Ink (TWK-2103) or Reliable H (TWK328001).
Order Date Coding Ink
Orders before 4 PM Central ship same day. Questions, OEM cross-references, or substrate matching: info@ink4mail.com or 1-866-INK-CART (465-2278).