Track & Trace, Infrared (IR), and Fluorescent Technologies
As supply chains become more complex and challenges in protecting brand image increase, manufacturers need smarter and more adaptable ways to secure their products. At Wikoff Digital, we understand that product security is no longer just branding or marking a package, but that it’s about enabling traceability, authentication, and protection at every stage of the distribution chain.
Our Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) solutions, combined with advanced ink technologies, provide a flexible and scalable approach to implementing both visible and covert security features, all without disrupting your existing operation.
What Is Track & Trace, and How Does It Work in Production?
Wikoff Digital’s TIJ inks are designed to deliver high-resolution, reliable variable data printing across a wide range of substrates and production environments.
With our ink solutions, customers can implement:
- Serialized barcodes and QR codes
- Lot, batch, and date coding
- Unique identifiers for item-level traceability
Enabling:
- End-to-end supply chain visibility
- Faster, more targeted recalls
- Seamless integration with existing data systems
Whether you’re operating in regulated markets or simply looking to strengthen operational control, Wikoff Digital helps ensure your codes are accurate, durable, and consistently readable.
What Are UV Fluorescent Inks Used for in Brand Authentication?
For applications requiring quick and cost-effective verification, Wikoff Digital’s UV fluorescent TIJ inks are invisible to the naked eye but are brightly fluorescent under UV light.
These inks can be used to print invisible marks, codes, patterns, and other brand specific identifiers that enable a covert level of brand security.
Some of the key advantages of our UV fluorescent inks include:
- Rapid field inspection with handheld UV devices
- Customizable formulations for specific absorption and emission wavelengths
- Strong adhesion and performance across a variety of substrates
Our fluorescent inks provide an ideal balance of visibility when needed and discretion when not, making them a versatile tool in any security strategy.
How Do Infrared (IR) Inks Provide Covert Product Security?
Wikoff Digital offers infrared-responsive TIJ inks that provide a powerful covert layer of protection. These markings are invisible under normal lighting but can be verified using IR detection systems.
Our IR solutions are custom engineered for:
- Unique emission and absorption wavelengths
- Stable jetting performance in production environments
- Consistent signal detection for authentication
These inks allow brand owners to embed hidden identifiers directly into packaging, adding a level of protection that is extremely difficult to replicate or spoof.
What Comes After UV and IR? Advanced Security Ink Options
Wikoff Digital also offers a variety of custom-formulated inks that go above and beyond our standard UV or IR fluorescent inks. These inks were designed using our expertise and experience to offer an even greater level of brand security.
These advanced security solutions include:
- Visible inks with UV or IR emission responses
- UV fluorescent inks with multiple response based on absorption wavelength
- Dual security inks that combine UV and IR features in tandem
Enhanced security solutions like these can provide additional peace of mind in the fight against counterfeiting through their dual or redundant security measures.
Why Choose Wikoff Digital for Security Applications?
Wikoff Digital goes beyond merely supplying ink. We deliver custom, application-driven solutions to offer our customers a strong defense. Our approach combines:
- Deep ink formulation expertise tailored to TIJ 2.5 ink platforms
- Custom-engineered solutions for specific needs and unique applications
- Responsive technical support from development through implementation
We work closely with customers to ensure that every solution is optimized not just for performance, but for real-world production.
Moving Forward with Confidence
As counterfeiting and supply chain risks continue to evolve, so must your approach to product security. Wikoff Digital provides the tools and expertise to help you stay ahead, delivering secure, scalable, and production-ready TIJ solutions.
If you’re looking to enhance traceability, protect your brand, or implement covert security features, our team is ready to help you develop the right solution for your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TIJ printing?
TIJ, or Thermal Inkjet, is a variable-data printing technology used to apply codes, serialization, and security marks directly onto packaging during production.
Can Wikoff Digital’s security inks be added to an existing production line?
Yes. Our TIJ ink solutions are designed to integrate with existing production and data systems without requiring major changes to current operations.
What’s the difference between UV fluorescent and IR security inks?
UV fluorescent inks are verified with handheld UV light for fast field inspection, while IR inks require IR detection systems and offer a more covert layer of authentication that’s harder to detect or replicate.
