Thermal inkjet printing enables precise, consistent code marking even on textured or uneven surfaces—supporting more controlled and intelligent construction processes.
This article explores the use of 2D codes in construction, which deliver exceptionally precise results. Read on to learn more.
The Growing Role of Data in Construction Projects
Digital data now plays a crucial role in decision-making and progress monitoring in construction projects. This digital data can be leveraged through 2D codes. These codes provide a unique identity with details on the origin, specifications, and intended use of each project material.
Integrating this digital data offers construction teams numerous benefits, including fewer manual errors, faster installations, and assurance that materials meet quality standards.
Why Scannable 2D Codes Are Essential in Modern Building Operations
With a quick scan, these codes enable monitoring at every stage of material use, making critical information available in real time to workers and project managers.
It also facilitates integration with systems like Building Information Modeling (BIM), allowing every building element to be digitally recorded, minimizing the risk of errors and supporting cross-team collaboration on the project site.
From Logistics to Installation Site
Materials can be tracked from production to on-site installation. Scannable codes allow project management to verify deliveries, determine proper storage locations, and ensure materials are installed according to plan.
This helps reduce material loss or damage while expediting the installation process, ensuring projects remain on schedule and on budget.
Challenges in Printing on Small and Irregular Surfaces
Many material surfaces are uneven, textured, or small, making precise ink application difficult. Furthermore, the color and reflectivity of the surface also affect the legibility of the code when scanned. To keep codes clear, printing technology must adjust pressure, droplet size, and resolution to match each material’s characteristics.
Material Variety and Harsh Handling Conditions
Construction materials vary widely, from metal and wood to plastic and gypsum board. Each material has different surface characteristics that affect ink adhesion. Rough handling, exposure to humidity, or high temperatures can also cause codes to fade quickly. The right printing method is crucial to maintaining consistent, clear 2D codes across varied field conditions.
Thermal Inkjet Printing for High-Resolution, Reliable Code Marking
Thermal inkjet enables high-resolution, non-contact printing, ensuring codes remain clearly legible even on difficult surfaces. Thermal inkjet sprays ink in micro-droplets, minimizing material damage and ensuring clean prints. This makes the code marking process fast, efficient, and reliable, even on busy production lines.
Non-Contact Printing with Minimal Maintenance
Non-contact thermal inkjet systems deliver ink to the surface of the material without physically touching it, reducing machine wear and the need for routine maintenance. This technology is ideal for construction applications that require fast, high-precision marking on a wide variety of materials.
Clean and Consistent Results on Diverse Materials
Another advantage of thermal inkjet is its ability to print consistent codes on diverse materials, including metal, plastic, and gypsum board. The high clarity and print quality ensure 2D codes can be scanned without error, even after extensive handling or challenging environmental conditions.
Linking Physical Materials to Digital Construction Systems
2D code acts as a bridge between physical materials and digital systems, enabling accurate, real-time documentation. Integration with BIM and on-site scanners ensures every building element is automatically monitored, verified, and recorded. This supports more effective project oversight, enables data analysis to improve productivity and quality, and minimizes human error.
Integration with BIM and On-Site Scanning Tools
With this integration, everyone, from contractors to architects, has access to the same information. Each scan automatically updates material status, streamlining coordination and ensuring accurate, data-driven decisions on site.
Supporting Digital Construction with Efficient 2D Code Deployment
The effective implementation of 2D codes makes digital construction more realistic, controlled, and measurable. Every material can be monitored, verified, and integrated into the project management system, improving productivity, quality, and safety.
To support this, DSI provides a thermal inkjet solution capable of printing high-resolution 2D codes on a variety of materials, including difficult or textured ones.
With this technology, every material can be tracked, integrated with BIM or scanning tools, and fully support smart construction. See a complete list of continuous inkjet printers here!
Entrust your 2D code printing to DSI for exceptional precision. Also read the article about: Printing on Non-Porous Surface: Challenges and Best Practices.
References:
- https://www.domino-printing.com/en/blog/2025/building-the-future-of-construction-with-2d-codes
- https://support.scannable.io/en/articles/10159557-what-is-a-2d-code
- https://maplejet.com/news/thermal-inkjet-printer-for-2d-barcode-qr-code-printing/?srsltid=AfmBOooX5DqLw8ucKv57HXQkgiV8ivPPLrvQdGQH0UUh39FIqr8RQiiI
