Non-contact printer for small character coding of containers and bottles. The inkjet coder prints up to 3 lines of text, bar codes and logos from 2 to 10mm high at speeds up to 800 fpm. Capable of multinational character printing, serial codes, current/expiration time, date coding and shift coding in red or black ink. System permits infrequent cleaning of the print head (for up to 30 days) and is ideal for intermittent operation that is typical of slower speed lines or contract packaging jobs.