The Advantages of Squid Ink’s Piezo Printing Technology for Industrial Applications
Introduction
Industrial manufacturers require marking and coding solutions that deliver flexibility, cost savings, and long term reliability. While traditional methods like labels or continuous inkjet (CIJ) have been common, Piezo drop on demand printing has emerged as a superior solution for many industries. Squid Ink, a trusted name in industrial coding and marking since 1991, has pioneered Piezo technology with its CoPilot family of printers.
This white paper explores how Piezo printing works, its advantages over other technologies, and how Squid Ink’s solutions provided by Pacific Labeling & Integration deliver measurable benefits in cost, flexibility, and efficiency across food and beverage, consumer goods, logistics, and more.
1. What is Piezo Printing Technology?
Piezo printing is a drop on demand inkjet method that uses a piezoelectric crystal to control ink ejection.
How It Works:
- A piezoelectric crystal in the printhead flexes when voltage is applied.
- This flexing displaces ink inside the chamber and forces precise droplets out of the nozzle.
- Unlike thermal inkjet, Piezo uses mechanical movement rather than heat, allowing a wider variety of inks to be used.
This process produces consistent droplet sizes and enables long term durability in demanding industrial environments.
2. Squid Ink’s Leadership in Piezo Technology
Founded in 1991, Squid Ink built its reputation on delivering reliable, American made coding and marking solutions. Its first major innovation was bulk ink systems that significantly reduced consumable costs. Over the years, Squid Ink expanded its product line to include high resolution Piezo printers designed for direct product coding.
The CoPilot family and larger systems like the CoPilot Max Turbo deliver sharp, high resolution codes at speeds and costs that rival traditional labeling while reducing waste and complexity.
3. Advantages of Piezo Printing
A. High Resolution and Versatility
- Prints text, barcodes, logos, and graphics up to 300 dpi.
- Handles print heights from a fraction of an inch up to several inches with stitched printheads.
- Compatible with porous and non porous surfaces such as corrugated, plastic, metal, and coated materials.
B. Wide Ink Compatibility
Piezo printheads support both water based and solvent based inks. This flexibility allows manufacturers to print directly onto:
- Corrugated cases
- Shrink wrap
- PVC, plastics, and foils
- Metal and coated substrates
C. Cost Savings Compared to Labels
- Eliminates pre printed labels, ribbons, and waste.
- Direct to case printing reduces consumables and storage requirements.
- Bulk ink systems provide a lower cost per print than labels or CIJ.
D. Long Life and Low Maintenance
- No heating elements to wear out, ensuring long printhead life.
- Minimal maintenance compared to CIJ which requires constant flushing and cleaning.
- Designed for rugged industrial environments with minimal downtime.
E. Scalability and Flexibility
- Systems scale from single printheads to multiple printheads for larger codes.
- Easy integration into existing production lines.
- User friendly touchscreen controls simplify operation and training.
4. Cost Benefits Analysis
When evaluating marking and coding technologies, the cost per print is often a decisive factor. While some systems may offer a lower upfront investment, ongoing consumables, maintenance, and downtime can quickly erode those savings. Squid Ink’s Piezo printers consistently deliver some of the lowest operating costs in the industry due to their bulk ink delivery systems and direct-to-surface printing capability.
Direct to Surface Printing vs Labels
- Label Materials: Labels add recurring costs for media, storage, and waste. By printing directly onto corrugated cases, cartons, or shrink wrap, Piezo systems eliminate the expense of labels altogether.
- Ribbon Costs: Thermal transfer labelers require constant ribbon changes, adding consumable costs and downtime. Piezo printers require only ink.
- Labor Efficiency: Eliminating label handling reduces operator workload and minimizes interruptions on the production line.
- Bulk Ink Advantage: Squid Ink pioneered bulk ink systems that allow thousands of prints between refills, lowering cost per mark dramatically compared to cartridge-based systems.
Modeled Cost Comparison Example
The table below shows typical cost ranges observed in industrial applications. Actual costs vary depending on substrate, ink choice, and production environment, but the overall trends consistently favor Piezo technology when compared to other methods.
| Technology | Consumables Cost per 10,000 Marks* | Typical Maintenance | Label Waste Factor | Overall Operating Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piezo (Squid Ink) | Low (bulk ink ~ $12–$15) | Low | None | Lowest |
| Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) | Moderate (~ $35–$50) | Low | None | Moderate |
| Labels (Thermal Transfer) | High (~ $75–$120) | Moderate | High | Highest |
| Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) | Moderate to High (~ $40–$60) | High | None | High |
*These figures are modeled averages based on typical industrial use cases and are provided for comparative purposes.
This modeled analysis demonstrates why Piezo often delivers the lowest cost of ownership for manufacturers, especially when replacing pre-printed labels or thermal transfer systems.
5. Applications Across Industries
Squid Ink’s Piezo technology is not limited to one sector. Its versatility allows it to be used in nearly any industry where durable, legible codes are required.
Food and Beverage
- Large character case coding eliminates costly pre printed labels.
- High contrast inks ensure expiration dates, lot codes, and barcodes are scannable in cold chain environments.
- Solvent inks adhere to shrink wrap and coated cartons, making it ideal for beverage bottling lines.
Consumer Goods
- Print directly onto corrugated packaging for household goods, cosmetics, and electronics.
- Custom branding and graphics enhance shelf appeal without adding the cost of printed labels.
- Flexible message changes make seasonal or promotional packaging easy and cost efficient.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
- Piezo printers handle large case coding for distribution and shipping compliance.
- When paired with proper inks, codes remain durable through handling, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.
- Meets regulatory requirements for traceability across supply chains.
Logistics, Distribution, and Warehousing
- Direct case coding eliminates the need for label inventories across multiple distribution centers.
- Bold, high resolution barcodes ensure reliable scanning during transport, reducing errors and chargebacks.
- Ability to print large alphanumeric codes improves visibility in warehouses and during transport.
Industrial and Building Materials
- Durable inks mark directly onto porous substrates like lumber, drywall, and insulation.
- Permanent, legible identification ensures compliance with industry standards.
6. Why Choose Squid Ink Piezo Systems Through PLI
Choosing Squid Ink’s Piezo printers is not just about equipment — it is about partnering with experts who understand industrial production challenges. Pacific Labeling & Integration ensures that businesses get the most out of their investment.
Experience and Expertise
PLI’s team has decades of combined experience in coding, labeling, and packaging. This experience translates into smooth installations, custom system integrations, and ongoing service tailored to each customer’s production environment.
Cost Efficiency Beyond Equipment
- Squid Ink printers already provide the lowest consumable cost per mark in the industry.
- PLI enhances that advantage by helping customers optimize message layouts, ink usage, and system placement to further reduce operating costs.
- Unlike some competitors, Squid Ink systems avoid “lock in” cartridge models, giving customers true control over long term operating costs.
Flexibility and Scalability
- Squid Ink Piezo systems can start small and scale up as business grows. From a single line to multi line, high speed facilities, the same platform adapts easily.
- Printhead stitching allows for larger message areas, accommodating logos, compliance marks, and large barcodes.
Service and Support
- PLI provides local service, meaning fast response times and less downtime.
- Training ensures operators and maintenance teams can run the equipment confidently and efficiently.
- PLI offers preventative maintenance programs that keep lines running smoothly with predictable costs.
Risk Free Trial
- Pacific Labeling & Integration offers a 14 day free trial on Squid Ink Piezo printers.
- Customers can see the difference firsthand in cost savings, print quality, and efficiency before making a purchase.
7. Conclusion
For businesses looking to reduce labeling costs, improve production efficiency, and gain flexibility, Squid Ink’s Piezo printing technology offers a clear path forward. Unlike labels that add recurring costs and complexity, Piezo prints directly onto the product or case with sharp, durable marks. Compared to continuous inkjet, Piezo offers lower maintenance, lower ink consumption, and greater long term reliability.
Squid Ink’s leadership in Piezo technology — combined with Pacific Labeling & Integration’s installation expertise and customer support — ensures that businesses achieve a fast return on investment. Whether in food and beverage, consumer goods, logistics, or industrial manufacturing, the benefits are clear:
- Lower cost per print than labels or CIJ.
- Eco friendly operation with less waste.
- Flexibility to adapt to multiple substrates and production environments.
- Reliable equipment backed by experienced service and support.
With Squid Ink Piezo printing solutions from PLI, companies gain a long term advantage in marking and coding. The combination of cutting edge technology, cost savings, and expert support makes Piezo the smart choice for any manufacturer.
About Pacific Labeling & Integration
Pacific Labeling & Integration is more than a distributor. We are a solutions partner committed to helping manufacturers reduce costs, improve efficiency, and future proof their coding and marking operations. Our team has decades of combined experience in labeling, coding, and packaging automation. We work side by side with our customers to recommend the right technologies, install and integrate systems, and provide ongoing service and support.
As an authorized provider of Squid Ink printing systems, PLI offers unmatched expertise and local service. We take pride in delivering real results, whether that means reducing consumable expenses, improving print quality, or minimizing downtime. Our 14 day free trial program gives customers the chance to test equipment in their own facilities before committing, ensuring confidence in every investment.
At Pacific Labeling & Integration, we believe that every customer deserves a reliable partner who can support them long after the sale. That is why manufacturers across California and beyond trust us with their most critical coding and labeling needs.
For more information or to schedule your free trial, contact Pacific Labeling & Integration today.