Squid Ink Introduces a New Label Replacement Option for Non-porous Products

Squid Ink Manufacturing, Inc., a leading manufacturer of coding and marking systems for product identification and traceability, introduces the CoPilot® Gemini printing system now with solvent and UV curing capability to print on non-porous surfaces. With up to 5.6” of print height per printhead, the CoPilot Gemini offers a versatile yet cost-effective solution for a variety of product coding and marking applications.

Initially released in October 2022 with oil-based ink capability, the CoPilot Gemini now has the capability to run solvent-based inks, allowing users the ability to print on coated corrugate, polystyrene, films, and a number of other non-porous surfaces. Solvent-based capability is ideal for users looking to replace expensive labels and print directly on glossy cartons, cases, trays, films, or other non-porous substrates.

For applications that require immediate dry times on non-porous surfaces, the CoPilot Gemini can also run UV LED curable inks. UV ink dries only when it comes in contact with a UV LED light source, offering a low-maintenance yet immediate drying alternative for printing on non-porous surfaces. With up to 5.6” of print height and print speeds up to 220 ft/min, the CoPilot Gemini provides a cost-effective solution for making a mark on a wide variety of products and substrates.

About the CoPilot Gemini

The CoPilot Gemini is designed for label replacement and features Squid Ink’s largest printhead with up to 5.6” of print height. Printing at 360 dpi, the CoPilot Gemini prints GS1 barcodes, nutrition panels, and ingredient lists with ease. Additionally, the CoPilot Gemini utilizes the same active ink system found in Squid Ink’s CoPilot Max printing system, allowing users to tilt or rotate the printhead in any direction without making height adjustments to the ink supply.

The system prints hi-resolution characters, razor-sharp text, scannable bar codes, and great-looking logos at industry-leading 360 DPI vertical resolution at speeds up to 220 feet per minute. For increased runtime, the CoPilot Gemini features a large 500ml snap-in cartridge, allowing users to swap ink cartridges in seconds.

The generous ink volume, quick-change ink cartridge and user-friendly touchscreen design allow users to keep their line running, reducing downtime and maximizing ROI.

The CoPilot Gemini features a 4.3-inch full-color touchscreen that allows users to access the system’s internal messages and print functions. Messages are created and edited on

Squid Ink’s easy-to-use Orion™ PC Software and transferred via USB, Ethernet, wireless, or optional Windows® tablet. The tablet is ideal for users who want message creation and editing functionality on the production floor.

The CoPilot Gemini controller features increased processing power to print the messages users want when they want to print them. In addition, faster GUI response time and near-immediate message rendering times allow the Gemini to keep up with the demands of a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The CoPilot Gemini printing system is available now through Squid Ink’s worldwide network of authorized distributors. Sales inquiries should be directed to Joshua Nelson, Squid Ink Manufacturing, Inc., 7041 Boone Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55428. 1-800-877-5658. jnelson@squidink.com

About Squid Ink

Squid Ink, Eastey, and American Film & Machinery (AFM) are all divisions of Engage Technologies Corporation. Squid Ink (squidink.com) manufactures coding and marking systems for product identification and traceability, providing superior-quality inks and low-maintenance printing equipment. Eastey (eastey.com) is a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty shrink-packaging equipment and automated case sealing systems for packaging applications. American Film & Machinery (afmsleeves.com) supplies shrink labelers and tunnels, shrink sleeves, and tamper-evident bands.

Engage Technologies Corporation is headquartered in Brooklyn Park, MN, with facilities in Big Lake, MN, Spring Lake Park, MN, The Hague, Netherlands, and Shanghai, China. The Company continues to expand sales and services, with authorized distributors strategically located throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world.