Squid Ink’s SQ/2 ink jet printing system allows manufacturers to print high quality dot-matrix characters on a variety of products at a cost-effective price. In fact, the SQ/2 offers the lowest price per printed character in the industry today. Users can choose between two models: a water-based system for printing on porous surfaces like corrugated cartons, paper or wood, or a solvent-based system for printing on non-porous products like plastics, stretch wraps, metals, glass or more.
SQ/2 large character ink jet printer users also have the option of choosing from several printhead configurations. Three different print sizes are available: 3/4″, 1/2″ or 3/8″ character height. All printheads are capable of printing both a 7 x 5 and 5 x 5 character matrix, offering print sizes ranging from 1/4″ to 3/4″ in height. Users also have the flexibility to run one or two printheads at any time. All of these components are field-installable for future upgrade to meet your application’s changing requirements.
The SQ/2 is designed for simple day to day operation. SQ/2’s state of the art input device provides quick and easy message programming and retrieval for up to 64 messages. Resident software in the input device walks the user through a series of prompts to program and save each message for printing ondemand. The system can also be programmed and maintained with a PC through a standard RS-232 port.
Patented micro-channeling technology eliminates the need for a costly array of fluid valves. Squid Ink uses its own proven plunger technology and distributes ink through a series of channels, keeping production and maintenance costs to a minimum, especially when compared to the costly valve technology common in most ink jet printers today.
The SQ/2 was engineered inside and out for industrial-strength operation. Heavy-duty gauge coated steel cabinetry ensures continuous operation in harsh, real world environments. If the printer does fail, a fix can be completed in less than five minutes. Quick and easy-to-install replacement printheads, PC cards and air pump modules minimize downtime and eliminate costly service calls. Best of all, the water-based SQ/2 utilizes Squid Ink’s patented SQ-60™ no-clog ink, allowing users to leave the ink in their printheads for an extended period of time without flushing or cleaning, making it the most cost-effective, low maintenance ink jet printing system available today.
• Controller cabinet and ink delivery system
• One or two printhead(s) and printhead mounting bracket(s)
• Printhead data cable(s) and ink line(s)
• Photocell product sensor and photocell mounting bracket
• Industrial-strength hand-held input device
SQ/2 Printing System Specifications
Printer Type Large character ink jet printer
Character Height .75″ (1.9cm) in 7 x 5 matrix; .5″ (1.3cm) in 5 x 5 matrix, or
.5″ (1.3cm) in 7 x 5 matrix; .375″ (1cm) in 5 x 5 matrix, or
.375″ (1cm) in 7 x 5 matrix; .25″ (.6cm) in 5 x 5 matrix
Character Set 61 character ASCII set
Print Speed 20 feet/minute (6.1m/minute) to 200 feet/minute (61m/minute) line speed; optional extended character
width firmware allows for print speeds slower than 20 feet/minute
Message Length 60 characters per message; 64 memory locations
Communication RS-232C, 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 start, 1 stop, Asynch
Software Features 24-hour clock, Julian date, counter, lot counter
Operating Features Dot size, print delay, character width, photocell on/off, invert print, reverse print, purge routine
SQ/2 Exchange Program Eliminates the need for costly service calls and minimizes downtime; troubled printheads and
components can be replaced in less than 5 minutes
Controller Dimensions 12″ (31cm) H x 12″ (31cm) W x 5.25″ (13cm) D
Controller Weight 10.5 lbs. (4.8kg)
Printhead Dimensions 3″ (7.6cm) H x 1.6″ (4.1cm) W x 7″ (17.8cm) L; dimensions are for the printhead only – an additional
3″ (7.6cm) is needed for the ink line and cabling which extends from the back of the printhead
Product Sensor Diffuse beam photocell (24v) or hardware sinking signal
Electrical Requirements 110/120 VAC, 50/60Hz, 1.6 amp
Cabinet Construction Industrial gauge coated steel
Operating Environment 38°F (3°C) to 122°F (50°C)
Substrate Capabilities Porous or Non-Porous surfaces
Air Requirements No external air needed
Ink Capabilities Porous: Squid Ink SQ-60™ no-clog ink
Non-Porous: Several Squid Ink solvent based fluids to meet adhesion and dry time needs
Ink Volume .5 (1.89 liters) gallon bottle standard; available upgrade (water-base ink only) to 5.0 gallon pail
(18.93 liters)
SQ/2 Optional Accessories
Spare Parts Kit Includes spare printhead, card cage and PC board pack, air pump module, data cable and master cap
Starter Kit Includes ink, cleaner for flushing the system, spray bottle for cleaner, hand cleaner and lint-free
wipes for the printhead
5-Gallon Pail Upgrade Upgrades ink supply to 5.0 gallons (water-base ink only)
PC Software Communications software for PC integration
Repeat Print Firmware Allows continuous printing of messages
Extended Character Allows for print speeds slower than 20 feet/minute
Width Firmware
Rollaway Stand Provides mount for the SQ/2 controller, designed with caster wheels for transportation within plant
Installation and Training On-site installation and training available
