The Ricoh G6 is currently quite popular, but do you know of a printhead that's superior to the G6 when it comes to printing high-drop products? This article reveals which is better: the Toshiba CF3R printhead or the Ricoh G6 printhead.
We've previously introduced the Toshiba CF3R printhead's specifications. Compared to other printheads, what advantages does it offer? This issue compares the Ricoh G6 printhead with the Toshiba CF3 printhead to see which one offers the most advantages.
Below, we'll compare the printhead specifications and the performance of UV printers equipped with each type of printhead:
1. Printhead Droplet Size
The Toshiba CF3 printhead has a minimum droplet size of 3 PL, while the Ricoh G6 printhead has a minimum droplet size of 5 PL. In this sense, the smaller the droplet, the finer the print quality. Therefore, the Toshiba CF3R printhead will produce products with slightly higher precision.
The minimized 5pl droplet size and improved jetting accuracy produce excellent print quality without graininess. In addition, the maximum grayscale frequency of 50 kHz can improve productivity, which is 40% faster than the current Ricoh G5 model on the market, quickly improving printer efficiency.
Basic parameters of the Ricoh G6 printhead: There are two models of the Ricoh G6 printhead. One is MH5320 (two colors per head), and the other model is MH5340 (four colors per head). The parameters are shown in the table below:
| Ricoh MH5320 | Ricoh MH5340 | |
| Print Width | 54.1 mm (2.1”) | |
| Nozzle Number | 1280 (4*320 channels), staggered | |
| Nozzle Spacing | 1/150’ (0.1693mm) | |
| Ink Type | UV, Solvent, Aqueous | |
| Total Printhead Dimensions | 89 (W)*66.3 (D)*24.51 (H) mm (3.5”*2.6”*1”) | |
| Weight | Max. number of color inks | |
| Max. number of colors inks | 2 | 4 |
| Temperature Control | Up to 60℃ | |
| Jetting Frequency | 50 kHz (3 levels), 40 kHz (4 levels) | |
| Grayscale | 4 levels | |
| Drop Volume | Binary model: 5 pl/Grey-scale model: 5~15 pl | |
| Viscosity Range | 10~12 mPa.s | |
2. Print Speed
When printing flat products simultaneously and with moderate requirements, the Toshiba CF3R printhead boasts a print speed of 20-30 square meters per hour, while the Ricoh G6 printhead boasts a print speed of 30-40 square meters per hour. In terms of print speed alone, the Ricoh G6 printhead is slightly faster. Of course, these are only theoretical speeds; in actual prints, the G6 is also slightly faster.
3. Printhead Price
Both the Toshiba CF3R and Ricoh G6 printheads offer dual-color printing. The Toshiba CF3R printhead costs 12,000-13,000 RMB; the Ricoh G6 printhead costs 14,000-15,000 RMB. The price difference between the two printheads is not significant.
4. Printhead High-Depth Performance
The Toshiba CF3R printhead can print at a height of 20 mm; the Ricoh G6 printhead can print at a height of 18 mm. In this respect, they are comparable. Currently, both printheads are equipped with magnetic levitation, and the Toshiba CF3R printhead is slightly better at printing at high heights.
5. Market Application
The Toshiba CF3R printhead is primarily used for printing high-height products, such as toys. The G6 printhead is more widely used in UV printers, such as advertising and decoration, color printing, and toys.
Comparing the above data reveals that both nozzles have their own strengths and weaknesses and are equally matched. As for which printhead is better? That's a difficult question to answer. Both devices have been on the market for approximately six years, and their technological sophistication is similar.
