Ricoh printheads, manufactured in Japan, are currently the most cost-effective in the printing industry. The most popular printhead on the market is the Ricoh G5. They offer fast printing speeds and high precision, and their variable droplet technology for grayscale printing makes printing easier and more stable.
Grayscale printing refers to the ability to produce ink droplets of varying sizes (volume and diameter) from the same printhead (nozzle), tailored to specific needs. By controlling the vibration of a piezoelectric element within the nozzle, one or more small ink droplets are ejected in close succession. These droplets then merge into a single, larger droplet before exiting the nozzle, resulting in high-definition, vibrant images.
Comparison of performance parameters of commonly used printheads for domestic large-format printers:
| Printhead Model | Nozzle Number | Print Width | Nozzle Spacing | Physical Resolution | Ink Droplet Volume | Jetting Frequency |
| SPT510 | 510 | 71.8mm | 188.5um | 180dpi | 35pl | 8kHz |
| SPT1020 | 1020 | 71.8mm | 188.5um | 180dpi | 35pl | 12kHz |
| Konica 512 | 512 | 36.1mm | 70.5um | 360dpi | 14pl | 12.8kHz |
| Konica 1024 | 1024 | 71.8mm | 70.5um | 360dpi | 14pl/42pl | 12.8kHz |
| Ricoh Gen5 | 1280 | 64.0mm | 60um | 360dpi | 7pl | 60kHz |
| Epson | 1440 | 36.8mm | 20.4um | 1440dpi | 3.5pl | 18kHz |
(Note: Print speed = print width x firing frequency. Currently, only Ricoh print heads are the best.)
Printhead Performance Comparison:
RICOH Gen5 Printhead:
The Gen5 printhead features dual-row ink inlet tubes, produces fine-dot, grayscale printing, and is fully enclosed. It is waterproof and resistant to aging. The printhead has a built-in constant temperature system, adjusting the printing voltage based on temperature for more stable printing. The printhead's circuit board is fully metal-clad, allowing it to withstand ink without damage. The printhead has a long lifespan, typically 3-4 years, making it one of the most successful piezoelectric printheads.
Seiko 1020 Printhead:
The Seiko SPT1020 printhead is manufactured by Seiko Instruments Inc. in Japan. Its printed circuit board is exposed, making it susceptible to dust and ink contamination. In severe cases, this can cause a short circuit in the printhead circuit and burn the printhead. When printing at low pass rates, the output color is pale, with a noticeable green yin-yang line (a design issue with the control board and RIP software). The printhead lifespan is short, with severe nozzle clogging occurring after a year of use.
Ricoh Printhead Advantages:
Ricoh printheads have been in the industry for many years and are widely used as industrial-grade printheads. They have rapidly gained popularity in the UV printing industry and are widely recognized as the most effective printheads. Their performance, speed, and lifespan are unmatched by other printheads. While more expensive than those from Seiko, Konica, Toshiba, and Epson, Ricoh printheads offer the best value for money. With the development of industrial applications, Ricoh printheads are becoming increasingly popular in UV printers. The following is a brief analysis of Ricoh printhead parameters, structure, price, lifespan, and other aspects.
Ricoh printhead model specifications:
Ricoh printheads come in two models: the G4, also known as the small printhead, and the G5, also known as the large printhead or dual printhead. The G4 printhead controls one color per printhead, while the G5 printhead controls two colors per printhead, also known as a one-for-two printhead. In terms of fine detail, the G5 printhead is significantly superior to the G4.
1. Design:
The Ricoh printhead consists of an independent control board, connecting cables, and core printhead. The printhead is constructed entirely of steel, with a 54mm inkjet width and exceptional corrosion resistance. It can operate 24/7 and last approximately 3-4 years, assuming 10 hours of operation per day. This outperforms comparable printheads by more than double.
2. Printing Performance:
The minimum ink droplet size is 7 PL. UV printing delivers exceptionally detailed and lifelike results, with image reproduction exceeding 95%.
3. Ricoh Printhead Printing Speed:
The machine can accommodate up to 12 Ricoh Gen5 printheads, achieving a print speed of up to 60 square meters per hour (6 passes).
4. Printing Technology:
Utilizing the latest RIP printing software and intelligent bidirectional printing, we can print 15 to 25 square meters per hour, depending on the number of printheads configured.
5. Printing Cost:
The ink volume required per square meter is approximately 10ml, costing approximately 5 yuan. One liter of ink can print 80-120 square meters of full-width graphics, helping you maximize profits with minimal investment!
Comparison between Ricoh and Seiko Printheads:
Seiko printheads are all-steel structures. Currently, the most common type on the market is the SPT1020 35PL printhead. Due to the large nozzle diameter, this printhead's precision is quite coarse. Simply put, it's not suitable for fine work. Its ink droplet technology is fixed, resulting in a lifespan of approximately 1.5 to 2 years. Priced at around 10,000 yuan, it offers no advantages over Ricoh printheads.
Overall, the Ricoh G5 printhead boasts a more rational design, produces finer prints, features variable ink droplet technology, and offers a longer lifespan, effectively outperforming the Seiko printhead in every respect.
