Ricoh launched three newly developed large-droplet G6 industrial-grade inkjet print heads, namely the RICOH MH5422, RICOH MH5442, and RICOH MH5422 Type A, and they are available for sale.
The Ricoh MH5422/5442 print heads utilize Ricoh's high-precision technology to deliver high image quality and productivity. They have wide ink compatibility and improved durability by enhancing the wear resistance of the nozzle surface. Ricoh has also improved system compatibility by applying a separate cable and high-precision surface alignment function.
As an enhancement to the RICOH MH5320/5340 product line, the new printhead enables users to select the inkjet printhead that best suits their needs. Customers using the existing RICOH G5 printheads MH5420/5440 (released in 2012) and MH5421/5441 (released in 2017) can easily upgrade their printers to this printhead while maintaining the existing print quality and the same ink drop volume.
Main Features of Ricoh MH5422/5442 Printhead
1. High-quality printing and high productivity
In addition to 1,280 nozzles, a nozzle layout of 150 npi × 4 rows, and a standard droplet volume of 7pl, the Ricoh MH5422/5442 printhead achieves high image quality printing by improving the accuracy and uniformity of droplet ejection speed and direction. Ricoh has also improved the stability of high emission frequencies, and an emission frequency of up to 50 kHz provides higher productivity.
2. Enhanced ink compatibility
Supports all types of inks: UV, water-based, and solvent-based. Especially when using water-based inks, the life of the Ricoh MH5422/5442 printhead is more than doubled compared to the previous generation product RICOH MH 5421/5441 (released in 2017).
3. Enhanced wear resistance of the nozzle surface
Compared with previous print heads, the strength of the ink-repellent film has been improved. This reduces the deterioration of the nozzle plate caused by repeated wiping and provides stable image quality even after long-term use.
4. Improved system compatibility
The printhead alignment is available in two configurations: a pin alignment compatible model or a high-precision surface alignment compatible model, which allows for easy alignment system integration and field service replacement. In addition, the split cable structure with a universal connector increases the flexibility of connecting and removing the printhead.
Background
The demand for easy-to-use inkjet print heads that are compatible with a variety of inks is increasing. Digital printing continues to expand into wider areas, accelerating resource conservation, labor saving, local production, and local consumption. In the industrial printing market, the number of customers involved in digital printing is increasing and is expanding to include signage graphics, textiles, and building material decoration.
| RICOH MH5422 | RICOH MH5442 | RICOH MH5422 Type A | |
| Method | Piston pusher with metallic diaphragm plate | ||
| Print Width | 54.1 mm (2.1") | ||
| Number of nozzles | 1,280 (4 x 320 channels), staggered | ||
| Nozzle spacing (4 color printing) | 1/150" (0.1693 mm) | ||
| Nozzle spacing (Row to row distance) | A: 1.101mm B: 11.811mm | ||
| Compatible ink | UV, Solvent, Aqueous, Others. | ||
| Total printhead dimensions | 89(W) x 24.51(D) x 66.3(H) mm (3.5" x 1.0" x 2.6") | ||
| Weight | 228g (including 45C cable) | ||
| 50 kHz (2 levels: binary) 30 kHz (4 levels) | 2 colors | 4 colors | 2 colors |
| Operating temperature range | 60℃ | ||
| Temperature control | Integrated heater and thermistor | ||
| Jetting frequency | 50 kHz (2 levels: binary) 30kHz (4 levels) | ||
| Grey-scale | 4 levels | ||
| Drop volume | 50 kHz (2 levels: binary) 30 kHz (4 levels) | ||
| Viscosity range | 10～12mPa・s | ||
| Surface tension | 28～35mN/m | ||
| Ink port | Yes | Yes | No |
| Separately sold parts | Dedicated cable | ||
