On December 16, 2024, Konica Minolta, Inc. (Konica Minolta) announced the launch of the KM800H-MR, an industrial inkjet printhead with a built-in heater and support for a wide range of ink types, offering long jet distance performance.
| Product Name | KM800H-MR |
| Number of Nozzles | 800 |
| Print Width | 56.4 mm |
| Resolution | 360 npi |
| Dimensions | W: 99.0 mm*D: 18.8 mm*H: 119.0mm |
| Jetting Frequency | 18 kHz/10 kHz |
| Drop Volume | 5~22 pl/30 pl |
| Ink Viscosity | 5~12 mPa.s |
| Heater | Yes |
| Inks | UV, oil, and solvent |
| Weight | 150 g |
| Greyscale Level | 4 |
Inkjet technology helps improve efficiency in the logistics industry.
In the logistics industry, the demand for production efficiency is increasing as cargo volumes increase. Compared to traditional labeling methods, using inkjet technology to print directly on industrial products such as metal and wood, as well as other target objects such as pharmaceuticals, food packaging, and corrugated cardboard, can reduce downtime caused by changing label rolls.
This approach not only improves efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of discarded labels. Inkjet printing also facilitates design changes and production adjustments, enabling easy modification of printed information. This makes it suitable for small-batch production and helps reduce inventory losses. Notably, piezoelectric inkjet printing, due to its printing capacity and high image quality, is suitable for high-resolution printing of small areas and complex designs, such as 2D barcodes.
Konica Minolta is committed to addressing critical issues such as "improving workplace fulfillment and corporate vitality," "responding to climate change," and "effectively utilizing limited resources." By expanding its inkjet printhead business, Konica Minolta aims to improve workflow efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This business helps reduce steps and handle small batches in the logistics industry by directly printing on the target object. Konica Minolta will further strengthen its ability to propose solutions that contribute to increased productivity.
Industrial Inkjet Printhead KM800H-MR Technical Features
1. Excellent Long Jet Distance Performance
The KM800 series features excellent long jet distance performance, enabling high-quality printing on objects up to 20 mm from the print head. This long jet distance also provides inkjet stability, enabling printing even on substrates with varying nozzle-to-surface distances, such as curved and rough surfaces. The distance between the print head and the material should be sufficiently large to minimize the chance of print head impact or material-print head collision. Compared to conventional printheads with jet distances of 1 to 3 mm, the KM800 series significantly enhances printing flexibility and adaptability.
2. Support for Multiple Inks, Expanding Applications
The KM800H-MR is equipped with an internal heater, enabling long-distance jetting even for UV inks, which are more viscous than aqueous inks at room temperature. Support for UV inks enables printing on non-absorbent substrates such as plastics, films, and paper containers, expanding coding and marking applications to bottles, packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, and medical supplies.
Application Prospects and Innovative Technologies
1. Superior long-distance performance, enabling high-resolution printing on curved and rough surfaces
Typically, the jetting distance is approximately 1 mm to 3 mm. The greater the distance, the less likely the ink will be accurately deposited, resulting in reduced image quality. Konica Minolta's long-distance technology enables outstanding high-resolution printing of images such as 2D barcodes, even at a distance of 20 mm from the nozzle to the target object.
Because it maintains the distance between the print head and the printing surface, preventing lint interference, it is also suitable for textile printing. Furthermore, the narrower width between nozzle rows improves printing performance on curved and rough surfaces, leading to its potential application in DTS for direct printing onto three-dimensional objects.
2. Supports vertical placement and color printing, suitable for various environments.
Typically, inkjet print heads are positioned horizontally to print perpendicular to the target object. However, during the transfer process, when printing on the side of the target object, vertical placement of the inkjet print head may be necessary. However, vertical placement results in different jetting characteristics between the upper and lower nozzles, resulting in reduced image quality.
The KM800 series breaks the traditional limitation of horizontal placement for inkjet printheads. Utilizing Konica Minolta's nano-manufacturing and drive technologies, the KM800 series enables stable inkjet printing while maintaining image quality even when positioned vertically. The inkjet printheads also support color printing, enabling applications such as decoration. The series also features a compact design for easy installation on printing equipment.
The launch of Konica Minolta's KM800H-MR industrial inkjet printhead marks another significant breakthrough in inkjet printing technology. With its exceptional performance and flexibility, this product will provide more efficient and environmentally friendly printing solutions for logistics, industry, and other sectors.
