Konica Minolta has introduced two new models to its KM1024i industrial inkjet printhead family, the KM1024iSHE-HM and KM1024iSHE-HM-LV. These heads are designed for high-resolution, high-speed industrial printing and provide enhanced resistance to solvents.
In electronics manufacturing, such as the production of displays and semiconductors, inkjet technology is widely used to accurately deposit materials or form fine circuit patterns. However, when solvent-based materials that can dissolve synthetic resins are involved, conventional heads often struggle to maintain stable performance.
The KM1024iSHE-HM-LV addresses this challenge with excellent solvent resistance, making it suitable for display coatings, organic semiconductor materials, next-generation solar cells, and metallic nanoparticle inks. It supports microdroplet jetting and is optimized for low-viscosity inks, enabling precise applications such as the formation of perovskite layers.
The KM1024iSHE-HM offers similar advantages but also accommodates higher viscosity inks, giving manufacturers more flexibility depending on their production needs.
Kenichi Okubo, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the IJ Component Business Unit, stated:
“Inkjet technology continues to grow in demand because it improves manufacturing efficiency. With the KM1024iSHE-HM-LV, we are expanding inkjet applications into new areas such as perovskite solar cells.”
| Printhead | KM1024iSHE-HM | KM1024iSHE-HM-LV |
| Number of Nozzles | 1024 | 1024 |
| Print Width | 72 mm | 72 mm |
| Resolution | 360 npi | 360 npi |
| Dimensions (mm)=W*D*H | 131 mm*18 mm*94 mm | 131 mm*18 mm*94 mm |
| Jetting Frequency | 56 Hz | 44 Hz |
| Drop Size | 6 pl | 7.5 pl |
| Ink Viscosity | 7-12 mPa.s | 3-5 mPa.s |
| Heater | yes | yes |
| Ink Type | UV, Solvent | UV, Solvent |
| Weight | 150 g | 150 g |
| Greyscale (levels) | 8 | 8 |
Key Features of the KM1024i Series:
1. Unique Drive and Precision Structure
It utilizes a multi-row structure with an independent nozzle drive, eliminating the traditional three-cycle drive method. All 1024 nozzles can simultaneously spray. This high-density structure, with 256 nozzles arranged in 4 rows, significantly improves nozzle positioning accuracy, laying a solid foundation for high-precision printing and meeting the most demanding printing requirements in a wide range of applications.
2. High-Speed Drive Performance
The maximum drive frequency reaches 45 kHz, approximately three times that of the KM1024 series. This high-speed drive capability excels in single-pass high-speed printing, making it an ideal choice for developing single-pass high-speed inkjet printers. It significantly improves printing efficiency and meets the needs of large-scale, high-efficiency production.
3. Stable Jetting and Ink Tolerance
The sophisticated printhead design ensures stable jetting of various industrial inks and exhibits excellent ink tolerance. Furthermore, the ink circulation mechanism easily handles inks prone to sedimentation, ensuring stable printing even with inks of varying characteristics, broadening the ink's usability.
4. Precise Temperature Control
A built-in high-performance heater ensures optimal and stable temperature control for high-viscosity inks commonly used in industrial applications. Optimum ink temperature helps maintain ink fluidity and jetting performance, ensuring stable printing and consistent print quality.
5. High Resolution and Rich Grayscale
Featuring a 360 npi high-resolution nozzle and the same high-performance IC as the previous KM1024 series, this printer supports printing in up to eight grayscale levels. This rich grayscale range delivers more subtle color transitions and more realistic images, making it suitable for emerging applications requiring high-precision image quality and rich color expression, such as high-end graphics printing and fine signage production.
By launching the KM1024iSHE-HM and KM1024iSHE-HM-LV, Konica Minolta extends the application of inkjet printheads into advanced industries, offering better solvent resistance, faster throughput, and stable performance for next-generation industrial printing needs.
