Ricoh UV Printheads – Features, Specs, and Model Selection
Ricoh
Since beginning printhead development in 1973, Ricoh has accumulated over 40 years of expertise in inkjet technology. Its printhead products are renowned for high precision, high productivity, and broad ink compatibility, making Ricoh one of the most important brands in the global inkjet printing industry.
Main Product & Features
Features:
Entry-level, lightweight printhead with a low price and easy integration.
Advantages:
Low cost, compact size, easy integration into small devices.
Ideal for desktop or small UV flatbed printers.
Disadvantages:
No grayscale support, unsuitable for detailed images.
Short lifespan and limited ink compatibility.
Recommended Applications:
Light industrial customization such as phone cases, USB drives, and label printing.
Features:
A stable, mature industrial printhead for small- to medium-sized UV devices.
Advantages:
Stable performance, proven solution.
Lower cost than Gen5, suited for the mid-range market.
Disadvantages:
Slower printing speed and lower resolution than Gen5.
Average ink control, not ideal for high-definition images.
Recommended Applications:
UV printing for crafts, signage, and personalized products.
Features:
The most widely used Ricoh industrial printhead with balanced performance.
Advantages:
High speed and high precision, supports grayscale control.
Strong stability with low maintenance costs.
Excellent adaptability and high market maturity.
Disadvantages:
Higher cost and higher requirements for driver boards.
Cold start is relatively slow and requires specific operating conditions.
Recommended Applications:
Large-format UV flatbed/roll printers, printing on tiles, wood panels, and glass.
Features:
Improved internal channels and sealing structure for more stable inkjet performance, with enhanced precision and startup speed.
Advantages:
Faster cold start, ideal for frequent start-stop scenarios.
Smoother transitions and better color performance.
Supports continuous, long-duration printing in industrial environments.
Disadvantages:
Requires proper matching with equipment for optimal stability.
Higher demands on power supply/driver board; some devices may require motherboard upgrades.
Recommended Applications:
Industrial-grade UV printing and high-detail image output.
Model Comparison
After exploring the powerful performance and wide applications of Ricoh printheads, let’s take a more intuitive look at the differences between models. The following horizontal comparison chart clearly illustrates the specific details of each printhead.
In summary:
GH2220 features a single-row nozzle layout for simplified design, cost control, and easy installation. Fixed droplet size makes it suitable for simple patterns and basic color blocks. Extremely lightweight (~50g) and ideal for compact or desktop printers.
Gen4 also uses a single-row nozzle layout, lightweight and suitable for integration into medium-sized industrial equipment. Flexible for device upgrades, easy maintenance, and suitable for medium- to low-speed output. Produces finer images with smooth gradients, compatible with UV and solvent-based inks for most industrial printing scenarios.
Gen5 adopts a four-row parallel nozzle layout, enabling high-speed printing and improved productivity. Supports high-definition grayscale printing with rich color layers. Compatible with UV, solvent, aqueous, and oil-based inks, delivering excellent results on glass, wood, textiles, and more.
Gen5i also uses a four-row parallel layout but with improved jetting consistency and startup efficiency. Achieves higher precision control with smoother, more natural images and accurate colors. Wider ink compatibility while maintaining precise grayscale printing and more uniform droplet distribution, with greater stability overall.
Conclusion
Choosing the right printhead is key to maximizing printer performance. In the wave of digital printing, Ricoh printheads are undoubtedly essential partners for achieving intelligent and efficient production. We look forward to seeing even more innovation and transformation from Ricoh printheads in the future.