Which Printhead Fits Your Needs? Ricoh, Epson, Konica
Which Printhead Should You Choose?
Quick Answer:
- Ricoh — Long lifespan and high stability for 24/7 industrial UV production. Investment is usually higher overall, but model options vary widely.
- Epson — High resolution and suitable for fine-detail or photo-level output. Entry threshold is relatively low, though lifespan and price differ by model.
- Konica — Large droplet and high speed for signage, billboards, and solid fills. Designed for medium-to-high production needs, with pricing depending on model.
| Brand | Best For | Typical Droplet | Lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricoh (Gen5/Gen6) | Industrial UV, embossing/varnish, mixed materials | 7–21 pl | 2–3 years | Stable grayscale, handles long shifts |
| Epson (XP600/i3200) | Photo quality, fine text/gradients, absorbent media | 3.5–12 pl | 6–12 months | Great detail; sensitive to temperature |
| Konica (1024i/512i) | Large-area color blocks, PVC/film, high throughput | 14–42 pl | 1–2 years | Speed > detail; resolution ~720 dpi |
👇 Keep reading for detailed differences in ink drops, heating, and grayscale control, plus common myths to avoid.
UV Printhead Selection Guide
Why this matters: The printhead determines ink type, control system, maintenance, and the real achievable quality and speed.
UV printing equipment is increasingly popular, but printhead selection is still an underestimated decision. Based on user feedback and front-line technical cases, here we summarize how to evaluate Ricoh, Epson, and Konica heads to avoid mismatches and hidden risks.
1. Ink Drops
Takeaway: Smaller droplets = finer detail; larger droplets = faster coverage and stronger fill.
Ricoh Gen5 / Gen6: 7–21pl, precise grayscale, works for both flexible and rigid substrates, especially composite and embossing applications.
Epson XP600 / i3200: 3.5–12pl, great for absorbent media and detailed designs like films, transfers, and textiles.
Konica 1024i / 512i: 14–42pl, suited for non-absorbent materials (PVC, glass, wood), but less suitable for fine detail.
2. Heating Requirements
Takeaway: Temperature management affects viscosity and flow—critical for print stability.
Ricoh: Usually comes with heating modules, suited to low-temp start-up and high-flow inks.
Epson i3200: Very temperature sensitive—below 20°C, white ink precipitation and clogging risks rise quickly.
Konica: Tolerant of wider temperature ranges but highly sensitive to viscosity shifts. Low-quality inks may cause spray lines and splashing.
Note: Ink must match the head. Pouring random ink risks clogging or board damage.
3. Grayscale Control
Takeaway: For varnish, emboss, or multi-layer effects, Ricoh’s grayscale is the strongest choice.
Ricoh Gen5/Gen6: Supports 6–8 grayscale levels, ideal for embossing, varnish overlays, and layered effects.
Epson: Limited grayscale unless in high-end modified models. Best for straightforward CMYK designs.
Konica: Focused on large-area fills. Not suitable for 3D texture or varnish effects.
4. Common Misconceptions
Myth 1: “I can buy a cheaper Epson printer and upgrade to Ricoh later.”
The printhead defines the entire system architecture. You cannot swap models freely.
Myth 2: “If Epson ink works fine, Ricoh ink will too.”
Different viscosity and surface tension mean compatibility ≠ safe adaptation. Short-term results ≠ long-term reliability.
Myth 3: “Konica is fast, so it must be good for detail.”
Konica caps around 720 dpi—fine images will look blurry or distorted.
5. Final Recommendation
For personalized or small-batch orders (gifts, fine graphics) → Epson
For industrial-level production needing balance of detail & speed → Ricoh
For signage, billboards, or large solid-color output → Konica