Japan Ricoh (formerly Hitachi HITACHI) print head, Ricoh acquired Hitachi’s print head technology research and development department, Hitachi originally had two good print heads, HITACHI 256 I and HITACHI 256 II.

Ricoh head models currently on the market:

GEN4L series grayscale printheads, with 384 nozzles, mainly have five models, which are used by Japanese companies to print on nano-silver circuit boards.

Gen5 /7-35PL, 1280 nozzles, 8-level grayscale, ignition frequency: 60KHZ, suitable for water-based, solvent, oil-based, uv ink

Gen4L/15PL ignition frequency: 30KHZ

Gen4L/27PL ignition frequency: 30KHZ

Gen4 series grayscale print head 384 nozzles mainly include:

Gen4/7PL ignition frequency: 30KHZ

Gen3 E3 series: 192 nozzles The main models are

Gen3 E3/15PL

Gen3 E3/30PL

Gen3 E3/45PL

Gen3 E1 series: 92 nozzles, ignition frequency 30KHZ

Gen3 E1/30PL

Gen3 E1/65PL

 Ricoh Printhead Model Introduction and Comparison Guide (GEN4, GEN5, GEN6, GH, and TH Series)

 1. Introduction

Ricoh is one of the leading manufacturers in industrial inkjet printing technology, known for its reliability, precision, and consistent performance. From UV flatbed printers to high-speed packaging machines and textile printers, Ricoh printheads are widely adopted by printer manufacturers across the globe.

This guide provides a complete overview of the main Ricoh printhead families — GEN4, GEN5, GEN5i, GEN6, GH, and TH series — including their features, specifications, compatible ink types, and recommended applications. Whether you are an equipment manufacturer, technician, or print business owner, this comparison will help you understand which Ricoh model best suits your printing requirements.

 2. Ricoh Inkjet Technology Overview

Ricoh printheads are based on piezoelectric inkjet technology, which uses a piezo element to eject ink droplets through microscopic nozzles. Unlike thermal heads, piezo heads can handle a wide range of ink chemistries — including UV, solvent, and water-based inks — and deliver long service life and fine droplet control.

 Core Technologies

 Piezoelectric Actuation – Generates precise pressure pulses for consistent droplet formation.

 Variable Droplet / Grayscale Control – Allows multi-level ink volume ejection (e.g., 5–35 pl), improving tonal gradation and image smoothness.

 Ink Recirculation (Optional) – Maintains ink flow, prevents pigment sedimentation, and reduces nozzle clogging.

 Temperature Control – Keeps ink viscosity stable for consistent jetting.

 Anti-Corrosion Coatings – Extends printhead lifespan, even with aggressive UV or solvent inks.

 3. Evolution of Ricoh Printhead Series

 4. Detailed Model Analysis

 4.1 Ricoh GEN4 / GEN4L Series

Overview:

The GEN4 series was Ricoh’s early industrial head family, widely used in UV and solvent printers. It offers reliable grayscale printing and solid performance for moderate-speed applications.

Key Features:

 384 nozzles per head

 Typical drop volume: 15 pl – 45 pl

 Firing frequency: up to 30 kHz

 Ink compatibility: UV, solvent, oil-based

 Print width: approx. 54 mm

Use Cases:

Ideal for entry-level UV printers, prototyping systems, and applications not requiring ultra-fine detail or extreme speed.

 4.2 Ricoh GEN5 (MH5420 / MH5440)

Overview:

GEN5 is Ricoh’s most popular industrial printhead series, balancing print quality, speed, and reliability. It is a proven solution for medium to high-end UV printers and is widely used across multiple brands.

Technical Specifications:

Advantages:

 Stable, consistent jetting

 High-quality grayscale printing

 Long lifetime and easy maintenance

 Widely supported by many printer controllers

Common Applications:

UV flatbed printers, roll-to-roll banners, label printers, and packaging systems.

 4.3 Ricoh GEN5i (Improved GEN5 for Cylindrical / Curved Surfaces)

Overview:

GEN5i was developed to address the need for precision on curved or uneven surfaces, such as bottles, cups, or glass products. It maintains GEN5 reliability but offers enhanced alignment and precision.

Key Features:

 Smaller droplet control for high-resolution output

 Optimized for cylindrical and 3D object printing

 Compatible with UV-curable inks

 Robust structure to withstand rotational motion systems

Typical Applications:

Used in bottle printers, glass printers, and cosmetic packaging decoration.

 4.4 Ricoh GEN6 (MH5320 / MH5340 / Type A)

Overview:

The GEN6 series represents a new generation of Ricoh printhead technology, improving both speed and image precision over GEN5. It is widely recognized for its reliability in high-volume industrial applications.

Technical Specifications:

Upgrades vs GEN5:

 60% higher firing frequency (up to 50 kHz)

 Finer droplet for sharper image detail

 Improved anti-corrosion and mechanical durability

 Enhanced water-based ink compatibility

 More flexible mounting and electrical interface options

Ideal Applications:

High-speed UV flatbeds, industrial roll-to-roll systems, packaging, ceramics, and glass printing.

 4.5 Ricoh TH Series (TH6310F)

Overview:

The TH6310F printhead introduces Ricoh’s thin-film piezo technology, designed for high-resolution and high-gap printing applications. It features dual-row nozzle arrays and recirculating ink channels for excellent reliability.

Key Features:

 1280 nozzles (dual rows)

 Thin-film piezo actuator

 Minimum drop: 5 pl

 Firing frequency: 40–50 kHz

 Ink recirculation through the nozzle plate

 High-gap capability up to 4 mm

 Supports UV, solvent, and aqueous inks

Applications:

Ideal for textile, ceramics, building materials, and curved object printing, where precise droplet control and high material clearance are required.

 4.6 Ricoh GH Series (GH2220)

Overview:

The GH series targets compact, cost-efficient printing systems. The GH2220 head is based on a silicon MEMS structure, optimized for water-based and solvent inks.

Key Features:

 384 nozzles (2×192)

 Drop size: 3–6 pl

 Firing frequency: up to 30 kHz

 Compatible inks: Water-based, solvent

 Print width: 33.8 mm

 Low power consumption

Applications:

Used in desktop printers, small-format labeling machines, coding & marking systems, and portable inkjet devices.

5. Parameter Comparison Table

 6. Printhead Selection Guide

When selecting a Ricoh printhead, consider the following key factors:

1. Printing Material – Flat, curved, or textured?
2. Required Resolution – Higher DPI requires smaller droplets.
3. Production Speed – Choose a high-frequency model (e.g., GEN6 or TH) for faster output.
4. Ink Type – Ensure chemical compatibility with UV, solvent, or water-based inks.
5. Budget and Maintenance – Higher-end heads cost more but offer better lifespan and performance stability.
6. Environmental Factors – Temperature, humidity, and maintenance capability affect printhead longevity.

 7. Maintenance & Usage Tips

 Regular cleaning using automatic wipers and flushing systems prevents nozzle clogging.

 Use fine filtration (1–3 µm filters) in the ink supply line.

 Maintain operating temperature (typically 25–35 °C) for consistent ink viscosity.

 Avoid dry firing — always keep the printhead primed with ink.

 Seal the head during idle periods to prevent ink drying on the nozzle surface.

 Handle with care — never touch the nozzle plate directly.

 8. Conclusion

Ricoh’s printhead families — from the proven GEN5 to the advanced GEN6 and TH6310F — deliver exceptional performance across a wide range of industrial printing applications.

Each generation improves in speed, precision, and durability, while maintaining Ricoh’s signature stability and ink versatility.

Choosing the right Ricoh printhead depends on your application needs, ink type, and production goals.

Whether you prioritize high resolution, high speed, or specialized material compatibility, there is a Ricoh printhead tailored for your workflow.