Kyocera has developed KJ4B-EX 1200, a next-generation inkjet printhead offering high-speed, high-resolution printing for a wide range of printing applications, with a focus on graphics.
Kyocera’s KJ4EX series of printheads utilise large integrated piezo actuators that enable higher resolution printing by homogenising image quality inside the printhead. The series’ first model, the 600dpi KJ4B-EX600 printhead, has been available since April 2020. This new model has been available since December 2020.
KJ4B-EX1200 has a maximum jetting frequency of 80kHz, and a maximum/minimum drop volume of 2.8pl/1.5pL. Running aqueous inks, single-pass printing with an effective print width of 108.27mm and maximum print speeds of 100m/min can be achieved with these printheads, and at a resolution of 1200dpi.
By incorporating an analogue waveform circuit capable of achieving drive waveforms of arbitrary shapes, Kyocera’s design generates a driving waveform suitable for stable ejection of extremely small droplets with a volume of just 1.5pl. In addition, the influence on the jetting characteristics is minimised to attain stable, continuous high-speed printing by equipping a water-cooling structure to prevent the thermal environment of the circuit from influencing the temperature of the jetting component.
The KJ4B-EX 1200 is Kyocera’s latest model for a wide range of printing applications, with a focus on graphics. Its 1200dpi ink recirculation structure achieves high-resolution printing with a claimed 25% faster print speed than conventional models
Kyocera plans to gradually expand its line up to include larger drop volumes and UV compatible models.
Read more on developments in printheads here, with a further update to be published in the March/April 2021 issue of Digital Labels & Packaging as demand for inkjet digital package printing continue to progress rapidly, leading suppliers serving the industry to innovate at an ever-faster rate
