Detailed Explanation Piezoelectric Inkjet Technology (Pizeo) is An on-demand Inkjet Technology.

Detailed Explanation Piezoelectric Inkjet Technology (Pizeo) is An on-demand Inkjet Technology.

Table of content.

Piezoelectric inkjet technology is a drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet printing technology based on the piezoelectric effect. It controls ink droplet ejection by utilizing the mechanical deformation of piezoelectric materials under an applied electric field.

● Basic Principle

The fundamental principle of piezoelectric inkjet technology is based on the inverse piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric ceramic materials.

When a voltage is applied to a piezoelectric material, the material deforms, generating mechanical displacement. This deformation compresses the connected ink chamber, creating a pressure pulse that forces ink to be ejected from the nozzle in the form of droplets.

     

  • Piezoelectric ceramic deforms when voltage is applied

  • Deformation generates a pressure pulse in the ink chamber

  • Ink droplets are expelled through the nozzle

● Technical Characteristics

  • High Precision: Enables micron-level printing accuracy, ideal for high-density text and fine patterns.

  • High Speed: High jetting frequency allows for fast printing speeds.

  • High Resolution: Supports high-resolution output for superior print quality.

  • Wide Ink Compatibility: Compatible with solvent-based, UV-curable, water-based, and oil-based inks.

  • Long Service Life: No high-temperature heating is involved, resulting in longer printhead life and reduced maintenance costs.

● Application Areas

Piezoelectric inkjet technology is widely used in advertising graphics, book and magazine printing, digital textile printing, product packaging, pharmaceutical manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, advanced displays, PCB manufacturing, and more.

In PCB manufacturing in particular, piezoelectric inkjet technology enables high-precision text and graphic printing, effectively replacing traditional screen-printing processes.

● Development Trends

With continuous technological advancement, piezoelectric inkjet technology is evolving toward higher precision, higher speed, and greater environmental sustainability. At the same time, intelligent and automated applications are becoming key directions for future development.

 

 

Key manufacturers of piezoelectric printhead technology include:

  • China: ReaJet Technology (锐发科技)

  • UK: XAAR

  • Japan: Konica Minolta

  • Japan: Epson

  • Japan: Ricoh

  • Japan: Kyocera

  • Japan: SII Printek (Seiko Instruments)

  • Japan: Fujifilm Dimatix

  • Japan: Toshiba

  • Japan: Panasonic

  • Japan: Brother

  • USA: Trident

  • South Korea: Semjet (Samsung)

  • China: Amsky

 

 

● XAAR Printhead Technology Overview

Piezoelectric printheads operate in several actuation modes, including Chevron (V-shape), Shear Mode, and Bend Mode.
 Xaar holds patents for both the Chevron V-shape and Shear Mode technologies.

● Shear Mode

Shear-mode printheads use a single-piece polarized PZT piezoelectric ceramic actuator. Electrical current is applied perpendicular to the polarization direction, causing shear deformation (trapezoidal displacement).

● Shared Wall Design

Xaar’s patented Shared Wall architecture increases native resolution and channel density. Each ink channel shares piezoelectric walls with adjacent channels, allowing independent actuation while maximizing material efficiency. This design enables high nozzle density and excellent cost-performance.

● Acoustic Wave Technology

When channel walls vibrate in a Chevron V-shape at high frequencies, acoustic pressure waves are generated. These pressure waves drive ink droplets out of the nozzle. The walls vibrate at frequencies up to approximately 150 kHz, producing highly efficient droplet ejection.

● Chevron V-Shape Actuation

Xaar’s latest piezo printheads use actuators formed by bonding two oppositely polarized piezoelectric layers. When an electric field is applied, the bonded structure bends into a “V” shape, driving ink ejection at extremely high frequencies.

Advantages include:

  • More stable performance than single-polarity materials

  • Improved droplet uniformity

  • Higher droplet placement accuracy

  • Enhanced print quality

  • Reduced mechanical stress and longer actuator life

 

 

XAAR Key Technologies

● aQ Power Technology

Xaar’s aQ Power technology combines multiple breakthroughs:

  • Redesigned internal fluid paths optimized for water-based inks

  • Expanded material compatibility and wider acceptable pH range

  • Innovative drive electronics that maximize droplet performance and significantly extend nozzle open time, increasing printhead durability

● SureFlow – Ultrasonic Self-Cleaning Mode

SureFlow allows nozzle cleaning without removing the printhead. Software-controlled ultrasonic vibrations prevent clogging and maximize uptime. The system activates specific waveforms that induce controlled oscillations in the channel walls, maintaining optimal performance during production.

● Tuned Actuator Manufacturing

Xaar’s tuned actuator process optimizes actuator performance across every printhead, ensuring scalability, simplified setup, easy replacement, and consistent print quality across long print bars and multiple grayscale levels.

● AcuDrp Technology

AcuDrp (Accurate Drop Placement) dynamically tunes droplet size and velocity at each nozzle based on waveform and voltage control. This minimizes nozzle-to-nozzle variation, reduces banding, stabilizes color density, and manages long-term nozzle performance drift.

● AcuChp Technology

AcuChp enables fine voltage trimming to achieve uniform droplet volume and speed, improving consistency both within and between printheads and significantly reducing installation and setup time.

● XaarDOT Technology

XaarDOT provides multiple droplet configurations and formation modes. Customers can select droplet sizes based on application requirements, balancing image quality and substrate flexibility. Small droplets deliver photo-quality output, while larger droplets enable high-speed coverage for signage and billboards.

● XaarSMART Technology

XaarSMART technology enables real-time monitoring of ink temperature and printhead status, allowing continuous optimization of print performance and consistent quality throughout production.

● XaarGuard

XaarGuard is a nickel-alloy nozzle guard that enhances durability, protects against mechanical impact and electrostatic discharge, reduces ink buildup, and extends maintenance intervals. Recessed nozzles improve longevity, uptime, and print quality.

 

Advanced Printing Capabilities

● Ultra-High-Viscosity Printing

Xaar printheads can jet fluids up to 100 cP at jetting temperature, equivalent to ~1000 cP at room temperature—far exceeding standard inkjet limits (10–12 cP). Benefits include:

  • Higher pigment loading for increased color gamut and opacity

  • Improved mechanical strength and flexibility for advanced manufacturing and 3D printing

  • Reduced ink spreading on non-porous substrates

  • Capability to jet functional fluids such as paints, adhesives, and solder masks

● High Laydown Printing Technology

High laydown technology enables the deposition of large fluid volumes per pass, unlocking new applications:

  • Tactile UV and varnish effects for packaging, labels, and commercial printing

  • Compliance with Braille and tactile warning standards without screen printing

  • High-speed tile printing with enhanced gloss and adhesion

  • Faster additive manufacturing with stronger printed parts and broader material compatibility

 

● TF Technology – True Internal Ink Recirculation

Working Principle

Ink flows directly behind the nozzle plate, enabling continuous ink exchange and rapid restart after idle periods.

Advantages

Unmatched Reliability

  • High-speed ink flow prevents sedimentation and nozzle clogging

  • Continuous removal of air bubbles and particles

  • Stable operation even in harsh industrial environments

Outstanding Print Quality

  • Minimal temperature variation across the printhead

  • Stable ink viscosity ensures uniform density across the print bar

Low Operating Cost

  • Minimal maintenance required

  • Reduced downtime and ink waste

Increased Uptime

  • Immediate startup at shift changes

  • Rapid recovery after mechanical disturbances

● TF Technology in Pulsed Mode

In certain printheads, TF technology can operate in pulsed mode, recirculating ink when not jetting. This reduces system complexity while maintaining high reliability, self-recovery, longer maintenance intervals, and bubble elimination.

 

4. Technical Details of Konica Minolta Printhead Technology

Konica Minolta Printhead Technology Overview

Konica Minolta has long been committed to the R&D of Piezo On-Demand (Shared Wall) inkjet printheads and has successfully commercialized them across various industrial sectors.

Shared Wall Piezoelectric Inkjet Printheads

  • 3-Cycle Drive Technology Konica Minolta’s Piezo On-Demand heads utilize energy-saving 3-cycle drive technology. This method divides all nozzles into three groups for time-division firing control. This structure facilitates high-density nozzle arrangement, aiding the development of high-image-quality printheads.

  • Principle of 3-Cycle Drive (Repeated content in source text translated for consistency): This technology employs a time-division control system across three nozzle groups. The design allows for easy high-density integration, which is essential for high-resolution printing.

50% Reduction in Power Consumption

Compared to the conventional KM512 series, the KM1024 series achieves high density with double the nozzle count while reducing power consumption by approximately 50%. The development of a new actuator has shortened the ink path and reduced chamber volume, successfully optimizing the energy-saving characteristics inherent in piezoelectric technology.

High Durability for Industrial Use

To meet the demands of industrial applications, printheads must be compatible with a wide range of inks. We have selected durable components and optimized materials to support everything from low-viscosity aqueous inks to high-viscosity UV-curable inks.

Precision Micro-machining and Assembly

A core Konica Minolta technology is the precision machining (laser processing, cutting, and material processing) and assembly of key components. Furthermore, we have established a mass-production system with a high-speed supply capacity through fully automated inspection of all nozzles.

Performance: Small Droplets, High Speed, and High Efficiency

Our heads feature shared-wall piezoelectric elements for low-power operation and easy multi-channel integration. By ejecting ink as fine droplets, we achieve high image quality, high speed, and high driving efficiency. We also utilize computer simulations—including structural, electric field, and fluid dynamics analysis—to optimize the actuator (pressure chamber wall) and ink flow paths for superior bubble discharge and low-voltage displacement.

Ink Ejection Mechanism

Voltage is applied to the actuator (chamber wall) made of piezoelectric material, causing it to deform and increase internal pressure, which ejects ink droplets. After ejection, capillary action refills the nozzle from the ink gallery.

Key Features of Konica Minolta Printheads

  • Precise Printing Accuracy: High-density 1024-nozzle arrays are positioned with extreme accuracy. Ultra-fine droplets measured in picoliters (pL) are placed precisely on the target.

  • Stable Ejection and Wide Ink Compatibility: Advanced bonding and material technologies allow stable jetting of aqueous, solvent, and UV inks.

  • Compact Design: The slim, lightweight design significantly reduces the footprint and design load for printer manufacturers.

 

 

5. Technical Details of Epson Piezo Printhead Technology

Epson Micro Piezo Technology

Epson continues to refine its Micro Piezo technology, applying it to home, office, commercial, and industrial inkjet printers.

Micro Piezo Inkjet Technology Overview

Epson's systems eject microscopic droplets directly onto media, producing almost no waste ink. This is far superior to analog or laser systems in terms of environmental impact and efficiency.

  • Piezo vs. Thermal: Unlike thermal inkjet technology (which heats ink to create bubbles), Piezo technology uses voltage to deform piezoelectric elements. This mechanical movement prevents heat-induced degradation of the printhead and ink, making it compatible with a wide array of dye and pigment inks.

Micro Piezo Printhead Performance

Epson printheads achieve superior positioning accuracy at speeds up to 50,000 droplets per second by controlling the meniscus at each nozzle tip and utilizing Variable Size Dot Technology (VSDT).

Meniscus Control Technology

The quality of a print depends on droplet shape and placement accuracy. Epson’s proprietary meniscus control ensures that up to 50,000 spherical droplets per second are ejected consistently, preventing "mist" (satellite droplets) and ensuring high-speed, high-quality output.

Variable Size Dot Technology (VSDT)

VSDT controls the volume of ink droplets by precisely modulating the voltage waveform. Droplets as small as 1.5 picoliters can be ejected. By varying dot sizes (from 1.5 to 32.5 pL) from the same nozzle, Epson printers can render smooth gradients and grain-free images.

High-Speed, High-Quality Configurations

  • Serial Head: Moves back and forth across the media.

  • Line Head: A stationary head as wide as the paper for ultra-fast single-pass printing.

Auto Nozzle Check System (Self-Diagnostics)

To ensure reliability, Epson uses capping to maintain humidity and prevent air bubbles in the ink. In PrecisionCore heads, the piezoelectric element itself acts as a sensor. By measuring the residual vibration waveform, the system can diagnose nozzle health (e.g., clogs or bubbles) in milliseconds.

PrecisionCore Technology

PrecisionCore is Epson’s next-generation technology, combining MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) manufacturing with Thin Film Piezo (TFP) technology.

  • TFP Technology: Creates a 1-micron-thick uniform piezoelectric film on silicon wafers, doubling the displacement of traditional systems.

  • MEMS Process: Integrates mechanical parts and actuators on a single substrate with micron-level precision.

High-Speed Micro Piezo Line Heads

Equipped with PrecisionCore, commercial printers can reach speeds of 100 pages per minute at resolutions of 600 x 1200 dpi, meeting the rigorous demands of industrial printing.

Halftoning and MicroWeave

  • Halftoning: Reduces graininess and smooths transitions, even if dots are slightly misaligned during bi-directional printing.

  • MicroWeave: An advanced technique that hides "banding" (horizontal stripes) by optimizing the dispersion of ink dots across multiple passes without sacrificing speed.

 

6. Ricoh Piezo Inkjet Printhead Technology – Technical Overview

Ricoh inkjet printheads originate from Japan, RICOH (formerly HITACHI).
 Ricoh acquired Hitachi’s inkjet printhead technology R&D division.

 

 

● Dual-Pitch Laminated Piezo Actuator

Ricoh’s inkjet printhead platform technology enabling uniform and accurate droplet ejection

Ricoh inkjet (IJ) printheads employ push-mode piezo actuators, which are highly durable and compatible with a wide range of inks. In push-mode operation, the piezo actuator generates pressure fluctuations inside each ink chamber, forcing ink out through the nozzle.

In conventional push-mode piezo designs, ink chambers are weakly supported, leading to interference between adjacent chambers. This makes it difficult to maintain stable and precise ink ejection control.

Ricoh’s proprietary dual-pitch laminated piezo actuator enables stable and highly accurate control of ink discharge.

 

● Technical Highlights

In traditional push-mode piezo structures, individual ink chambers lack sufficient support. When the actuator pushes one chamber, adjacent chambers are distorted, resulting in inconsistent ink discharge between the center and edges of the printhead.

To solve this issue, Ricoh introduced active and passive piezo electrodes.
 The active electrode generates pressure fluctuations within a single ink chamber, while passive electrodes positioned on both sides provide structural support. This configuration prevents mutual interference between adjacent ink chambers. The passive electrodes located between chambers ensure stable and precise ink ejection control.

In addition, the active and passive electrodes are arranged alternately at twice the nozzle pitch density. While push-mode piezo actuators are generally robust, Ricoh’s structure provides even greater rigidity and durability.

Stable and accurate ink discharge enables high-speed printing while allowing optimal droplet size selection for different images through multi-droplet technology. As a result, both printing speed and image quality are significantly improved.

This is Ricoh’s proprietary IJ printhead platform technology and is applied across many Ricoh inkjet products.

 

● Flexible Control of Multiple Droplet Sizes

Droplet control technology enables ink droplets to be ejected at high speed and merge in mid-air, producing high-quality images.

If droplet size can be controlled, high image quality can be achieved without increasing printing resolution. However, dynamically changing droplet size from an inkjet printhead is technically challenging.

With multi-droplet control, droplets are ejected at high speed from the nozzle and merge instantly before reaching the substrate surface. This allows both small and large droplets to be generated from a single printhead.

Multi-droplet control enhances tonal gradation without increasing resolution, thereby improving image quality. It allows a single printhead to support multiple printing modes—from high quality to high productivity—while remaining compatible with a wide variety of substrates and applications.

● Technical Highlights

During high-speed operation, the number of droplets ejected from each nozzle is precisely controlled. Droplets from the same nozzle merge in mid-air before reaching the substrate, while droplets from different nozzles form droplets of varying sizes on the substrate, enhancing image reproduction.

 

 

● Compact Inkjet Printhead with Thin-Film Piezo Actuator

Size reduction through high-integration MEMS-based design

Demand for small-lot, multi-variety printing is increasing in the industrial printing market. Users increasingly require compact inkjet printheads that can be easily integrated into existing printing systems.

Ricoh developed a compact inkjet printhead using an original high-integration design based on MEMS technology. The droplet ejection mechanism employs a thin-film piezo actuator. The printhead supports UV, solvent, and water-based inks and is suitable for various industrial applications, including signage graphics, textiles, and labels.

MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems): a general term for micro-mechanical devices and related technologies.

● Technical Highlights

The new RICOH TH5241 printhead features a high-density nozzle layout and pressurized ink chamber structure. Gaps between nozzle arrays are minimized to improve four-color printing performance.

The printhead uses four staggered nozzle rows, each with a density of 300 npi, and independent ink paths. A single RICOH TH5241 printhead supports multiple configurations:

  • 4-color: 300 npi × 4 rows

  • 2-color: 600 npi × 2 rows

  • 1-color: 600 npi × 2 rows
     (Two 600 npi rows used alternately, doubling productivity compared to the 2-color configuration)

 

● High-Speed Inkjet Printing Using a Three-Printhead Staggered Array

Staggered arrangement of three printheads significantly improves productivity.

For signage, wallpaper, and similar products, industrial printing requires rapid delivery of small-batch, high-quality output. Productivity is therefore critical.

Ricoh’s three-printhead staggered configuration achieves printing speeds of 25 m²/hour*, more than doubling productivity compared with conventional printers.

● Technical Highlights

On the RICOH Pro L5130e / L5160e wide-format production printers, the carriage reciprocates along rails.
 (The carriage is the mounting base for printheads and sensors.)

 

● Precise Printhead Positioning

The three printheads are positioned with micrometer-level accuracy. This precision enables a scan width of approximately 150 mm per pass, three times wider than conventional models.

 

● Reduced Carriage Vibration

During reciprocating motion, carriage vibration can cause dot misalignment between the first and third printheads, leading to density unevenness.

Ricoh addressed this by developing a high-rigidity drive mechanism to suppress vibration. In addition, Ricoh’s proprietary assembly technology ensures absolute straightness of the carriage guide rails. As a result, image quality is no longer affected by carriage vibration.

 

● Precise Media Feeding

With a three-printhead staggered configuration, the media must advance a longer distance between scans. To maintain print quality, dots deposited during one scan must align seamlessly with dots printed 150 mm ahead in the next scan.

Ricoh developed a high-precision media transport technology that ensures consistent feed distances, enabling uniform dot placement and preventing density irregularities.

 

 

● High Productivity

The RICOH Pro L4160, equipped with two parallel printheads, achieves 11 m²/hour in standard mode.
 The RICOH Pro L5130e and L5160e more than double productivity while maintaining equal or superior image quality.

 

● Enhanced Non-Wetting Coating

An enhanced non-wetting nozzle coating provides a more durable nozzle surface, ensuring stable printing performance and easier printhead maintenance.

 

 

● Outstanding Durability and Extended Service Life

Ricoh inkjet printheads use stainless steel construction, offering excellent corrosion resistance against a wide range of inks, resulting in superior durability and extended operational life.

 

 

● Ink Circulation Structure

A newly introduced ink circulation structure delivers highly stable jetting performance. Continuous ink flow reduces the risk of jetting failures caused by clogging or trapped air bubbles.

Each printhead incorporates enhanced bonding technology to improve durability and compatibility with a broader range of fluids.

● Improved Single-Pass Printing Reliability

  • Increased reliability for fast-curing ink systems, such as pigmented, white, and metallic inks

  • Enhanced reliability for fast-drying ink systems

  • Self-recovery from jetting failures through air bubble removal

Single-pass system: the printhead carriage remains fixed while the substrate moves underneath, completing image printing in one pass.

 

 

● Dynamic Printhead Positioning

Precise dot placement enables high-definition images with minimal dot gain, allowing printing on coated offset papers.

The RICOH Pro VC60000 is a high-speed continuous inkjet system capable of printing high-quality images on coated offset paper, which has low absorbency for water-based inks—previously impossible for conventional CIJ systems.

The system consists of four functional units:

  • Primer unit: applies primer to prevent uneven ink absorption and abrasion

  • Printing unit: forms images using fast-drying pigment inks

  • Protective coating unit: applies a protective layer to the printed surface

  • Drying unit: uses heaters to dry and fuse ink and coatings

 

 

● Dynamic Printhead Positioning Technology (Printing Unit)

Dot gain causes printed dots to appear larger than the original image data.
 Paper meandering during transport can cause misalignment between K, C, M, and Y printheads, leading to registration errors.

While table controllers compensate for some misalignment, compensation is sometimes insufficient.

Ricoh’s proprietary dynamic printhead positioning technology detects subtle paper movement and actively adjusts printhead positions in real time, improving print accuracy and front-to-back registration in duplex printing.

Each K, C, M, and Y printhead is equipped with edge sensors and micro-actuators.
 Using the K position as a reference, sensors detect CMY misalignment and calculate paper meandering. Actuators then correct printhead positions accordingly.

Actuators control printhead positioning with ≤5 μm precision, achieving color registration accuracy of ≤35 μm even on standard coated offset paper with significant meandering. Inkjet precision now rivals—or exceeds—that of offset printing.

This technology was developed specifically for high-speed inkjet systems and is based on Ricoh’s precision drive technologies originally developed for electrophotography.

 

 

7. Kyocera Piezo Inkjet Printhead Technology – Technical Overview

Kyocera inkjet printheads combine proprietary fine ceramic materials with advanced fluid channel design technologies to deliver exceptional jetting performance for demanding applications.

★ High-performance piezo actuators enable ultra-high-speed printing
 ★ Advanced flow-path design increases printhead width and resolution
 ★ Stainless steel laminated structure ensures stable operation in harsh industrial environments

 

 

01. High-Performance Piezo Actuators via Fine Ceramic Technology

Kyocera developed large monolithic piezo actuators using proprietary material design techniques. Combined with advanced manufacturing, ultra-thin piezo ceramic substrates are produced—eliminating the need for multiple actuators per printhead while ensuring uniform image quality, vivid colors, and sharp details.

  • High-speed response via piezo displacement
     Fast response is essential for digital printing. Kyocera actuators leverage instantaneous piezoelectric response for high nozzle control speed and productivity.

  • Exceptional durability
     Kyocera’s fine ceramic technology ensures long-term durability without aging, outperforming thermal inkjet systems.

  • Large, thin actuators for high-definition printing
     Actuators exceeding 100 mm in length or width and only 0.04 mm thick provide uniformity and reliability, enabling high-density precision printing.

 

 

02. Flow-Path Design Technology for Wider and Higher-Resolution Printheads

Wider print widths reduce the number of printheads required for large-format printing. Kyocera technology provides print widths up to approximately 4 inches, simplifying head alignment, plumbing, and channel design.

  • Flow-path simulation and optimization
     Extensive fluid simulations optimize jetting performance.

  • Advanced flow-path manufacturing
     Kyocera manufactures components with micrometer-level precision, supporting 2,500–5,000 independent channels.

 

 

03. Stainless Steel Lamination for Industrial Robustness

Laminated stainless steel structures provide excellent mechanical strength and long-term stability.

  • High chemical resistance and durability
     Compatible with a wide range of inks and resistant to deformation and impact.

  • Internal filtration
     Fine internal filters prevent contaminants from reaching the nozzles.

  • Integrated heaters
     Built-in heaters compensate for ambient temperature fluctuations during printing.

 

 

Kyocera inkjet printheads operate in bending (flexure) mode, maximizing the advantages of fine ceramic piezo actuators to optimize speed, durability, and print width.

Drop-on-Demand (DoD): Ink is ejected only when required.
 Bending (flexure) mode: Droplets are ejected by actuator deflection that changes chamber volume.

Inkjet Ejection Mechanism

  • Ink flows through precisely formed channels to micro nozzles

  • Applied voltage causes piezo actuator deflection

  • Chamber volume change generates pressure waves

  • Ink is ejected in precise volumes from the nozzle

 

8. SII Printek Piezo Inkjet Printhead Technology Overview

SII Printek is a subsidiary of Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII) of Japan. Seiko Epson was formed in 1985 through the merger of Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. and Epson, with a history tracing back more than a century to the invention of the first quartz watch. The merged Seiko Epson Corporation has since become a global manufacturer of printers, computers, watches, LCD displays, integrated circuits, electronic devices, crystals, optical products, and industrial automation systems.

SII Printek was established in 2001 as a subsidiary of Seiko Instruments. The company acquired licensing rights to Xaar’s piezoelectric inkjet patents and developed piezo textile inkjet printheads based on Xaar technology, although Xaar itself does not manufacture textile printheads.

Seiko is globally renowned for its precision timepieces, and this same precision heritage underpins SII Printek’s expertise in integrated piezo inkjet printhead manufacturing, delivering outstanding stability and reliability comparable to Seiko watches.

Key Features of SPT Printheads

SPT printheads were designed by integrating the strengths of previous generations of inkjet technology, with the following notable advantages:

  • All-stainless-steel construction, enhancing nozzle surface scratch resistance and ensuring exceptionally long service life

  • Temperature-compensated driving voltage, preventing ink starvation caused by environmental temperature fluctuations

  • High ink laydown and high-speed printing capability, enabling high productivity

  • 8-level grayscale support, producing up to 7 different droplet sizes to meet diverse resolution and quality requirements

  • Internal and bottom ink circulation, improving reliability

  • Independent nozzle wall technology, allowing high firing frequency and effective isolation between adjacent nozzles

  • High linear inkjet performance, expanding ink and fluid compatibility and enhancing jetting robustness

  • Built-in printhead heating function and integrated EPROM memory

  • Proprietary TICKLING function and integrated voltage control module

 

9. FUJIFILM Piezo Inkjet Printhead Technology Overview

FUJIFILM Dimatix is a global leader in drop-on-demand inkjet products and technologies.

Formerly known as Spectra Corporation, a U.S.-based industrial inkjet printhead manufacturer founded in 1985, the company holds more than 1,000 patents. Initially focused on thermal inkjet printheads for office printing, Spectra transitioned to industrial piezoelectric inkjet technology following HP’s market dominance.

In July 2006, Spectra was acquired by Fujifilm Corporation and renamed Dimatix, Inc. Fujifilm Dimatix specializes in high-performance piezo inkjet printheads and is currently the only supplier capable of meeting a full spectrum of inkjet printing requirements.

Fujifilm Dimatix employs its proprietary Share-Roof™ architecture, enabling all nozzles to fire simultaneously, resulting in higher printing speeds.

FUJIFILM Dimatix is a world-leading supplier of drop-on-demand inkjet printheads for commercial and industrial applications, driving inkjet innovation in next-generation printing, industrial decoration, and functional material deposition. Its advanced inkjet and world-class manufacturing technologies empower OEMs and system integrators to build cutting-edge systems capable of high-precision printing and functional fluid deposition on virtually all substrates, including flexible materials.

Samba® Printhead Technology

The Samba® printhead delivers exceptional speed, versatility, and reliability for demanding graphics and professional applications. It combines silicon MEMS (Si-MEMS) precision with the durability of sputtered PZT, using an innovative parallelogram actuator design to achieve near-analog image quality at production-level speeds.

Technical Features

  • Advanced Si-MEMS architecture with 2,048 nozzles per module

  • 1200 native dpi, or 600 dpi in redundancy mode

  • 2.4 pL native droplet size

  • RediJet® continuous ink recirculation

  • VersaDrop™ multi-level grayscale and binary modes with multi-drop and fixed droplet sizes

  • Scalable design from narrow to wide print bars with high-speed operation

  • Broad ink compatibility

The Samba Development Kit includes aligned print bars, PC, power supply, Samba Drive electronics, cables, and software (ink delivery system optional). The Samba Drive system is fully scalable and includes Quad Drive boards with heat sinks, optical fiber data pumps supporting up to eight Samba printheads, and data pump adapters for simplified encoder/trigger integration.

Additional Features:

  • Maximum waveform amplitude: 36 V

  • Support for VersaDrop™ technology

  • 1–4 color printing

  • Up to four 2048-nozzle Samba heads per print bar

  • Electronic firing frequency up to 200 kHz (single pulse)

  • User-friendly single-pass printing software

  • RoHS compliant

 

10. TOSHIBA / RISO Piezo Inkjet Printhead Technology Overview

Toshiba and Konica Minolta inkjet technologies were originally licensed from Xaar. On July 1, 2024, Toshiba Tec’s inkjet printhead business was transferred to RISO TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, which now supplies RISO inkjet printheads.

1. High-Viscosity Ink Jetting Capability

RISO TECHNOLOGIES inkjet printheads are widely recognized for their ability to jet high-viscosity inks.

  • CF1 (recirculating): up to 43.2 mPa·s

  • CA4 (non-recirculating): up to 18.0 mPa·s

This ensures a wide operating window and stable jetting performance.

 

2. Larger Printing Gap

RISO TECHNOLOGIES printheads maintain excellent print quality even with wider printing gaps.

Print conditions (example):

  • Printhead: CF3R

  • Ink: UV ink

  • Viscosity: 30 mPa·s @ 25 °C

  • Jetting temperature: 25 °C

  • Frequency: 13.8 kHz

  • Grayscale: 4 levels (3 drops)

  • Printing gap: 2.0 / 5.0 mm

  • Resolution: 600 × 600 dpi

  • Line speed: 35 m/min

RISO’s proprietary machining and jetting control technologies minimize jet angle deviation, ensuring precise dot placement even at larger gaps.

 

 

3. Per-Nozzle Drop Volume Adjustment

RISO TECHNOLOGIES printheads (CF3 / CF3R) feature micro-adjustment capability for selected nozzles.

  • Fine adjustment adds 15 micro levels to the base 7 grayscale levels, enabling up to 91 grayscale levels per pixel

  • Multi-drop deposition allows droplet volumes from 6 pL to 90 pL (15 drops)

  • Produces smooth tonal gradients superior to traditional binary inkjet heads

  • Reduces visible density variations at printhead boundaries

Fine-tuning at the boundary of the two inkjet heads

 

Full-Channel Ink Recirculation Structure

Ink enters through the upper inlet, flows downward to the pressure chamber, distributes through all channels for printing, and excess ink is collected at the center and discharged through the outlet.

Benefits:

  • Prevents ink degradation and sedimentation near the nozzles

  • Enables rapid automatic recovery from nozzle failures

  • Eliminates bubbles and contaminants through continuous circulation

 

4. Outstanding Print Quality

  • Smooth tonal transitions with reduced graininess

  • Multi-drop jetting enables up to 8 density levels per dot

  • Variable dot size printing by controlling firing count

  • Native 600 dpi resolution supports clear printing of characters as small as 2 pt (0.6 mm)

Printing Conditions
Inkjet Printhead: CF3R
Ink: UV Ink
Viscosity: 30 [mPa・s] @ 25℃
Actual Ejection Temperature: 25℃
Frequency: 13.8 kHz
Gray Level: 4 (3 drops)
Print Gap: 2.0 / 5.0 mm
Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
Linear Speed: 35 m/min


 

 

5. Wide Application Range

RISO TECHNOLOGIES printheads support a broad range of industrial applications, including outdoor signage, labels, packaging, and corrugated board printing.

 

6. Manufacturing Excellence Ensuring Stable Quality

RISO TECHNOLOGIES industrial drop-on-demand piezo inkjet printheads are manufactured in ISO Class 6 cleanroom environments, utilizing microfabrication and high-precision bonding processes.

  • In-house precision machining ensures stable quality and high production efficiency

  • Ultra-thin adhesive layers at micron-level thickness

  • Strict quality control of equipment and production records

  • ISO 9001 certified quality management system

  • Each completed printhead undergoes printing tests and visual inspection

These measures ensure reliable performance, long-term stability, and customer confidence.

 

11. U.S. TRIDENT Piezoelectric Inkjet Printheads

Trident piezoelectric pulse inkjet printheads and inks are designed for a wide range of applications requiring high-quality, high-speed industrial printing equipment. They allow frequent and effortless changes to text, graphics, or barcode information.

The primary applications of Trident printing products include:

  • Case coding

  • Product coding

Trident large-format inkjet printers are used worldwide. Based on durable, versatile, and serviceable proprietary piezoelectric pulse inkjet technology, they deliver the performance and cost characteristics required by the industrial market.

Trident’s patented technology uses micro-droplet formation to create high-definition images. These micro-droplets travel across small air gaps to reach the printing surface. Each droplet is ejected from an orifice smaller than a human hair, with firing frequencies of up to 15,000 droplets per second per orifice.

Trident’s proprietary pulse inkjet technology employs piezoelectric crystals that change shape when an electric field is applied. In this patented design, the piezoelectric crystal acts as a piston located opposite the nozzle, forcing ink through the nozzle onto the printing surface. Each droplet-marking event takes approximately 0.0001 seconds. The high frequency and velocity of micro-droplet generation enable longer throw distances, allowing a greater gap between the printhead and the substrate.

High printing pressure allows multiple orifices per channel, increasing the printable area without adding cost or complexity. The arrangement of piezoelectric crystals, ink channels, and multiple orifices per channel is patented by Trident.

Orifice Configuration

Trident printheads are available in multiple orifice configurations to meet the printing height and resolution requirements of high-resolution printers. Multiple orifices per channel increase print coverage without additional cost or system complexity.

High Ink Efficiency

Because Trident nozzle orifices are smaller than a human hair, they generate extremely small droplets. As a result, high-resolution inkjet printers achieve superior ink efficiency compared with competing printing technologies.

Serviceability

Compared with the high cost of replacing disposable or non-serviceable printheads, the ability to repair Trident printheads provides significant cost savings for users.

Overall, Trident printheads are engineered for high-resolution industrial printing applications while minimizing the total cost of ownership.

Custom Printhead Design

Trident offers custom-designed inkjet printhead solutions tailored to OEM systems, helping manufacturers minimize development and production costs.

 

 

● TRIDENT 768 Series Industrial Inkjet Printhead

The IJ768 high-resolution 4-inch printhead integrates seamlessly with the IJ3000XLS and IJ3000ES controllers. It is ideal for printing barcodes, logos, alphanumeric text, nutrition facts, ingredient statements, and other graphics.

Powered by Trident-based print engine technology, the IJ768 delivers excellent ink control and offers one of the most competitive cost-per-print ratios in the industry—ideal for direct printing over large areas. Combined with its serviceable design and standard stainless-steel faceplate, it is one of the most reliable and durable 4-inch printheads available.

Key Features

  • Trident piezoelectric technology for sharp, crisp printing:

    • Barcodes

    • Graphics

    • Text

  • Industry’s only fully serviceable printhead with extended lifespan

  • High-resolution printing up to 300 dpi

  • Automatic cleaning system for optimal print quality

  • Roller-based adjustable mounting bracket reduces dust and ensures ideal print distance

  • Durable, easy-to-clean stainless-steel faceplate

  • Print speeds up to 200 feet per minute

  • Centralized ink delivery system with single-point maintenance

  • ScanTrue 2 pigment inks for superior barcode readability

 

● TRIDENT IJ384 Series Industrial Inkjet Printhead

The high-resolution IJ384E ACS pulse-jet printhead features integrated health monitoring, including an automatic cleaning system, digital LED leveling indicators, and channel check buttons built directly into the printhead to improve operator usability.

The enhanced design includes a reinforced roller tensioner that both protects the printhead and ensures consistent print quality, even when the gap between the printhead and substrate is irregular.

The IJ384E ACS prints high-resolution barcodes, logos, and text on corrugated cardboard up to 2 inches thick, gypsum, and wood. It supports industry-leading projection distances of ¼ inch for machine-readable barcodes and ½ inch for alphanumeric characters.

Key Features

  • Flexible configurations supporting up to four IJ384E ACS 2” printheads, or one IJ384E ACS 2” combined with one IJ728 4” printhead

  • Enhanced design delivers sharper, high-resolution output with up to 35% improved scanner readability compared to competitors

  • Heavy-duty, serviceable, all-stainless-steel construction using Trident-based technology for maximum uptime and reliability

  • Automatic cleaning system prevents dust, glue, and debris from clogging nozzles

  • Reinforced roller extender with increased throw distance ensures print quality despite irregular gaps

  • Built-in digital LED level ensures precise front-to-back alignment

  • The channel check function enables rapid inspection of all 256 channels at the press of a button

  • Optional integration with SICK Lector 631 barcode scanners for code verification

 

12.  China – Ruifa Piezoelectric Printheads

  • 2013: Suzhou Ruifa Printing Technology Co., Ltd. was established. The CAS Nano Institute team completed thermal inkjet chip development and achieved droplet ejection.

  • 2014: Completed process optimization and pilot production of research-grade thermal inkjet printheads; supported by the Suzhou Nanotechnology Program and Gusu Leading Talent Program.

  • 2015: Established a Joint Inkjet 3D Printing R&D Laboratory with CAS Suzhou Nano Institute; completed development of research-grade thermal inkjet printheads and inkjet 3D printers; achieved droplet ejection with research-grade piezoelectric printheads; received angel investment.

  • 2016: Began production and sales of research-grade thermal inkjet printheads and 3D printers; completed pilot production of industrial-grade thermal inkjet printheads and development/testing of high-resolution piezoelectric printheads; recognized as a Jiangsu Technology-Based SME.

  • 2017: Began production and sales of research-grade piezoelectric printheads; started mass production of industrial-grade thermal inkjet printheads; completed pilot production of industrial piezoelectric printheads; recognized as a Jiangsu Private Technology Enterprise.

  • 2018: Established proprietary production lines and relocated to a new factory; recognized as a National High-Tech Enterprise.

  • 2019: Completed Series A financing; relocated to Shanghai and renamed Shanghai Ruierfa Digital Technology Co., Ltd.; established wholly owned subsidiary Suzhou Xinruifa Technology Co., Ltd.

  • 2020: Thermal inkjet chips launched commercially; small-batch trial production of piezoelectric chips.

  • 2021: Successfully passed high-tech enterprise re-certification; subsidiary recognized as a Jiangsu Technology-Based SME.

 

13. SEMJET Piezoelectric Printhead Technology

Samsung Electro-Mechanics (SEMCO) of South Korea developed the SemJet printhead and copper nanoparticle ink for industrial inkjet systems, enabling direct printing of electronic circuits onto circuit boards. Compared with traditional etching processes, this approach significantly simplifies production and reduces costs compared with gold or silver ink-based electronic printing.

This represents the first industrial inkjet printhead developed in Korea and is marketed under the “SemJet” brand. Since copper nanoparticle ink oxidizes in air, its development had previously been extremely challenging; this achievement is considered a global first.

Key features include doubling the nozzle count from 128 to 256, MEMS-based driver technology, and the ability to eject 1 pL droplets—far smaller than the typical 4 pL minimum found in existing products.

The process reduces seven traditional manufacturing steps to just two: printing and thermal processing, significantly reducing investment and eliminating harmful substances generated during production.

SemJet Printhead Specifications

  • 256 nozzles

  • Four droplet sizes: 1, 5, 30, and 80 pL

 

14. China – Amsky Piezoelectric Printhead Technology

Founded in 2006, Amsky Technology Co., Ltd. has focused on the development of core industrial printing technologies and multi-technology integration. In 2016, Amsky was successfully listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange ChiNext board, significantly strengthening its growth momentum and industry influence.

Amsky specializes in the integration of MEMS technology, high-power lasers, precision manufacturing, and intelligent control systems. Guided by the vision of transforming traditional manufacturing through digital, intelligent, and environmentally friendly printing technologies, Amsky has accumulated more than a decade of technological expertise.

The company has mastered three core technologies:

  • Laser technology

  • Piezoelectric inkjet printing technology

  • Precision motion control systems

Leveraging these strengths, Amsky has become a recognized global leader in the CTP (Computer-to-Plate) industry, with products distributed worldwide.

Looking ahead, Amsky aims to continue advancing these core printing technologies, replacing subtractive manufacturing with additive manufacturing, and driving the transformation of traditional manufacturing. The company is committed to becoming a world-class industrial printing brand and contributing to global manufacturing upgrades.

Technical Highlights

  • Drive efficiency doubled compared with traditional chips, saving printhead driver board space and significantly improving control accuracy and speed

  • Designed for large droplets (55–90 pL) in 3D sand mold printing

  • High ink laydown reduces nozzle clogging

  • Precision drilling equipment ensures strict printhead quality control and lowers manufacturing costs

  • In-house developed droplet observation systems, proprietary printhead testing software, and hardware break industry barriers

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