Printhead Design is Limited by "Ink Properties"

Inks can be divided into three categories, with completely different requirements for printheads:

Different Ink Properties, Different Printhead Structures

Water-based Printhead

The channels are fine and dense, and the particles are smaller than 1 μm;

High precision, requires pre-heating treatment (35–50°C);

Not corrosion resistant, can only print water-based ink.

UV Printhead

Anti-corrosion channel + light-resistant curing material wrapping;

Support 3–6 grayscale control, compatible with white ink/varnish;

The ink drop control has high tolerance and is suitable for high viscosity UV ink.

Solvent Printhead

Made of corrosion-resistant materials, no UV-sensitive components inside;

Mainly used for solvent-based advertising ink, vehicle wraps, and outdoor printing.

Printhead Structure Selection Must Match Ink Properties

Common Printhead Models

Water-based ink: Epson XP600, i3200-A1, 4720, DX5 (water-based).

UV ink: Epson i3200-U1, Ricoh Gen5 / Gen6, Konica 1024i, Toshiba CE4M.

Solvent ink: i3200-E1, DX5, 5113.

Most Common Misuses

Using a water-based head to print UV ink → Causes metal corrosion inside the head, delamination, and direct damage to the board.

Using a UV head to print water-based ink → Poor results and short lifespan because UV nozzles are structurally fine and difficult to clean with water-based ink.

Using a solvent head to print water-based ink → Incompatible viscosity, poor atomization, blurry images, and faded colors.

Tips for Choosing the Right Printhead

Identify your ink type → Then determine compatible materials.

Identify your printing accuracy needs → Then choose a nozzle type.

Identify your printing speed and budget → Then choose a printhead model accordingly.

PS: The wrong match may cause issues such as corrosion, blockage, poor adhesion, and excessive maintenance costs.