When it comes to commercial printing, print head technology plays a key role in determining print speed, precision, and overall performance. Among the most respected names in this space is Ricoh, whose industrial print heads have evolved through multiple generations, giving us advancements in resolution, ink compatibility, and reliability — and providing unique printing applications for each generation of head.
At Innovative Digital Systems (IDS), we proudly integrate Ricoh print heads into our machines to ensure our customers get the best balance of performance, durability, and cost-efficiency.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between Ricoh print head generations.
The Evolution of Ricoh Print Heads
Ricoh’s print head technology has progressed through several key generations, each designed to handle more advanced industrial applications. Here’s how they differ:
Ricoh Gen 4
- Drop Size: 7–35 picoliters
- Resolution: Up to 600 dpi
- Ink Compatibility: UV-curable, solvent, and aqueous inks
- Typical Use: Entry-level to mid-range industrial printers
The Gen 4 print head was a milestone in reliable print quality, offering consistent jetting performance for UV and solvent inks. It’s known for its balance of affordability and precision, making it popular in early-generation flatbed and roll-to-roll systems.
Ricoh Gen 5
- Drop Size: 7–21 picoliters (grayscale capability)
- Resolution: Up to 1200 dpi
- Firing Frequency: Up to 30 kHz
- Ink Compatibility: UV-curable, solvent, and aqueous inks
- Key Advantages: Higher speed, finer detail, and improved durability
Ricoh’s Generation 5 print head brought a significant leap forward in precision and speed. Its ability to jet smaller droplets with greater control allows for sharper images, smoother gradients, and more accurate color reproduction.
The Gen 5 also supports grayscale printing, meaning it can vary droplet size dynamically — a crucial feature for achieving photographic-quality output without sacrificing production efficiency.
It’s built for industrial environments, capable of sustained high-volume production while maintaining print consistency. This makes it ideal for applications ranging from promotional products and packaging to industrial labeling and specialty substrates.
Ricoh Gen 6
- Drop Size: 5–15 picoliters
- Resolution: Up to 1200+ dpi
- Firing Frequency: Up to 50 kHz
- Key Advantages: Increased speed, finer droplet control, and even higher reliability
The Gen 6 is Ricoh’s latest advancement, designed for ultra-high-speed production and ultra-fine detail work. While it offers improved performance, it also comes at a higher cost, and not all applications require that level of refinement.
For many industrial users, Generation 5 remains the optimal balance of power, cost, and versatility.
Why Choose a Gen 5 Print Head?
If your production involves a wide range of substrates — from plastics and metals to glass, wood, or coated materials — the Ricoh Gen 5 offers the flexibility and stability needed to maintain consistent print quality across them all.
Top benefits include:
- Exceptional print accuracy and image clarity
- Long operational life under demanding conditions
- Compatibility with a broad range of UV inks
- Ideal for both small-batch customization and continuous production
IDS Machines Featuring Ricoh Gen 5 Print Heads
At IDS, we trust the Ricoh Gen 5 print head for its reliability and proven performance across industries. You’ll find this technology in several of our advanced UV printing solutions, including:
- Rev HDL – Our Pinnacle Award–winning printer, engineered for precision printing on a wide range of substrates. The Gen 5 print head gives you outstanding detail and vibrant color across every application.
- SonicJet – A single-pass UV printer designed for unmatched efficiency and flexibility. The Gen 5 print head ensures crisp, high-resolution results even at high production speeds.
Choosing the Right Print Head for Your Application
Not every print environment requires the latest generation of technology — sometimes the smartest choice is the most balanced one. Ricoh Gen 5 print heads continue to dominate across industries because they deliver consistent, high-quality output without overcomplicating maintenance or raising costs unnecessarily.
Whether you’re printing promotional products, packaging, or specialized industrial components, IDS can help identify the best printer configuration — and the ideal Ricoh print head — for your unique workflow.
Ready to Learn More?
Contact the IDS team today to schedule a demo or discuss which UV printer best fits your production needs.
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