Kyocera vs Ricoh Printheads: Which is Right for Your Business?

When it comes to investing in a UV printer, your choice of printhead technology can make a world of difference in speed, print quality, and long-term reliability. At CET Color, we proudly offer both Kyocera and Ricoh printhead options across our flatbed and hybrid printers—each engineered to meet different production needs.

But which one is right for your shop?

Let’s break down the key differences between Kyocera and Ricoh printheads so you can make the most informed decision possible.

Speed & Productivity

If your shop handles high-volume, fast-turnaround jobs, Kyocera printheads might be your best bet. Our K2 Series with Kyocera heads can produce up to 40 boards per hour with a 2-row configuration. Kyocera excels in ultra-high-speed environments where throughput is king.

On the other hand, our Ricoh-equipped printers—like the Q5 and Q6 Series—still pack a serious punch, especially in multi-row configurations. A 3-row Ricoh Gen 6 Q6 Linear Hybrid, for example, can print up to 685 sq ft/hr in production mode. That's more than enough speed for most mid-to-high-volume print operations.

Verdict:

• Choose Kyocera if you’re printing high production and want the absolute fastest speeds.

• Choose Ricoh for flexible, scalable productivity that still prints fast.

Precision & Drop Control

Kyocera heads boast smaller variable drop sizes (as low as 4pl) and deliver razor-sharp detail thanks to their true grayscale imaging. This makes them ideal for high-end applications like fine art reproduction or intricate graphics where precision is non-negotiable.

Ricoh Gen 5 and Gen 6 heads, meanwhile, offer variable droplet sizes starting at 5pl or 7pl, delivering excellent results for everyday signage, packaging, and display work. They strike a smart balance between detail and versatility.

Verdict:

• Choose Kyocera for ultra-fine detail, luxury applications, and grayscale precision.

• Choose Ricoh for general-purpose printing with strong color fidelity and smooth gradients.

Scalability & Upgrade Paths

Our Ricoh-based systems (Q5 and Q6 series) are field-upgradeable, which means you can start small and scale up as your business grows—adding printheads, adding white or varnish, and even upgrading to linear motors later.

Kyocera systems like the K2 Series are engineered for maximum output from day one. They're ideal for shops that already know their production volume and want to hit the ground running.

Verdict:

• Choose Ricoh if you want a modular, scalable system that evolves with your business.

• Choose Kyocera if you're ready for full-throttle, high production from the start.

Application Versatility

Both printhead options support a wide range of media—acrylic, PVC, Coroplast, wood, metal, and more and both printhead systems tend to offer more flexibility with belt-drive hybrid options (like the Hybrid 250H) and add-on capabilities like advanced white ink control. Ricoh systems offer additional add-on capabilities like the clear ink varnish system.

Kyocera systems, particularly in our linear models, excel in rigid media workflows where consistent, high-speed flatbed performance is critical.

Verdict:

• Choose Ricoh for specialty printing effects.

• Choose Kyocera for streamlined flatbed production.

Final Thoughts: There’s No Wrong Answer

At CET Color, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all printing. That’s why we offer both Kyocera and Ricoh configurations—because every shop has unique needs, workflows, and production goals.

Still not sure which printhead is right for you? Reach out to our sales team at sales@cetcolor.com or call us at 404.228.1259 and we’ll walk you through your options.

We’ll help you find the perfect printer, not just the flashiest spec sheet.