top of page
— EXPLORING PRINTHEADS
UNDERSTAND THE
TECHNOLOGY BEHIND THE PRINT.
PRINTHEAD TECHNOLOGY
RICOH + KYOCERA
A quick visual overview of the three head options used across CET platforms.
RICOH GEN 5
VALUE + VERSATILITY
VARIABLE DROP
7 / 14 / 21 pl
PHYSICAL RESOLUTION
600 DPI
RICOH GEN 6
PRECISION + FLEXIBILITY
VARIABLE DROP
5 / 10 / 15 pl
PHYSICAL RESOLUTION
600 DPI
KYOCERA
THROUGHPUT + COVERAGE
VARIABLE DROP
4 / 6 / 10 pl
PHYSICAL RESOLUTION
600 DPI
Three printhead technologies. Different strengths. 
One goal: the right fit for your work.
— PRINTHEAD OVERVIEW
THREE OPTIONS. THREE DIFFERENT STRENGTHS.
Each printhead technology serves a different production priority. Use this overview to understand the core technical differences before looking at printer-specific configurations.
ENTRY-LEVEL VALUE
RICOH GEN 5
A proven, versatile option for shops that want dependable UV output, broad application flexibility, and an approachable path into production.
NOZZLES
1280
VARIABLE DROP
7 / 14 / 21 pl
EFFECTIVE PRINT WIDTH
PHYSICAL RESOLUTION
2.125 in.
600 DPI
BEST FIT
Versatility, value, rigid applications
VALUE + VERSATILITY
RICOH GEN 6
A refined Ricoh platform with smaller variable droplets and strong flexibility for precision work, white ink, and varnish-capable configurations.
NOZZLES
1280
VARIABLE DROP
5 / 10 / 15 pl
EFFECTIVE PRINT WIDTH
PHYSICAL RESOLUTION
2.125 in.
600 DPI
BEST FIT
Precision, gradients, white + varnish
HIGH-PRODUCTION OUTPUT
KYOCERA
A wider, higher-nozzle-count head designed for industrial throughput, broad coverage, fast production, and stable high-output workflows.
NOZZLES
2656
VARIABLE DROP
4 / 6 / 10 pl
EFFECTIVE PRINT WIDTH
PHYSICAL RESOLUTION
4.42 in.
600 DPI
BEST FIT
Speed, coverage, high production
Availability and ink configurations vary by printer platform. CET can help match the head technology to the machine configuration and application mix.
— WHY IT MATTERS
PRINTHEAD CHOICE IMPACTS MORE THAN SPEED.
Understanding the head helps you understand how a machine will behave in the kinds of jobs your shop actually produces.
01
DROP SIZE + DETAIL
Variable droplet size influences gradients, fine detail, photographic transitions, and how delicately ink can be placed.
02
COVERAGE + THROUGHPUT
Nozzle count and effective print width influence how much area a head can cover and how a platform is positioned for production.
03
INK + APPLICATIONS
Head arrangement and printer architecture affect how color, white, and varnish can be configured for different applications.
— VIDEO WALKTHROUGH
WATCH us BREAK IT DOWN.
Here we explain the differences in practical terms: droplet size, image quality, coverage, production speed, specialty inks, and where each printhead fits.
WHAT THE VIDEO COVERS
What variable droplet size means
What variable droplet size means
What variable droplet size means
What variable droplet size means
What variable droplet size means
— MATCH THE HEAD TO THE WORK
START WITH YOUR SHOP’S PRIORITIES.
The right choice comes down to what you print, the level of detail you need, the specialty inks you plan to run, and the throughput your business requires.
CONSIDER
RICOH GEN 5
Consider Gen 5 when value, broad application versatility, and a straightforward production platform are the priority.
CONSIDER
RICOH GEN 6
Consider Gen 6 when precision, finer droplet control, and flexible white or varnish-capable workflows matter most.
CONSIDER
KYOCERA
Consider Kyocera when industrial throughput, wider head coverage, and high-production output are the priority.
bottom of page