Global
1200 dpi Dual Print Head Technology
The RICOH Pro VC60000, a high-speed continuous feed inkjet (IJ) printing system, prints high-quality images at high speed on offset coated paper, which does not absorb aquatic inks well. Conventional continuous feed IJ printers were not capable of printing on such paper. The RICOH Pro VC60000 consists of four functional units: undercoating, printing, protector coating, and drying.
- Undercoating unit: Applies an undercoating agent to prevent ink unevenness and abrasion.
- Printing unit: Forms images by discharging quick-drying pigment inks onto the paper.
- Protector coating unit: Applies protector coating agent to protect the printed surface.
- Drying unit: Dries and fuses the supplies including the inks by way of a heater.
The following description refers to the 1200 dpi dual print head technology used in a printing unit.
-
*1Dot gain refers to the phenomenon in which the halftone dots become larger than intended relative to the image data, causing the printed dots to spread or blur and resulting in print defects.
Background
Conventional high‑productivity inkjet systems have adopted a line‑head configuration, in which multiple inkjet print heads are arranged in a continuous line. However, image discontinuities can occur at the joints between print heads, resulting in image unevenness and reduced print quality.
Solutions
Ricoh’s proprietary print head technology, the bi-pitch laminated piezo actuator, enables precise and stable ink discharge control. This technology significantly reduces image unevenness caused by discontinuities at the joints between line heads.
Technical highlights
The bi-pitch laminated piezo actuator is installed in a stainless-steel head, developed in-house. It enables precise, stable control of ink discharge, even when ink viscosity is high. In the RICOH Pro VC60000, two 600 dpi heads are combined to comprise a 1200 dpi print head module. Two print heads, shifted by half the dot pitch, are installed in a single housing. The head module is capable of printing at 1200 dpi in a single pass.
1200 dpi print head module
1200 dpi print head (nozzle side)
For each color, the print head station consists of ten 1200 dpi print head modules arranged in a line. Two-inch print heads are staggered along the nozzle array to enable printing on sheets up to 20.5 inches wide.
Print head layout
Ricoh's original head technology is featured in stainless-steel heads arranged in a line. This configuration reduces image unevenness at the joints between the heads, enabling a wide range of printing schemes from high-speed printing to high-quality printing.
