Kyocera has released a piezo inkjet head for graphic art applications with a recirculating ink function and supporting speeds up to 100m/min with a 1200x1200dpi resolution. The KJB4 EX1200 RC will be a key attraction on Kyocera’s stand at Drupa.
This is because Kyocera has added a recirculating ink function which opens up new styles of ink that can be used. This includes faster drying inks for a wider range of applications. One of the key issues facing the inkjet transformation of commercial printing is the energy required for drying aqueous inks. The ability to use faster drying inks may help in this regard.
Kyocera also claims that a higher maximum drop volume (4pl) and high driving frequency will result in higher productivity. It is designed to be integrated in a number of applications and delivers a high print quality through the single piezo actuator design that Kyocera uses. Its print heads are being used by Canon for the iX range among other commercial presses as well as its own machines.
The new head builds on the KJ4B EX1200 which can run at 200m/min with a 1200x600dpi mode. These are used by Kyocera subsidiary Nix in the Genix 1200 print engine and the recently announced Lenix1200 printbar. Both can run at 100m/min in 1200dpi mode and up to 200m/min.
This speed is not claimed for the new printhead. Instead Kyocera explains the motivation for its development comes from market shift: “Demand is rising for printheads that can handle a wider variety of inks at higher speeds while offering better print resolutions and enhanced durability.
“Especially in the commercial printing and package printing markets, new printheads must deliver optimised drop volumes to print not only on traditional high quality papers but also coated papers and films. In addition, as print speeds continue to increase, faster drying inks are becoming a key priority, placing new compatibility demands on printheads.”
The recirculation function moves ink around the nozzle to reduce any tendency for ink to dry and block the nozzle. This also encourages uniform temperatures and greater consistency in printing. A water cooling system is aimed at enhancing stability in high speed continuous feed printing.
The 4pl droplets are 43% larger than on the previous model with an 80kHz fire rate to be able to lay down ink faster and appeal to both commercial and packaging print applications.
