Kyocera lays claim to world's fastest inkjet printhead

Kyocera has developed what it claims is the world's fastest inkjet printhead with print speeds of up to 150m per minute at 1,200x1,200dpi resolution.

The KJ4 Series printhead comprises 2,656 nozzles that can each produce up to 60,000 dots per second each, or 150m in total.

The unit operates at three resolutions: 600x360dpi and 600x600dpi at 40kHz and 1,200x1,200dpi at 60kHz.

To achieve this, the Japan-based company improved on its previous printhead by condensing the ink channels and by using a more water-repellent coating on the nozzle surface to prevent clogging.

It also claims the new printhead offers the world's broadest single unit print width at 4.25in. Sample units are expected to be available from the early next year.

The KJ4 Series printhead will be on show at the Japan Graphic Arts Show 2009 in Tokyo between October 6 and 10.