Konica KM1024i SHE Printhead

The Konica KM1024i SHE printhead is a high-performance piezoelectric inkjet printhead designed for industrial printing applications. It features 1024 nozzles arranged in 4 lines of 256 each, with a droplet size of 6 picoliters and a native resolution of 360 dpi (90 dpi x 4 lines). This printhead offers a maximum drive frequency of up to 56-60 kHz, which is roughly three times greater than its predecessor KM1024 series, enabling high-speed printing.

Konica KM1024i SHE Printhead Application fit

•     Required use case: signage, labels, packaging, textiles, or functional printing (electronics, solar, etc.).
•     Printing mode: single‑pass high speed vs. scanning carriage.
•     Target image quality: do you need fine gradients and high detail or high ink laydown and coverage?

Ink type & chemistry

•     Confirm supported inks: solvent, UV, oil; water‑based is not supported on KM1024iSHE family (use MAE/SAE instead).
•     Check ink viscosity range against the specific model:

1.         KM1024iSHE‑HM‑LV: ~3–5 mPa·s, UV/solvent, micro‑drop (7.5 pl) for high detail.
2.         KM1024iSHE‑HM: ~7–12 mPa·s, UV/solvent, 6 pl, more tolerant of higher viscosity.

Drop size & resolution

•     Native resolution: 360 npi, 4 lines × 256 nozzles (multi‑line structure).
•     Native drop size: typically 6 pl for KM1024iSHE; micro‑drops 6–7.5 pl for HM/HM‑LV; 8‑level greyscale for gradients.
•     Verify whether your application needs small drops (fine text, barcode, micro‑patterns) or larger drops (coverage, white ink).

Speed & productivity

•     Check maximum jetting frequency: around 56 kHz for KM1024iSHE‑HM and ~44 kHz for HM‑LV (still very high).
•     Confirm your electronics and RIP can drive the independent‑drive 1024‑nozzle architecture at those frequencies.
•     Make sure the mechanical setup (web speed, carriage speed) matches the achievable throughput.

Printhead integration

•     Mechanical dimensions: about W131 × D18 × H94 mm; print width ~72 mm.
•     Mounting: enough space for head, heater cabling, ink supply, and flushing/maintenance unit.
•     Electrical interface: compatible driver board, correct firing waveform library for KM1024i series.

Ink circulation & reliability

•     Confirm use of recirculating manifold if you run heavily pigmented, UV, or nanoparticle inks to avoid sediment.
•     Check recommended filtration level and degassing requirements.
•     Confirm spare parts availability in your region (nozzles, manifolds, dampers, seals).

Environmental & support

•     Operating temperature: heater allows stable ink temperature, but ensure your printer keeps the head within spec.
•     Local support: do you have a distributor or integrator in Malaysia/SEA who can supply genuine heads and provide warranty?
•     Warranty terms: conditions for ink compatibility, handling, and failure analysis.

Budget & lifecycle

•     Total cost: printhead unit price + driver electronics + manifolds + maintenance station.
•     Expected lifetime: depends heavily on ink, duty cycle, and maintenance; confirm typical litres or firing cycles from supplier.
•     Plan for spares: keep at least one spare per line/head in high‑uptime production.

KM1024iSHE variants comparison

This table helps you choose between common KM1024iSHE family options when specifying or replacing heads.