Konica KM1800i SHC-C Printhead

The Konica KM1800i SHC-C printhead is an industrial-grade inkjet printhead designed for high-quality single-pass printing applications. The Konica KM1800i SHC-C printhead is a high-resolution, high-speed piezoelectric printhead designed for industrial and high-quality single-pass printing applications.

It is best suited for high-quality single-pass industrial printing, especially where compact printhead size, fine resolution, and fluid compatibility matter. Common use cases include coding and marking, packaging, plastics, security printing, and printed electronics.

What are the key specs I should check first?

The main headline specs are 600 npi resolution, 75 mm print width, 1,776 nozzles, 3.5 pl drop size, 84 kHz max frequency, 18 +/- 3 V drive voltage, and 8-level grayscale capability.

Is this the same as KM1800iSHC and KM1800iSHC-C?

KM1800iSHC commonly described product family, while KM1800i SHC-C appears to be a variant or module naming used by sellers and interface-board vendors. If you are buying, confirm the exact suffix with the supplier and match it to your controller and wiring harness.

What inks does it support?

Sources list compatibility with UV inks, and some sellers also state solvent, water-based, and hot melt compatibility depending on the exact configuration and system setup. For purchase decisions, treat ink compatibility as something to verify with the supplier for your specific fluid set.

Can it print grayscale?

Yes, the head is described as supporting binary and 3-bit grayscale modes, which gives 8 grayscale levels.

Is it good for white or metallic ink recirculation?

Yes, it is described as suitable for recirculating ink systems, including applications such as white or metallic inks. That makes it attractive for higher-maintenance fluids, but the full ink system design still matters.

How big is the printhead?

Industrial Inkjet lists dimensions of about 106.82 mm high, 19.8 mm wide, and 137.4 mm long, with weight under 205 g. The compact width is one of its main integration advantages.

What should I verify before buying?

Check ink compatibility, controller support, connector/interface matching, mounting space, target viscosity, operating temperature, and whether you need binary or grayscale output. You should also confirm whether you are buying a new head, refurbished unit, or a regenerated unit.

Is it easy to integrate?

It is marketed as simple to integrate and designed for a wide range of orientations, but integration is still system-specific and depends on the print controller, ink handling, and mechanical setup.

What is the main reason buyers choose it?

Buyers usually choose it for the combination of compact size, 600 npi resolution, 75 mm swathe, industrial robustness, and suitability for high-quality single-pass printing.

Purchase checklist

•     Confirm the exact model suffix and seller part number before payment.
•     Match ink chemistry to your application and avoid assuming all variants support the same fluids.
•     Verify controller/interface compatibility, especially if you are replacing an existing head.
•     Check whether the unit is new, refurbished, or regenerated.
•     Confirm nozzle count, print width, and required firing frequency against your target throughput.

Short buying verdict

If you need a compact industrial head for 600 npi, 75 mm swathe printing with grayscale support and strong single-pass credentials, the KM1800i SHC-C is a serious candidate. The biggest buying risk is not the core print performance, but making sure the exact variant, ink set, and controller stack match your system.