STARFIRE SG1024/SA-2C vs MA-2C: Official Specifications, Drop Size Differences & Which One Fits Your Industrial Printer

Compare STARFIRE SG1024/SA-2C (12pl) and SG1024/MA-2C (30pl) printheads: official specs, ink compatibility, resolution, and which one fits textile, UV, or wide-format printing.

When integrating a high-performance printhead into textile, wide-format, or industrial decoration systems, the STARFIRE SG1024/SA-2C and SG1024/MA-2C are two of the most reliable drop-on-demand piezoelectric options available.

While both models share the same robust design and 1024-jet architecture, their key difference — nominal drop size — makes them suited for very different applications.

This guide breaks down the official specifications, compares real-world performance, and helps you choose the right model for your system.

Shared Design & Core Features

Both the SG1024/SA-2C and SG1024/MA-2C are engineered for demanding industrial environments. They share the following core features:

This shared foundation ensures long service life, consistent output, and easy integration across industrial platforms.

Key Difference: Nominal Drop Size

Despite their identical physical and mechanical design, the SA-2C and MA-2C differ critically in drop volume, which directly impacts print quality and ink usage.

⚠️ This is not a typo — the MA-2C delivers 2.5× larger droplets than the SA-2C.

Resolution & Nozzle Layout

• Both models deliver 200 dpi in two-color operation:
• Each color uses 512 jets arranged in 4 rows
• Total of 1024 addressable nozzles
• All nozzles can be fired independently
• Supports grayscale printing via VersaDrop™ technology for smooth gradients and reduced graininess

The single nozzle plate design simplifies alignment and maintenance, while the replaceable metal nozzle plate extends service life and reduces long-term costs.

Ink Compatibility & System Requirements

Both heads support:

• Solvent inks
• UV-curable inks
• Aqueous inks

Thanks to REDIJET® continuous ink recirculation, pigment-based inks (common in textile and UV printing) remain suspended, reducing clogging and ensuring consistent jetting.

However, due to the difference in drop size, ink formulation must be optimized for each model:

• SA-2C (12pl): Requires lower viscosity, high surface tension inks for stable small-drop formation
• MA-2C (30pl): Can handle slightly higher viscosity inks, ideal for high-pigment-load formulations

Always ensure your ink’s viscosity, surface tension, and particulate filtration match the printhead’s requirements to avoid misfires or nozzle wear.

Integration & Drive Electronics

While the mechanical design is identical, the drive electronics differ:

• SG1024/SA-2C: Designed for compatibility with standard industrial print controllers (often used in Mimaki, Mutoh, and similar platforms)
• SG1024/MA-2C: Typically used with custom FPGA-based control systems, offering greater flexibility in waveform tuning

Always verify controller compatibility before integration. Using the wrong driver board can lead to waveform mismatch, poor drop formation, or permanent damage.

Which One Should You Choose?

Maintenance & Service Life

Both models are:

• Fully repairable
• Feature replaceable nozzle plates
• Designed for long service life in continuous operation

With proper filtration, regular cleaning, and compatible inks, both heads deliver consistent performance over thousands of operating hours.

Final Thoughts

The STARFIRE SG1024/SA-2C and SG1024/MA-2C are not interchangeable — their 12pl vs 30pl drop size difference defines their application space.

• Choose SA-2C for precision, fine detail, and low ink usage
• Choose MA-2C for higher ink laydown, faster coverage, and durability on tough substrates

Both are industrial-grade, repairable, and built for reliability — but selecting the right one ensures optimal print quality and system efficiency.

Looking for the STARFIRE SG1024/SA-2C and SG1024/MA-2C printhead?  

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