Konica Minolta KM1024i 6988H: High-Performance Industrial Printhead for Versatile Applications

An In-Depth Guide to the KM1024i MHE Series with Full Specifications, Ink Compatibility & Installation Tips

1. Introduction and Overview

The Konica Minolta KM1024i 6988H is a high-performance industrial piezoelectric drop-on-demand (DOD) printhead, engineered for demanding printing environments. Known officially as the KM1024i MHE series, this model is designed for reliable, high-speed, and high-precision printing across a wide range of industrial applications.

The "6988H" designation is an OEM system identifier, corresponding to the KM1024i MHE model, which delivers a standard 13 picoliter (pl) ink drop — making it ideal for general-purpose industrial printing with excellent balance between resolution and ink laydown.

Built with Konica Minolta’s advanced piezo technology, the KM1024i 6988H features a full nozzle independent drive system and high-density multi-column nozzle layout, enabling superior print quality, faster throughput, and stable long-term performance.

2. Core Features and Technology

✅ Full Nozzle Independent Drive System

Unlike earlier KM1024 models that used a 3-cycle drive method, the KM1024i 6988H employs full 1024-nozzle independent driving.

This advancement ensures:

• Perfect synchronization of all nozzles
• Higher positional accuracy
• Improved image quality stability
• Reduced banding and misfiring

This architecture is especially beneficial for single-pass printing systems where timing precision is critical.

✅ High-Density Multi-Column Structure

The KM1024i 6988H features a 256-nozzle × 4-column high-density arrangement on a single nozzle plate.

Key benefits:

• Achieves 360 npi (nibbles per inch) effective resolution
• Equivalent to 90 dpi × 4 rows for high-resolution output
• Tighter nozzle pitch improves print consistency
• Ideal for fine text, halftones, and detailed graphics

✅ High-Frequency Driving Performance

With a maximum drive frequency of 45 kHz, the KM1024i 6988H delivers 3× the speed of older KM1024 series printheads.

This high-frequency capability enables:

• Support for single-pass (one-pass) printing systems
• Faster production speeds in industrial environments
• Smooth integration into high-throughput printing platforms

✅ Advanced Ink Compatibility & Stability

The KM1024i 6988H is built with enhanced chemical resistance and optimized ink circulation design, making it compatible with:

• Solvent-based inks
• Oil-based inks
• UV-curable inks

It is not compatible with water-based inks.

Additionally, the printhead includes a built-in high-performance heater that:

• Maintains optimal ink temperature
• Ensures consistent viscosity for stable droplet formation
• Critical for high-viscosity UV and solvent inks

✅ Rich Grayscale Printing Capability

Supports up to 8-level grayscale printing, allowing for:

• Smooth tonal transitions
• Reduced graininess
• Natural-looking gradients and photographic output

This makes the KM1024i 6988H suitable not only for graphics but also for applications requiring high visual fidelity.

✅ Eco-Friendly Design

Compared to previous KM1024 models, the KM1024i series reduces:

• Use of petroleum-based chemicals
• Harmful substances by approximately one-third

It has earned the Konica Minolta Group Green Product Certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability in industrial printing.

3. Technical Specifications (Official – September 2023)

4. Model Comparison & Selection Guide

⚠️ Important Note: Different series (LHE, MHE, SHE, MAE) cannot be mixed in the same system. Always verify compatibility before installation.

5. Installation, Maintenance & Warranty

✅ Installation Best Practices

• Replace the printhead cable when installing a new head to prevent signal degradation.
• Ensure proper grounding and stable power supply.
• Use only compatible ink types — never use water-based ink with MHE models.

✅ Maintenance Tips

• Perform regular ink recirculation and cleaning cycles.
• Use filtered, manufacturer-recommended inks.
• Monitor nozzle health with test patterns.

✅ Warranty Information

Warranty does not cover damage caused by:

• Non-OEM inks
• Improper maintenance
• Nozzle clogging
• Physical or electrical misuse

Proper handling and ink compatibility are essential for warranty validity.

Final Thoughts

The Konica Minolta KM1024i 6988H (MHE) is a versatile, high-performance industrial printhead that strikes an ideal balance between speed, resolution, and durability.

With its 13pl drop size, 45kHz frequency, and broad ink compatibility, it is well-suited for:

• Industrial solvent and UV printing
• Wide-format signage
• Packaging and labeling
• Single-pass production systems

Its full independent nozzle drive and multi-column design set it apart from legacy models, ensuring superior print quality and reliability.

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