Konica Minolta HS1000 Printhead: Technical Overview & Field Analysis

Genuine Konica Minolta HS1000 printhead, 30pl, 1024 nozzles, 27kHz. Based on KM1024i platform. Pre-shipment tested. Verify compatibility with your system.

Based on Supplier Data and KM1024i Platform Specifications

1. Introduction: A Next-Generation Printhead for Industrial Speed and Precision

The Konica Minolta HS1000 printhead is emerging as a key component in high-speed single-pass inkjet systems, particularly in UV and industrial printing applications. While not listed as a standalone product on Konica Minolta’s official website, the HS1000 is widely referenced by global distributors and replacement part suppliers as a next-generation printhead with enhanced drive architecture.

Designed for robust performance in demanding production environments, this 30-picoliter printhead shares mechanical and nozzle layout specifications with the KM1024i series but introduces an advanced All-Nozzle Independent Drive System that enables simultaneous emission from all 1024 nozzles — a significant departure from traditional multi-cycle drive methods.

For integrators and OEM developers evaluating upgrade paths or new designs, understanding the relationship between the HS1000 and the established KM1024i platform is essential for successful implementation.

Source Notice
As of now, Konica Minolta has not released an official datasheet specifically for the HS1000 Printhead.
The specifications presented here are compiled from two major, trusted industry sources — Digiprint Supplies and Allprintheads — together with verified structural data from the KM1024i platform documentation.

Readers and integrators are advised to verify electrical compatibility, cable configuration, and firmware requirements with Konica Minolta or authorized distributors before replacing or integrating the HS1000 printhead into existing systems.

2. Core Technology: Independent Drive & Multi-Line Structure

Unlike earlier generations such as the standard KM1024i models using 3-cycle sequential drive, the HS1000 adopts an All-Nozzle Independent Drive System, enabling simultaneous droplet ejection from all 1024 nozzles. This architectural shift significantly improves drop placement consistency and system stability at high print speeds, making it ideal for single-pass printing architectures.

The printhead utilizes shear-mode piezoelectric actuation for precise droplet control, combined with a four-line nozzle array (256 nozzles per line), ensuring superior positional accuracy and high-definition output. These features position the HS1000 as a compelling option for industrial applications requiring both speed and image fidelity.

3. Technical Specifications (Compiled from Supplier Listings & KM1024i Platform Reference)

🔹 Source Note: Mechanical dimensions, print width, and nozzle layout verified against Konica Minolta's official KM1024i series specifications. Droplet volume, frequency, and drive mode derived from multiple supplier product pages.

4. Performance Characteristics

The HS1000 is optimized for consistent ink delivery in high-throughput environments. Its 27 kHz maximum firing rate, combined with full-array simultaneous ejection, delivers exceptional throughput without sacrificing dot placement accuracy — a common trade-off in conventional 3-cycle sequential systems.

The 30 pl droplet volume supports dense ink deposition, making it especially suitable for white underbase layers, high-opacity color printing, and applications requiring strong substrate coverage. With integrated heating and stable jetting performance, the head produces uniform dot profiles with minimal satellite drops across diverse substrates.

Notably, several suppliers highlight its environmentally considerate design, stating that the HS1000 incorporates only approximately one-third of the petroleum-derived materials and toxic chemicals used in earlier KM1024 series models — aligning with modern sustainability goals in manufacturing.

5. HS1000 vs. KM1024i Series: Understanding the Variants

It is important to clarify that KM1024i is not a single model, but a family of printheads with different variants tailored for specific droplet sizes and speed requirements. Based on Konica Minolta’s official technical documentation:

Note:
The KM1024i Series includes multiple variants (such as SHE, MHE, and LHE), each offering different droplet sizes (pl) and maximum drive frequencies (kHz).
The data shown in the table represents commonly referenced values and is provided for general comparison only.
For exact specifications, please refer to the official technical documentation from Konica Minolta.

For the complete and official KM1024i variant specifications, see Konica Minolta’s official KM1024i product page >>.

Many third-party suppliers describe the HS1000 as functionally equivalent to the KM1024iLHE, noting identical physical dimensions, 30 pl droplet size, and 27 kHz operation. Some even state that "the LHE code has been replaced by HS1000" in their compatibility lists. However, despite mechanical similarity, the drive architecture differs fundamentally: KM1024iLHE: Uses 3-cycle sequential drive HS1000: Uses All-Nozzle Independent Drive (true parallel)

This means: - They are not electrically interchangeable - Integration requires dedicated head cables and driver electronics - Attempting to use HS1000 on a KM1024iLHE-compatible board without proper signal adaptation may result in misfiring or damage

🛑 Critical Integration Note:
Even if marketed as a "replacement," the HS1000 is not a plug-and-play substitute for KM1024iLHE. Always verify electrical compatibility and use manufacturer-recommended cabling and control boards.

6. Typical Applications

The HS1000 has been adopted in various industrial inkjet systems where durability, speed, and consistent ink laydown are critical. Common use cases include:

• Single-pass printing lines for packaging, labeling, and coding
• UV-curable printing on rigid and flexible substrates
• Textile and decorative printing requiring wide coverage
• High-opacity white ink printing (e.g., underbase for CMYK)

Its integrated heater and stable jetting make it particularly well-suited for UV white and high-viscosity inks that benefit from thermal regulation during operation.

7. Maintenance & Integration Notes

To ensure optimal performance and longevity when integrating or replacing with the HS1000:

• Always use dedicated HS-series head cables and driver boards designed for independent drive signals
• Maintain strict ink filtration (0.5 µm recommended) and degassing protocols
• Follow Konica Minolta’s storage and periodic maintenance guidelines to prevent clogging
• Avoid non-original inks to preserve warranty eligibility and print stability
• Never assume backward compatibility — confirm signal timing and voltage requirements with your supplier or OEM

8. Conclusion

The Konica Minolta HS1000 represents a meaningful evolution in industrial inkjet printhead design, combining the proven mechanical reliability of the KM1024i platform with a next-generation independent drive architecture. While not officially documented as a standalone product, its presence in the supply chain and adoption by equipment manufacturers suggest it plays a growing role in high-speed, single-pass printing systems.

By delivering simultaneous ejection from all 1024 nozzles at 30 pl / 27 kHz, the HS1000 bridges the gap between speed and precision — making it a compelling choice for developers building next-gen digital presses.

The HS1000 is a non-standard Konica Minolta printhead with limited public documentation. We recommend confirming technical compatibility with your system provider prior to integration.

Information Source & Verification

The technical specifications for the Konica Minolta HS1000 referenced in this document are compiled from market-verified data and cross-referenced with official KM1024i platform documentation.

As the HS1000 is a non-standard model without public datasheets from Konica Minolta, final compatibility should be confirmed based on your specific system requirements.

We supply genuine units with pre-shipment functionality checks. For integration, please consult your equipment manufacturer or technical partner.

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