The MH5320 in Industrial Applications: Sourcing & Integration for OEMs

A technical guide for OEMs and system integrators on sourcing and integrating the Ricoh MH5320 (Gen6) printhead. Understand compatibility, supply chain stability, and key considerations for industrial

The MH5320 in Industrial Applications:

What OEMs Should Know About Sourcing and Integration

The Ricoh MH5320 (Gen6), introduced in February 2024, is now being adopted in high-performance industrial inkjet systems — from UV flatbed printers to digital decoration and coding equipment.

Unlike consumer-grade components, the MH5320 is a precision-engineered printhead designed for continuous operation, high-resolution output, and compatibility with UV, solvent, and aqueous inks.

For OEMs and system integrators, integrating the MH5320 is not just a technical decision — it’s a supply chain commitment.

This article outlines what you should know about sourcing, compatibility, and long-term support when selecting the MH5320 for your next system design or service operation.

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Technical Overview: Key Features of the MH5320

The MH5320 is part of Ricoh’s sixth-generation printhead platform, offering improvements in durability, ink compatibility, and jetting performance.

All specifications below are sourced from the official Ricoh MH5320_5340.pdf (Specifications as of February 2024).

Print Method: Piston pusher with metallic diaphragm plate

Nozzle Count: 1,280 (4 × 320 channels, staggered)

Print Width: 54.1 mm (2.1")

Resolution: 600 dpi (achieved via 4 rows of 150 dpi nozzles)

Nozzle Spacing: 1/150" (0.1693 mm)

Drop Volume:

• Binary mode: 5 pl
• Greyscale mode: 5–15 pl (4 levels)

Jetting Frequency: Up to 50 kHz (3 levels), or 40 kHz (4 levels)

Compatible Inks: UV, Solvent, Aqueous, and other industrial inks

Viscosity Range: 10–12 mPa·s

Surface Tension: 28–35 mN/m

Operating Temperature Range: Up to 60°C

Temperature Control: Integrated heater and thermistor

Total Dimensions: 89.0 (W) × 66.3 (D) × 24.51 (H) mm (3.5" × 2.6" × 1.0")

Weight: 228 g (including 45C cable)

Max Color Support: 2 colors

Ink Port: Yes

Source: Ricoh MH5320_5340.pdf (February 2024)

One of the most significant improvements highlighted in the datasheet is aqueous ink compatibility and service life:

"Specifically, the aqueous ink compatibility and service life of the MH5320/MH5340 is more than double that of the MH5421/MH5441 that preceded it."

This makes the MH5320 particularly suitable for high-utilization environments where printhead longevity is critical.

Sourcing the MH5320: Building a Reliable Supply Chain

For industrial equipment manufacturers, the availability of critical components like the MH5320 directly impacts production schedules, service responsiveness, and customer trust.

We support global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrators with the following:

Continuous Supply: Ricoh MH5320 printheads

Global Logistics: Worldwide delivery via DHL/FedEx/UPS

Volume Support: Dedicated stocking and pricing for multiple units

Technical Documentation: Datasheets, operating guides, and integration instructions

We prioritize predictable delivery and long-term reliability over short-term sales.

⚠️ Integration Considerations

While the MH5320 offers superior performance, successful integration requires attention to detail:

• Electrical Interface: The MH5320 requires a dedicated cable (e.g., MH HEAD CABLE 45C or 20C). Customers may design compatible cables using the existing structure.
• Ink System Compatibility: While it supports UV, solvent, and aqueous inks, your ink recirculation, filtration, and temperature control must be validated per Ricoh’s specifications.
• Mechanical Fit: The total depth is 66.3 mm. Verify mounting and clearance in your carriage design.
• Application Risk: Ricoh does not specify support for DTF or pigment-based inks. Use in non-standard applications is at your discretion.
• Alignment: A new alignment method using printhead surfaces enables high-precision positioning and easy setup.

Secure Your Supply Strategy

If you're evaluating the MH5320 for your next system build or service inventory, we can help you plan.

We provide:

• Lead time and pricing transparency
• Supply stability assurance

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