Switching to Ricoh Gen6?Key Facts About MH5320 and MH5340

Considering an upgrade from MH5421 to Ricoh MH5320 or MH5340 (Gen6)? Learn about compatibility, service life, and platform changes to make an informed decision for your inkjet system design.

In February 2024, Ricoh launched the MH5320 and MH5340 — the next generation of its industrial piezoelectric printhead platform, known as Gen6.

If you're using MH5421-based systems and wondering whether to upgrade, here are the key facts you need to know.

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 1. Is Gen6 a Big Improvement?

Yes — especially in service life and ink compatibility.

According to Ricoh’s official datasheet:

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

This means:

• Fewer printhead replacements in the field
• Lower maintenance costs for end users
• Less downtime, more uptime

For system builders, that’s a more reliable machine — one that runs longer with less service.

2. Can You Just Swap in MH5320 for MH5421?

Not directly. While the MH5320 is the successor to the MH5421, it’s not a drop-in replacement.

Here’s what’s changed:

✅ Same footprint (89 × 66.3 × 24.51 mm)

✅ Same weight (~228g with cable)

❌ Different interface, voltage, and control logic

You’ll need to:

• Update your printhead driver electronics
• Revalidate ink compatibility
• Adjust motion control timing

But the good news? The platform is more robust and built for longer life.

3. MH5320 vs MH5340: What’s the Difference?

Simple:

• MH5320: Supports up to 2 ink colors
• MH5340: Supports up to 4 ink colors

That’s it.

✅ Same size

✅ Same connector

✅ Same mounting and handling

This means:

• You can use the same carriage design for both
• Scale from 2-color to 4-color without redesign
• Reduce engineering effort and inventory complexity

It’s a modular system that makes life easier for integrators.

4. What About Real-World Use?

The Gen6 platform is built for industrial environments:

• Integrated heater and thermistor for stable ink temperature (up to 60°C)
• Stainless steel housing for better durability
• New alignment method using printhead surfaces for precise placement
• Compatible with UV, solvent, and aqueous inks

While integration still requires proper ink filtration and recirculation, the printhead itself is designed for reliability and consistency.

5. Should You Upgrade?

If you’re designing a new system or upgrading an existing one, consider Gen6 if you want:

• Longer service life
• Fewer field replacements
• A more durable printhead
• A scalable 2-color / 4-color platform

But remember:

• It’s not a drop-in replacement for MH5421
• You’ll need to update electronics and validate ink
• Compatibility must be tested

If you're evaluating the MH5320 or MH5340 for an upgrade or new build, we can help.

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