Are you in the market for a new printer and unsure which print head to choose? Epson is a popular choice, known for its high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective print heads. With several types of Epson print heads available, each designed to meet specific printing needs, it’s essential to understand their differences to make an informed decision.

This article covers some of the most common Epson print heads, highlighting their features and helping you choose the right one for your business.

EPSON DX5

The EPSON DX5 is one of the most widely used print heads, particularly in eco-solvent printers. As a 5th-generation micro-piezo printhead, it is celebrated for its high nozzle accuracy and precision, capable of producing images with a resolution of up to 1440 dpi. The DX5 supports both 4-color and 8-color printing and features 8 lines of 180 nozzles, totaling 1440 nozzles. It also offers a versatile droplet size range of 1.5 to 20 picoliters, making it suitable for various printing applications.

EPSON DX7

The EPSON DX7 is another popular print head, primarily used in solvent-based printers. It shares similarities with the DX5, including 180 nozzles arranged in 8 rows and a maximum resolution of 1440 dpi. However, the DX7 has a slightly larger nozzle diameter of 4 picoliters, which contributes to enhanced color saturation and slightly faster printing speeds compared to the DX5. Due to their limited availability, both the DX5 and DX7 are becoming less common in newer printers.

Epson XP600

Released in 2018, the Epson XP600 is a cost-effective option with six nozzle rows and a total of 1080 nozzles. This print head supports six colors and offers a maximum resolution of 1440 dpi. While it is compatible with eco-solvent, UV, and sublimation printers, the XP600 falls short in color saturation and speed compared to the DX5. However, its lower price makes it a viable option for businesses operating on a tight budget.

Epson 5113

The Epson 5113 is designed for water-based inks and serves as an alternative to the DX5. With four lines of 800 nozzles each, this print head boasts a total of 3200 nozzles. Its firing frequency of 17.8 kHz makes it approximately 40% faster than the DX5. However, the Epson 5113 has been discontinued and replaced by the newer 4720 model.

Epson EPS3200 (WF 4720)

The Epson 4720, also known as the EPS3200, is a widely available print head that offers similar performance to the Epson 5113. It supports both eco-solvent and UV printers and can produce prints with resolutions up to 1400 dpi. Its affordability and easy availability make it a preferred choice for many businesses.

Epson I3200-A1

Launched in January 2020, the Epson I3200-A1 is an upgraded version of the 3200 series. Unlike its predecessor, the 4720, this print head does not require a decryption card and offers improved accuracy and a longer lifespan. The I3200-A1 features 3200 active nozzles, providing resolutions of 300 or 600 NPI, with a drop volume range of 6 to 12 picoliters and a firing frequency between 21.6 and 43.2 kHz.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Epson print head depends on your specific printing needs, including resolution, speed, nozzle configuration, and budget. Whether you prioritize cost-effectiveness, high color saturation, or fast printing speeds, there is an Epson print head that fits your requirements. We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision the next time you purchase a print head for your printer.