Ricoh GEN5 vs GEN6 — What Changed?
Resource Center › Buying Guides
GEN5 and GEN6 are not interchangeable — each requires its own compatible printer control board. This comparison applies when choosing between printers or evaluating whether the GEN6 improvements matter for your specific application.
Not interchangeable: If you already own a GEN5 printer and need a replacement head, you need GEN5. You cannot install GEN6 in a GEN5 machine regardless of the performance differences described below.
| Feature | Ricoh GEN5 | Ricoh GEN6 |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle count | 1,280 per head | 1,280 per head |
| Max frequency | ~30 kHz | 40+ kHz |
| Greyscale | 4-level native | Enhanced variable drop |
| Throughput | High | ~30% higher at equivalent quality |
| Lifespan | 12–24 months | 12–24 months |
| Control board | Different — not interchangeable between generations | |
Does the GEN6 upgrade matter for your application?
For high-speed UV production where throughput is the primary constraint, the GEN6's higher frequency delivers a meaningful improvement. For applications where quality (greyscale accuracy, fine detail) is the primary driver, the GEN6's enhanced drop control also provides an edge. For standard production volumes where the GEN5 already exceeds throughput requirements, the GEN6 improvements are less relevant to day-to-day operation.
Confirm compatibility before ordering
info@digiprint-usa.com · +1 (773) 451-5110 · Same-day shipping before 2 PM EST from Doral, FL
