}Konica Minolta KM1280i MHH Printhead
Brand: Konica Minolta
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Availability: In stock
The Konica Minolta KM1280i MHH is a genuine original industrial shear-mode piezo drop-on-demand printhead engineered for high-speed single-pass and scanning UV and solvent inkjet applications. With 1,280 nozzles across a 72.25mm print swathe at 450 dpi native resolution, a 10 pl native drop volume, and a maximum firing frequency of 45 kHz, it delivers fast and precise jetting in a compact 17.6mm wide footprint — the same slim profile as the KM1024i series, into which it is retrofittable with minor modifications. The KM1280i MHH is designed for system integrators building high-quality industrial print systems for coding and marking, packaging, plastic card decoration, security printing, printed electronics, and direct-to-shape applications. Every KM1280i MHH we sell at Digiprint USA is 100% genuine original Konica Minolta.
This is an industrial OEM integration printhead — not a wide-format printer replacement head. The KM1280i MHH is supplied to system integrators and OEM printer manufacturers for building or upgrading industrial print systems. It does not replace printheads in wide-format printers like Roland, Mimaki, or Mutoh. It is retrofittable into existing KM1024i-based systems with minor modifications. If you are unsure whether this is the correct head for your application or system, contact our team before ordering.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Konica Minolta KM1280i MHH |
| Technology | Bulk shear-mode piezo — drop-on-demand |
| Total nozzles | 1,280 |
| Native resolution | 450 dpi (450 npi nozzle pitch) |
| Print width | 72.25 mm |
| Overall row spacing | 2.95 mm |
| Native drop volume | 10 pl |
| Max. firing frequency | 45 kHz |
| Drop velocity | 6.0 m/s |
| Ink compatibility | UV, solvent, oil — ink viscosity 7–12 mPa·s |
| Greyscale | 3-bit (binary or greyscale operation) |
| Nozzle plate | Silicon — increased drop location accuracy at high speed and large print gaps |
| Ink recirculation | Supported — ideal for white, metallic, and high-sediment inks |
| Orientation | Multiple mounting orientations supported |
| Footprint | 17.6 mm wide — same slim profile as KM1024i series |
| Dimensions (H × W × L) | 104.5 × 17.6 × 131 mm |
| Weight | Less than 205 g |
| Retrofittable into | Existing KM1024i systems — minor modifications required |
| Drive electronics | Commercially available from 3rd party suppliers |
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Condition | 100% genuine original Konica Minolta, brand new |
KM1280i MHH in the Konica Minolta Industrial Printhead Family
| Model | Nozzles | Resolution | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KM1024i | 1,024 | 360 dpi | Coding, marking, high-speed large drop applications |
| KM1280i MHH (this listing) | 1,280 | 450 dpi | VDP, fine text, direct-to-shape, white/spot varnish — best of both worlds |
| KM1800i | 1,800 | 600 dpi | High-resolution graphics, fine detail, short print distance |
Target Applications
The KM1280i MHH is engineered for high-quality industrial print systems in the following application areas:
• Coding and marking — high-speed variable data printing on packaging lines
• Packaging applications — labels, cartons, flexible packaging with fine text and barcodes
• Plastic card decoration — ID cards, loyalty cards, security documents
• Security printing — serialisation, authentication marks, variable data at speed
• Printed electronics — functional inkjet deposition applications
• Direct-to-shape — printing on curved, uneven, or 3D surfaces at industrial print distances
• White and spot varnish — recirculation support prevents settling of high-density inks
Warranty Notice
Due to the sensitive nature of industrial printhead components, we cannot accept returns, exchanges, or refunds once the printhead has been installed or integrated. All sales are final. Contact our team to confirm suitability for your specific application and ink system before ordering.
Why Buy from Digiprint USA
• 100% genuine original Konica Minolta KM1280i MHH — manufactured in Japan
• Complete spec coverage — 450dpi, 10pl, 45kHz, 72.25mm, 2.95mm row spacing, 6.0m/s drop velocity, 7–12 mPa·s viscosity — the most detailed KM1280i MHH listing available
• KM1024i retrofit context — we advise on upgrade path from KM1024i systems
• Recirculation and white ink guidance — we confirm ink system compatibility before you order
• In stock in Doral, Miami FL — same day shipping before 2PM EST
• Ideal for Latin American system integrators and OEM manufacturers using Miami freight forwarders
• Free technical support — we confirm application fit, ink compatibility, and retrofit suitability before you order
View our full range of genuine Konica Minolta industrial printheads, including the KM512i MAB-C, KM800 UH-HA810, and KM1600 UH-HA820.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the KM1280i MHH sit in the Konica Minolta printhead family?
The KM1280i MHH is positioned between the KM1024i (360 dpi, high-speed coding) and the KM1800i (600 dpi, fine graphics). At 450 dpi with a 10pl drop, it offers what Konica Minolta describes as the best of both worlds — resolution high enough for fine text, barcodes, and variable data, while maintaining a print gap and drop size suitable for high-speed single-pass and direct-to-shape applications where the KM1800i's 600 dpi short print distance would be limiting. It is retrofittable into existing KM1024i systems with minor modifications, making it a viable upgrade path for integrators.
Why does the KM1280i MHH use a silicon nozzle plate instead of stainless steel?
The silicon nozzle plate on the KM1280i MHH is specifically chosen for increased drop location accuracy at high firing speeds and large print gaps — conditions common in direct-to-shape and high-speed single-pass applications. Silicon allows tighter nozzle geometry tolerances than stainless steel, resulting in more consistent drop trajectories even as print distance increases. This is a key reason the KM1280i MHH outperforms 360 dpi alternatives in direct-to-object applications where substrate distance varies.
What does ink recirculation support mean — and why does it matter for white ink?
The KM1280i MHH supports recirculating ink systems, meaning ink flows continuously through the head even between firing events. This is critical for white inks and metallic inks, which contain heavy pigment particles that settle rapidly in static ink channels — causing clogged nozzles, inconsistent density, and head damage. With recirculation, the ink stays agitated and homogeneous at all times, enabling stable, consistent white and metallic jetting without the maintenance overhead of manual agitation or purging cycles.
Do you ship the KM1280i MHH to Latin America?
Yes — same day shipping from our Doral, Miami FL warehouse before 2PM EST. Our Miami location is ideal for Latin American system integrators, OEM printer manufacturers, and industrial print operations using freight forwarders in the Doral area.
