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}Ricoh MH5421F GEN5i Printhead J36600
Brand: Ricoh
Tax excluded. Shipping calculated at checkout
Availability: In stock

The Ricoh MH5421F (part number J36600) is a genuine original GEN5-series industrial inkjet printhead featuring Ricoh's continuous ink recirculation structure — circulating ink constantly near the nozzle to eliminate jetting failure from clogged nozzles and entrapped air bubbles, making it particularly suited to single-pass and fast-drying ink applications. With 1,280 staggered nozzles at 600 dpi, a 7–21 pl drop range, 4-level greyscale, 2-colour isolated ink paths, and enhanced bonding technology for wider ink compatibility than earlier GEN5 heads, the MH5421F is engineered for demanding production environments in textiles, ceramics, label, and packaging. Every J36600 we sell at Digiprint USA is 100% genuine original Ricoh Japan.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Ricoh MH5421F (GEN5i) |
| Part number | J36600 |
| Total nozzles | 1,280 (4 × 320 channels), staggered |
| Resolution | 600 dpi (4 rows × 150 dpi) |
| Print width | 54.1 mm |
| Nozzle spacing | 0.1693 mm (1/150") |
| Drop volume | 7, 14, 21 pl (ink dependent) |
| Jetting frequency | 30 kHz |
| Greyscale levels | 4 levels (ink dependent) |
| Max colour channels | 2 colours (isolated ink paths) |
| Viscosity (F model) | 11 mPas (MF model: 6 mPas) |
| Operating temperature | Up to 50°C |
| Temperature control | Integrated heater and thermistor |
| Ink compatibility | Aqueous (primary) — also UV-curable and solvent |
| Recirculation | Yes — continuous ink recirculation near nozzle (unique to F/MF series) |
| Bonding technology | Enhanced — wider fluid compatibility vs MH5420/5441 |
| Head materials | SST, Nickel alloy, Epoxy Adhesive (direct ink contact) |
| Nozzle plate surface | Coated SST |
| Dimensions (excl. cables) | 89 × 25 × 69 mm |
| Total assembly length | 248 mm (cable: 179 mm) |
| Weight | 155 g |
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty included |
Recirculation Structure — What It Is and Why It Matters
Standard GEN5 heads (MH5420, MH5441) use static ink chambers — ink sits in the chamber between firings and can dry, thicken, or accumulate air bubbles near the nozzle. This causes jetting failures, non-jetting nozzles, and unpredictable drop volume — particularly with fast-drying inks, pigment inks with heavy particle loads, or white/metallic inks with settling pigments.
The MH5421F introduces Ricoh's continuous recirculation structure: ink is constantly circulated near the nozzle tip through a dedicated flow path, even when not jetting. This keeps ink fresh, prevents particle settling and pigment sedimentation, removes air bubbles before they cause nozzle blockages, and maintains consistent viscosity throughout the head at all times. The result is dramatically improved reliability in single-pass applications and with inks that would cause failures in a non-recirculating head.
MH5421F vs MH5421 vs MH5420 — Key Differences
| Feature | MH5420 (GEN5 UV) | MH5421 (GEN5 Water) | MH5421F (this listing) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nozzles | 1,280 | 1,280 | 1,280 |
| Resolution | 600 dpi | 600 dpi | 600 dpi |
| Max colours | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Primary ink | UV / Solvent | Aqueous | Aqueous + wider range |
| Recirculation | No | No | Yes |
| Enhanced bonding | No | No | Yes |
| Pigment / white / metallic inks | Limited | Limited | Significantly improved |
| Single-pass reliability | Standard | Standard | Significantly improved |
| Part number | N221414J / N221414L / N221414E | J36002 / J36004 | J36600 |
F vs MF Model — Viscosity Variants
The MH5421F ships in two viscosity-optimised configurations. The F model is designed for 11 mPas inks (standard aqueous, pigment, some solvent inks). The MF model is designed for 6 mPas inks (lower-viscosity aqueous and UV inks). Confirm which viscosity range your ink system operates at before ordering. Contact our team to confirm F vs MF for your application.
Target Applications
• Textiles — single-pass direct-to-textile with aqueous/pigment inks requiring recirculation for pigment sedimentation prevention
• Ceramics and tile — fast-firing kiln-stable ceramic inks benefit from recirculation stability
• Label and packaging — single-pass label production with fast-drying water-based inks
• White and metallic inks — pigment settling in white and metallic formulations makes recirculation essential
• Art reproduction and wide-format graphics — aqueous pigment inks requiring long-term nozzle health
Warranty Notice
Due to the sensitive nature of industrial printhead components, we cannot accept returns, exchanges, or refunds once the printhead has been installed. All sales are final. Contact our team to confirm F vs MF model and compatibility before ordering.
Why Buy from Digiprint USA
• 100% genuine original Ricoh MH5421F J36600 — not compatible, not refurbished
• Manufactured in Japan — sealed original Ricoh packaging with manufacturer warranty
• In stock in Doral, Miami FL — same day shipping before 2PM EST
• Ideal for Latin American textile, label, and packaging print operations using Miami freight forwarders
• Free technical support — we confirm F vs MF viscosity model and MH5421F vs MH5420/5441 for your application before you order
View our full range of genuine Ricoh industrial printheads stocked by Digiprint USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MH5421F and MH5421?
The MH5421 is the earlier GEN5 water-based head (J36002/J36004) without recirculation. The MH5421F (J36600) adds Ricoh's continuous ink recirculation structure and enhanced bonding technology — making it suitable for a wider range of fluids including fast-drying inks, pigment inks, white and metallic inks, and single-pass high-productivity applications where the older MH5421 would experience jetting failures. If your application uses standard aqueous dye inks, the MH5421 may be sufficient. If you use pigment, white, metallic, or fast-drying inks, the MH5421F is the correct choice.
What is the difference between the F and MF model?
Both MH5421F and MH5421MF have identical nozzle counts, resolution, and recirculation structure. The F model is optimised for 11 mPas viscosity inks; the MF model is optimised for 6 mPas viscosity inks. Your ink supplier's data sheet will specify viscosity at operating temperature — match this to the correct model before ordering.
Why is the maximum operating temperature 50°C, lower than the MH5420's 80°C?
The MH5421F is primarily optimised for aqueous inks, which have lower operating temperature requirements than UV and solvent inks. The 50°C ceiling reflects the optimal thermal range for water-based ink systems. UV and solvent applications requiring higher operating temperatures should use the MH5420 series.
Do you ship Ricoh MH5421F printheads to Latin America?
Yes — same day shipping from our Doral, Miami FL warehouse. Our Miami location is ideal for Latin American textile, label, and packaging print operations using freight forwarders in the Doral area.
