Ricoh GEN5 Water Printhead MH5421 — 500mm Cable (J36004)

The Ricoh MH5421 is the genuine original GEN5 water-based (aqueous) inkjet printhead — the aqueous ink variant of Ricoh's widely deployed MH5420/MH5421 platform. This listing is the 500mm cable version, Ricoh part number J36004 (replacing N221414K). With 1,280 nozzles across 4 isolated ink channels, variable drop volume from 7 to 35 pl, jetting frequency up to 60 kHz, and an integrated heater and thermistor rated to 80°C, it is built for high-speed aqueous inkjet production systems requiring long cable routing. Every MH5421 (J36004) we sell at Digiprint USA is 100% genuine original Ricoh.

500mm cable vs 248mm cable — which do you need? Both are the same MH5421 aqueous GEN5 printhead. The only difference is cable length: 500mm (J36004 / replacing N221414K) is used in printer carriage designs with greater distance between the printhead and the controller board; 248mm (J36002 / replacing N221414P) is used in more compact carriage layouts. Your printer's carriage architecture determines which cable length is required. Check your current installed head cable length or service manual before ordering — both versions are available from Digiprint USA.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Model	Ricoh MH5421 — GEN5 Water (Aqueous)
Ricoh Part Number	J36004 (replaces N221414K)
Cable length (this listing)	500mm
Dimensions	89 × 25 × 69 mm (excluding cables)
Head materials	SST, Nickel alloy, Epoxy Adhesive
Nozzle plate surface	Coated SST (stainless steel)
Total nozzles	1,280 (4 rows × 320 nozzles)
Nozzle spacing	0.1693 mm
Nozzle density	Up to 600 NPI
Ink channels	4 isolated channels — up to 4 colours per head
Piezo type	D33 Stacked PZT
Native drop volume	7 pl
Drop volume range	7 – 35 pl (variable grayscale)
Grayscale levels	Up to 4 levels per dot
Drop velocity	7 m/s
Jetting frequency	Up to 60 kHz
Temperature control	Integrated heater and thermistor
Operating temperature	Up to 80°C
Ink compatibility	Water-based (aqueous) inks
Head life rating	100 billion actuations per nozzle
Condition	100% genuine original Ricoh, brand new

Ricoh GEN5 Water Printhead — Cable Length Variants

Cable Length	Ricoh Part Number	Replaces
500mm (this listing)	J36004	N221414K
248mm	J36002	N221414P

Ricoh GEN5 Family — Water vs UV/Solvent Variants

Model	Ink Type	Notes
MH5421 (this listing)	Aqueous (water-based)	Standard GEN5 aqueous variant, 2-colour per head
MH5420	UV / Solvent	Standard GEN5 UV/solvent variant, up to 4-colour per head
MH5421F / MH5421MF	Aqueous (enhanced)	Upgraded: recirculating ink structure + enhanced bonding — not the same as MH5421

Compatible Printers

The MH5421 (J36004, 500mm cable) is confirmed compatible with the following water-based inkjet printers:

Contact our team with your printer make, model, and current head cable length to confirm MH5421 (J36004) compatibility before ordering.

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 cable length and variant before ordering.

Why Buy from Digiprint USA

• 100% genuine original Ricoh MH5421 (J36004) — not compatible, not refurbished, manufacturer warranty covered

• Cable length confirmed — 500mm (J36004) vs 248mm (J36002) both available; we confirm which you need before order

• MH5421 vs MH5421F distinction — we explain the difference before you order so you get the right generation head

• Full Ricoh part number cross-reference — J36004 replacing N221414K confirmed

• In stock in Doral, Miami FL — same day shipping before 2PM EST

• Free technical support — we confirm cable length, variant (MH5421 vs MH5421F), and printer compatibility before you order

View our full range of genuine Ricoh GEN5 printheads, including the MH5421 248mm cable (J36002).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MH5421 and MH5420?
Both are Ricoh GEN5 printheads sharing the same 1,280-nozzle, D33 Stacked PZT, 7–35pl, 60 kHz platform. The key difference is ink compatibility: MH5420 is configured for UV-curable and solvent inks and supports up to 4 colours per head; MH5421 is the aqueous (water-based) variant and supports up to 2 colours per head. They are not interchangeable — always confirm your printer's ink system before ordering.

What is the difference between MH5421 and MH5421F?
The MH5421F is an upgraded successor to the MH5421. Both are aqueous GEN5 heads, but the MH5421F adds two significant enhancements: a recirculating ink structure that continuously circulates ink through the head to prevent clogging and remove air bubbles, and enhanced bonding technology that improves compatibility with a wider range of aqueous fluids including pigmented, white, and metallic inks. The MH5421F is especially suited for single-pass systems and fast-drying inks. If your printer was designed for the MH5421 (not the F variant), ordering this listing is correct — the F variant requires a compatible printer drive system. Contact our team to confirm.

Why does cable length matter — can I use a 248mm head in a 500mm position?
No. Cable length determines physical reach from the printhead to the controller board connection inside the carriage. Using the wrong cable length means the cable will either not reach or will be excessively coiled, both of which create signal integrity issues and mechanical stress on the connector. Always confirm your printer's required cable length from your service manual or by measuring the currently installed head cable before ordering.

Do you ship the Ricoh MH5421 (J36004) to Latin America?
Yes — same day shipping from our Doral, Miami FL warehouse before 2PM EST. Our Miami location is ideal for Latin American aqueous inkjet production shops using freight forwarders in the Doral area.

Tags: Printhead , Ricoh