New thermal printheads deliver fastest print speed for barcode labels

ROHM has created high-speed, highly reliable thermal printheads: TE2004-QP1W00A / TE3004-TP1W00A. These devices are optimised for barcode label printers in logistics and inventory management.

In recent years, the growth of the e-commerce market and diversifying customer requirements have increased the demand for logistics and inventory management labels. Traditional thermal printheads, however, are limited to printing speeds ranging from 250mm/s to 300mm/s. In response, the company developed high-speed and highly reliable thermal printheads that employ novel structures and technologies. The key goal is to achieve print quality and durability that surpass conventional limits.

The devices greatly improve on the substrate material, structure, and wiring pattern over existing products. In particular, the heating elements, which impact printing speed and quality, adopt a new design utilising the company's original 3D processing technology to accomplish an industry-leading print speed of 500mm/s – approximately twice as fast as conventional products.

Also, applying a two-layer, high-hardness protective film to the head increases resistance to abrasion and static electricity for high-speed printing, along with corrosion caused by moisture and salt, considerably extending service life.