How To Choose the Wall Printer Printhead – The Ultimate Comparison Guide

How to Choose the Wall Printer Printhead – The Ultimate Comparison Guide

As the core component of wall printers, the printhead precisely jets ink onto various surfaces to form high-resolution images, with Drop-on-Demand (DoD) piezoelectric technology dominating the industry due to its precision and reliability.

Leading models include multiple Epson series-specifically the DX7 (170/177 models), DX10 (TX800) and I3200-alongside industrial-grade alternatives like the Ricoh GH2220 (used by WallPen) and the Ricoh G6.

The selection of a printhead critically determines print quality, operational speed, maintenance efficiency, and durability, directly impacting project success and cost-effectiveness.

Key comparisons among mainstream Epson options (I3200, DX7, I1600, DX10) and Ricoh G6 further highlight performance variations, while the strategic choice between single or dual printhead configurations must align with specific application demands to optimize output and longevity. Here's what we'll introduce:

What Is The Printhead Of A Wall Printer?
Wall Printing Machine & Printheads
6 Types Wall Printer Heads Pros & Cons
More

If you want to know more about Epson printheads, please check out the article What's the Difference Between All Kinds of Epson Printheads?

Chapter 1

Introduce the Wall Printer Head

Chapter 2

Wall Printing Machine & Printheads

Chapter 3

Common Wall Printer Head

Chapter 4

Wall Printer Heads Pros & Cons

Chapter 5

Choose the Right Wall Printer Head

Chapter 6

New Product presentation

CHAPTER 1: Introduce the Wall Printer Head

What Is The Printhead Of A Wall Printer?

If you are new to the world of wall printing, you may want to learn about the print heads used and what they are used for. Modern wall printers primarily utilize two types of printheads: Epson Micro Piezo and industrial-grade piezoelectric heads. Epson's technology, particularly the PrecisionCore series, dominates the market due to its exceptional accuracy (up to 1440 dpi) and reliability.

These printheads employ microscopic piezoelectric elements that expand when electrically charged, propelling ink droplets with remarkable precision. You may be wondering: do all wall printers use the same print heads? What are the differences between them? Read on!

CHAPTER 2: Wall Printing Machine & Printheads

Wall Printers & Printhead Types

Wall Printing Machines

‌Wall Printing Systems‌ enable direct, high-precision printing onto vertical walls or floors, overcoming the substrate limitations of conventional printing methods. Utilizing industrial-grade piezoelectric printheads (e.g., Epson DX series), they achieve resolutions from ‌360 to 2880 dpi‌, accommodating irregular surfaces while producing sharp imagery and fine text detail.

The systems support ‌both water-based inks and UV-curing systems‌, enabling ‌instant curing‌ on dozens of construction materials including tile, glass, and metal. Integrated ‌white ink channels‌ ensure vibrant color reproduction on dark substrates.

Typical industrial models deliver production speeds of ‌7–12 sq. m/h‌, finding widespread application in ‌architectural decoration, artistic murals, and industrial signage‌.

Typical wall printer heads available on the market include Epson's DX7, DX10, and i1600 models, among others.

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CHAPTER 3: Common Wall Printer Heads

What Are The Different Types Of Wall Printer heads

The choice of printhead critically determines whether a wall printer delivers optimal performance or falls short. Standard printheads often fail to meet the demands of vertical printing applications. High-performance models-specifically those with ‌high-pressure ink ejection‌ (maintaining a nozzle-to-surface gap exceeding 10mm)-are essential. Industry-proven options include:

‌EPSON‌: DX5, DX7, 3200, 4720, XP600, DX10 (TX800), i1600
‌RICOH‌: GH2220, G5, G6
‌TOSHIBA‌: CF3R
‌STARFIRE‌: 1024
‌SEIKO‌: 1201

For cost-effective yet reliable solutions, manufacturers frequently adopt the ‌DX7, DX10 (TX800), i1600, GH2220 (Ricoh's compact model), G5, and G6‌, which strike an ideal balance between technical specifications and operational economics.

CHAPTER 4: Wall Printer Heads Pros & Cons

6 Types Wall Printer Heads Pros & Cons

Through rigorous market analysis and comparative testing of wall printer printheads, we've evaluated critical parameters including ink compatibility, vertical printing range, and operational durability. This breakdown highlights the competitive advantages and limitations of leading models, empowering you to make data-driven decisions aligned with your project requirements-whether prioritizing precision, speed, or material versatility.

Differences-between-6-types-wall-printing-printheads

Pros:

8 channels enable white and color printing from a single head.

Moderate price; lifespan typically 6-12 months.

Key selling point: One head replaces two.

Cons:

Large droplet size leads to lower print precision.

Prone to nozzle clogging.

Summary:‌ Mid-to-high price. Supports high-distance spraying (10mm), suitable for printing on uneven surfaces, with a relatively long operational lifespan.

EPSON DX10(TX800) Printhead Pros& Cons

Pros:

Cost-effective, low price.

Cons:

Large droplet size results in poor printing precision.

Short lifespan, typically 1-2 months under normal printing conditions (subject to variability).

Epson discontinued this model many years ago.

All units currently on the market are refurbished/second-hand (even 3rd or 4th hand).

Summary:‌ Low cost, but all available units are heavily refurbished, resulting in extremely high failure rates and very poor customer feedback.

EPSON I1600-U1 Printhead Pros& Cons

Pros:

Small droplet size enables finer, more detailed prints.

Better suited for flatbed/UV printers, supports high-distance spraying (10mm).

Extended lifespan; tested to last 1-2 years per head.

UV ink-resistant construction for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Exceptional pressure durability; highly resistant to cleaning.

Cons:

Relatively higher price point.

Only 4 nozzle rows; limited versatility per head.

Summary:‌ Mid-to-low price. Key strength is high utility relative to cost, with print quality sufficient for general user requirements.

EPSON I3200-U1 Printhead Pros& Cons

Pros:

Small droplet size for finer details.

Long lifespan; tested for 1-2 years.

UV ink-resistant construction.

High pressure durability and cleaning resistance.

8 channels allow combined white and color printing from a single head.

Cons:

Does not support high-distance spraying (requires close proximity to substrate).

Higher price.

Summary:‌ Higher price point. Does not support high-distance spraying. Offers long lifespan. Print quality comparable to i1600U1. Generally not recommended unless specifically requested by the client.

RICOH G6 Printhead Pros& Cons

Pros:

Precise droplet control (small) for smooth gradients and high-contrast images.

Binary mode: Fixed 5pl droplet size, optimal for high-precision text and line art.

Drive mechanism: Piston-driven metal diaphragm structure ensures stable high-distance spraying. Rated lifespan: 1-3 years.

Integrated head heater enables stable high-distance spraying up to 20mm.

Cons:

High price. Requires a negative pressure system and secondary ink tanks.

Summary:‌ Premium price. Supports superior high-distance spraying (20mm) for textured surfaces. Includes necessary negative pressure system and secondary tanks, eliminating manual priming. Exceptional print quality and extended longevity.

RICOH GH2220 Printhead Pros& Cons

Pros:

All-steel build minimizes clogging and enhances durability, ensuring reliable long-term operation.

Supports multi-level gray-scale printing (e.g., 4-level gray with droplet sizes from 3pl to 35pl) for a wider color gamut and nuanced outputs.

Built-in negative pressure and integrated heating functions reduce the need for manual ink purges, saving time and maintenance effort.

Capable of printing up to 20mm away from surfaces, facilitating applications like shipping container or textured wall printing.

Cons:

The premium pricing may be a barrier for budget-constrained users, similar to other high-end industrial printheads.

Operates slower than some alternatives (e.g., approx. 16m²/h at 4pass), particularly lagging behind G5 models by up to 2× in certain configurations.

Lower adoption rate compared to older Ricoh heads like G5, potentially limiting technical support and ecosystem maturity.

Highly vulnerable to physical damage (e.g., nozzle face deformation) and requires careful installation to avoid clogs or electrical shorts during maintenance.

Summary:‌ Mid-priced (typically $350–800 per unit) with no external negative-pressure or secondary ink systems required, though it demands meticulous handling to sustain its 1–3 year lifespan.

Ideal for high-resolution applications on diverse substrates (e.g., glass, metal, leather), delivering superior print quality for entry-level industrial setups.

Single Printhead or Dual Printhead?

The wall printer machine usually come in single or dual printhead setups. Choosing the right configuration is critical for overall performance and maintenance ease. Please contact us for more details.

CHAPTER 5: Choosing the Right Printhead

6 Tips for Choosing The Right Wall Printer Head

Selecting an appropriate printhead for wall printing is critical to achieving precise image reproduction, vibrant colors, and extended print longevity. Below are six essential tips for choosing the right printhead to ensure optimal performance and output quality, synthesized from industry insights.

Tip1:‌ Ensure compatibility with your wall printer machine

Verify that the printhead aligns with specific printer models and adheres to manufacturer recommendations to avoid operational failures.

Tip2:‌ Match the printhead to your ink type

Select a printhead designed for your intended ink formulation, such as UV, water-based, or latex, to prevent issues like clogging or subpar print results.

Tip3:‌ Assess print quality requirements.

Evaluate the printhead's DPI (dots per inch) capability; higher DPI ensures finer details and superior resolution for intricate graphics.

Tip4: Evaluate durability and lifespan

Prioritize robust printheads for high-volume tasks, as they minimize replacement frequency and enhance reliability in continuous operations.

Tip5: Balance cost with budget

Weigh the initial investment against long-term value, considering that lower-cost options may lead to elevated maintenance expenses.

Tip6: ‌Consider environmental factors

Opt for printheads compatible with eco-friendly inks or low-VOC emissions to support sustainability objectives.

For cost-effective solutions, the EPSON DX10 printhead delivers reliable performance on a budget. To enhance print quality, premium models are recommended for those with flexible budgets. Additionally, for extended printing distances, specialized printheads provide superior results.

The Tanyu TMP1000 wall printer seamlessly integrates with DX7, DX10, and similar printheads, resolving common printing challenges. We offer factory-direct pricing and dedicated pre- and post-sales support-contact us for personalized assistance. Review the accompanying visuals to compare print speeds and outcomes across different printhead options.

If you want to know more about Epson printheads, please check out the article What's the Difference Between All Kinds of Epson Printheads?

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CHAPTER 6: New Product Presentation

New Product Presentation-Best Wall Printer Machine tWF1000

TWF1000 Wall Printer: Versatility Redefined for Demanding Applications‌

Tanyu is a leading Chinese wall printer manufacturerrenowned for its strong in-house vertical integration and independent R&D capabilities in printing device manufacturing, presents the TWF1000 wall printer. Engineered to excel in diverse printing scenarios, the TWF1000 sets a new standard for efficiency, stability, and ease of maintenance in wall printing.

FAST AMORTIZATION & PROFITABLE BUSINESS MODEL

A young, dynamic business with enormous market potential. Perfect for founders who want to make a future-proof investment in - or for existing companies that want to expand their portfolio with a strong unique selling point.

‌Industrial Reliability:‌ Built to rigorous standards, the TWF1000 is designed for demanding industrial environments. Its robust mechanics ensure smooth, reliable operation.
‌Intelligent Operation:‌ Features such as low-ink warning systems and mechanisms to maintain ink consistency (akin to white ink stirring) are integrated to prevent unexpected interruptions and ensure print quality.
‌Swift Mode Transition:‌ While focusing on rapid manual conversion, the TWF1000's design philosophy aligns with the core market need for efficient switching between wall and floor applications, minimizing non-printing time.

The Tanyu TWF1000 Wall Printer represents the culmination of targeted engineering, providing professionals with a versatile, robust, and user-friendly platform to tackle both wall and floor printing challenges with unmatched efficiency and reliability. Its focus on rapid conversion, operator ease, durable components, and stable performance makes it an indispensable tool for expanding application horizons.

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In Conclusion

The selection of wall printer heads constitutes a critical determinant in optimizing both print quality and operational performance. A comprehensive evaluation of technical specifications across major printhead models-including but not limited to EPSON's DX10/DX7/i1600 series and RICOH's GH2220/G5/G6 variants-enables enterprises to execute data-driven procurement strategies that align with project requirements, financial parameters, and environmental sustainability objectives.