Thermal Printhead For A4-Sized Mobile Printers

The 8-inch design features an 11.67mm height and supports 7.2V drive for efficient energy use in printing.

ROHM has launched the KA2008-B07N70A thermal printhead, designed for compatibility with 2-cell Li-ion battery operation (7.2V). It is optimized for A4-sized printers with a width of 210mm. The height has been reduced from 14mm to 11.67mm, contributing to a compact printer design.

The key features are:

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• Optimized heating element, improved driver IC, and wiring layout support 7.2V operation.
• Reduces energy consumption by ~66% vs. 12V drive at 50 mm/s.
• Individual wiring adjustments ensure uniform heat distribution.
• Stabilizes print quality and enables sharp 203dpi resolution.
• Supports printing speeds up to 100 mm/s.

The thermal printer market has been expanding due to demand for invoice and customs label printing in overseas e-commerce, as well as prescription and drug information printing in healthcare. Mobile printers have seen increased adoption, particularly in logistics and business sectors where portability is prioritized. In Asian markets, including China, demand for A4-sized thermal printers has grown, leading to a need for 8-inch thermal printheads.

A4-sized mobile printers require larger battery capacities due to their wider print width, leading to higher power consumption. Additionally, multiple driver ICs are needed for heating element control, which can create variations in heat distribution, affecting print quality.

It addresses these challenges with a design that enhances mechanical strength and durability while reducing temperature-related expansion effects. It meets the durability requirements of A4-sized printers and supports both thermal and transfer printing methods. While thermal printheads are typically used with connectors and heat sinks, this model is also available as a standalone board, offering flexibility for printer manufacturers. For inquiries, contact a sales representative or visit ROHM’s website.

The thermal printhead is now available for OEM quantities at a price of $14.50 per unit (excluding tax). It is designed for use in various applications, including A4-sized mobile printers, industrial control label printers, and tattoo stencil printers.