Choosing between Ricoh Gen 6 (often called “XP600” in the UV market) and i3200 printheads is one of the most critical decisions when buying a UV DTF printer. This choice directly impacts your print quality, speed, cost, and long-term reliability. Here’s a detailed comparison to guide your purchase.
Contents
Quick Comparison Summary
| Feature | Ricoh Gen 6 (XP600) | i3200 / i1600 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer & Type | Ricoh (Industrial Piezo) | Epson (Micro-Piezo, based on consumer/prosumer models) |
| Native Resolution | 600 x 1200 DPI | 720 x 1440 DPI (i3200) / 1440 x 1440 DPI (i1600) |
| Max Drop Size | ~12 picoliters (pl) | ~3.5 pl (i3200) / 1.5 pl (i1600) |
| Key Strength | Durability, Speed, White Ink Performance | Ultra-High Detail & Smooth Gradients |
| Best For | Production & Mixed Media (textiles, hard goods with fine text) | Photographic Quality (detailed graphics, fine art transfers) |
| Lifespan Expectancy | 2-4+ years (industrial duty cycle) | 1-2 years (under heavy DTF use) |
| Replacement Cost (per head) | High ($1,800 – $2,500) | Lower ($800 – $1,200) |
Detailed Technical Breakdown
1. Ricoh Gen 6 (“XP600”) Print Head
This is the industrial workhorse of the UV DTF world, originally designed for heavy commercial use.
- How it Works for UV DTF: Its larger nozzles and robust construction excel at jetting viscous UV inks, especially white ink. It maintains consistent drops even with the adhesive powder process.
- Key Advantages:
- Superior White Ink Laydown: Delivers more opaque, streak-free white layers in fewer passes—critical for vibrant colors on dark transfer films and final products.
- High Reliability & Longevity: Built for continuous production with a longer lifespan under the stress of powdering and material handling.
- Excellent Production Speed: Capable of higher linear printing speeds while maintaining quality, thanks to its native 600 DPI efficiency.
- Considerations:
- While detail is excellent, it may not match the absolute finest detail of a 1.5pl i1600 head on ultra-high-resolution graphics.
- Higher initial printer cost and significantly more expensive head replacements.
2. i3200 / i1600 Print Head Series
These are high-precision heads derived from Epson’s SureColor series, prized for their exceptional detail.
- How it Works for UV DTF: Their extremely small drop size (down to 1.5pl) allows for stunning detail and smooth gradients, making them ideal for complex, photographic transfers.
- Key Advantages:
- Unmatched Detail and Resolution: Produces razor-sharp text and photorealistic images. The clear choice for intricate designs.
- Lower Initial Cost: Printers equipped with these heads are generally less expensive upfront.
- Wider Color Gamut Potential: The smaller drops can create smoother color blends and a slightly broader visual color range.
- Considerations:
- White Ink Challenges: The tiny nozzles are more prone to clogging with dense white UV pigment. Requires impeccable maintenance and often slower print speeds for quality white layers.
- Shorter Lifespan in DTF: Not originally designed for 24/7 industrial UV ink use. The abrasive nature of adhesive powder can accelerate wear, leading to more frequent replacements.
- Slower for Production: Achieving full opacity often requires more passes, slowing down overall throughput.
Decision Matrix: Which Print Head is Right for Your Business?
Your choice should be driven by your primary product mix and business model.
| Your Business Focus & Products | Recommended Print Head | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| High-Volume/Production Shop Focused on apparel, team sports, promotional items with text/logos. | Ricoh Gen 6 (XP600) | Durability and speed are paramount for profit. Superior white ink output ensures consistent, fast production. |
| Premium Graphic & Photo Specialist Creating detailed art transfers, photorealistic prints, high-end fashion. | i3200 / i1600 Series | The visual quality and detail are the primary selling points. The cost and maintenance are justified by the product price point. |
| General Customization Shop Mixed bag of apparel, mugs, phone cases, signs. | Ricoh Gen 6 (XP600) | Versatility and reliability across different materials (which need good white ink) outweigh the need for absolute maximum detail. |
| Starter Business / Low Budget Testing the market, very low initial volume. | i3200 / i1600 Series | Lower upfront cost reduces entry risk. Can upgrade later as business grows and needs change. |
Critical Pre-Purchase Checklist for UV DTF
Beyond the print head, ensure the complete system is designed for success:
- White Ink Circulation System: Non-negotiable. Must have an automatic, dual-piston circulation system to keep white pigment suspended. This is even more critical for i3200 heads.
- Built-in Curing & Powder Station: The printer should have an integrated UV-LED cure station and a vibrating powder shaker for a streamlined workflow.
- RIP Software Compatibility: The provided RIP software must have dedicated UV DTF profiles for the specific ink, film, and powder you’ll use.
- Supplier Support: Ask: “What is the protocol if a print head fails? How quickly can I get a replacement, and is on-site support available?”
- Request a LIVE Sample Test: Provide your own file with fine text, a gradient, and a solid white block. Have them print, powder, and cure it. Test for:
- White Opacity: Hold it up to a light. No streaks.
- Detail: Can you read the smallest text?
- Powder Adhesion: After curing, does powder rub off easily?
The Verdict
For 90% of commercial UV DTF businesses, the Ricoh Gen 6 (XP600) print head offers the better long-term investment. Its robustness, superior white ink handling, and production speed directly translate to higher reliability and profitability, justifying the higher initial cost.
The i3200/i1600 remains the specialist’s choice for businesses where extreme detail is the sole product differentiator and production volume is lower.
Final Advice: Never buy based on specs alone. Find a supplier that offers printers with both head types, and request comparative print samples of your actual designs. Seeing the output, feeling the transfer, and understanding the total cost of ownership (including future head replacements) will make the right choice clear for your specific situation.
