ROHM's Thermal Printheads Virtually Eliminate Sticking

ROHM announces the SE-DC94A series of ultra-low friction protective film thermal printheads specifically designed to suppress sticking between printhead and recording media– problematic under low temperature and low speed conditions– making them ideal for industrial and commercial printers in the food, packaging, distribution, and ticketing sectors that require high print quality under extreme temperatures, varying print speeds, and different media.

Proprietary advanced technology, combined with a unique step-free structure, virtually eliminates sticking, which can lead to printing errors and even damage. Additional benefits include 50% greater abrasion life and superior print quality over a wide range of print speeds, from as low as 50mm/s to 300mm/s.

The lineup consists of six models in 3 different printing widths (2, 3, and 4 inches) and 2 dot densities, 203dpi and 300dpi. Sample shipments will begin in April 2008 (sample price: 140US$ each) with mass production scheduled for June 2008. For more information please visit ROHM's website

· Major features of ROHM's SE-DC94A Series

1. Sticking significantly suppressed due to virtually friction-free protective overcoat developed using original technology
2. High print quality over a wide range of print speeds, from 50mm/s to 300mm/s or greater
3. Long abrasion life, 50% longer than conventional models
4. Supports thermal and thermal transfer media
5. Conductive protective coating eliminates static buildup for high anti-static characteristics
6. Wide lineup: 2 dot densities (203dpi/300dpi) and 3 print widths (2 to 4 inches)

New Product Bulletin for Ultra-low Friction Thermal Printheads : DC90A Series(PDF:823KB)

· Glossary

• Sticking
  Under severe printing conditions such as at low temperatures, low print speeds, or when using recording media (labels) with an overcoat, the print media may stick to the heat elements due to rapid cooling of the media coloring layer dissolved at high temperature. The resultant sticking can lead to printing noise and possible damage.
• Step-free structure
  Conventional thin-film thermal printheads that are often used for high speed printing feature a step between the heat elements and electrodes, resulting in poor contact with the print media and inferior print quality. ROHM eliminates this step by utilizing a unique film formation method for superior contact significantly. As a result, high-speed thermal responsiveness is improved, increasing print quality along with reliability.

· Reference Material

Print Comparison (Print speed: 50mm/s)

	Frictionless Thermal Printheads : SE Series