New development makes thermal printheads six times more resistant to corrosion while increasing print quality and energy efficiency
KYOTO, Japan, Sept. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971) today announced its new KC-50 Series protective overcoat for thermal printheads — an innovation that improves corrosion resistance by six times(*1) while also offering increased energy efficiency and higher print quality. Many flat-type thermal printheads manufactured by Kyocera will soon be available with the KC-50 Series protective overcoat.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110928/NY76588 )
The worldwide market is expanding for thermal-type printers. Their advantages include silent, maintenance-free operation; high-speed, high-quality print; excellent durability; and no need for ink or toner. Because of these qualities, thermal printers are widely used to generate receipts, tickets, merchandise labels, ID cards and many other essential printed items.
Additionally, because thermal printers are widely used in outdoor equipment and industrial environments, their excellent durability is a key feature. The KC-50 Series protective overcoat takes this durability to a new level by offering increased resistance to corrosion caused by outdoor conditions or industrial environments. The new protective overcoat significantly improves corrosion resistance through Kyocera's proprietary sealing materials and deposition technology, while improving both energy efficiency and print quality.
With the world's No. 1 market share(*2) for thermal printheads, Kyocera strives to develop products that meet diverse customer needs.
(*1) The conventional KC-17 protective overcoat and the new KC-50 Series protective overcoat were compared in accelerated tests while immersed in a five percent NaOH alkaline water solution with 24 volts applied (a level that melts aluminum foil instantly).These test conditions are 3,500 times more harsh than a typical environment (20°C, 65 percent relative humidity, by JIS definition).
(*2) As of September 15, 2011; based on Kyocera's research.
For more details about features and background of this product, please see: http://global.kyocera.com/news/2011/0905_ytos.html
Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as "advanced ceramics"). By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of printing devices, printers, copiers, electronic components, solar power generating systems, telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the company's net sales totaled 1.27 trillion yen (approx. USD15.3 billion). The company is ranked #604 on Forbes magazine's 2011 "Global 2000" listing of the world's largest publicly traded companies.
