Kyocera launches TPA Series thermal printhead

Kyocera Corporation has unveiled the new TPA Series thermal printhead, which delivers exceptional printing quality at an impressive speed of 250-mm per second (mm/s) — setting a new industry benchmark (among thermal printhead products designed for desktop printers, according to Kyocera research on July 2025) for barcode label applications. 

These printheads will enhance productivity in many fields, including distribution, food processing, and healthcare. Full-scale production is planned for August 2025.

These printheads offer high-quality printing at the industry's fastest speed (250-mm/sec); expanded head mounting position tolerance; and excellent environmental resistance and low wear for long-distance running. 

With the rising trend toward urbanisation in emerging economies and the increasing demand for consumer goods, including food, clothing, and housing, the volume of logistics continues to intensify. In the food processing industry, barcode printing demand has surged with rising requirements to provide product and delivery details, including mandatory nutritional information. Meanwhile, methods to improve operational efficiencies and decrease labour costs are needed worldwide. Faster, more durable thermal printheads for printing labels and barcodes are required for reliable, high-volume and varied applications.

Kyocera's unique heating element formation technology has achieved the industry's fastest printing speed of 250-mm/sec. Furthermore, even at high printing speeds, the printing remains clear from start to finish, with higher definition and quality.

To achieve high print quality, the conventional head structure has been improved, and heat conduction from the heating element has been enhanced for broader head mounting position tolerance. Stable, high-quality printing is now possible on a wide variety of print media across the entire printing width.

The TPA Series provides improved corrosion and wear resistance through Kyocera’s unique film deposition technology. As a result, the printhead’s superior robustness even under severe environmental conditions contributes to longer life with less wear over extended duty cycles.