Kyocera Corporation, under the leadership of President Hideo Tanimoto, has introduced the new “TPA Series” thermal printhead—a cutting-edge innovation that redefines speed and durability in barcode label printing. With the ability to print at an industry-leading speed of 250 millimeters per second (mm/s) while maintaining exceptional print quality, the TPA Series is poised to transform operations in logistics, food processing, healthcare, and beyond. Full-scale production is scheduled to begin in August 2025.
Product Overview
- Product Name: TPA Series Thermal Printhead
- Model Numbers:
- TPA-108-8TCC2-PFS
- TPA-108-8TCC2-PFS2
- TPA-108-8TCC2-PFS3
- Applications: Barcode labels, desktop printers
- Mass Production Date: August 2025
Key Features
1. Industry’s Fastest Print Speed with High Definition
The standout feature of the TPA Series is its unparalleled speed of 250 mm/s, setting a new benchmark for barcode label printers. This speed does not come at the cost of quality; Kyocera’s proprietary heating element formation technology ensures that even at maximum output, the printhead delivers consistently sharp, clear images from start to finish.
Barcode print quality is assessed using ISO15416 standards, and Kyocera’s printheads are capable of achieving top-tier grades that ensure fast and accurate barcode scanning in any setting.
| Grade | Evaluation (ISO15416) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| A | 3.6 – 4.0 | Readable with one scan |
| B | 2.5 – 3.5 | Readable with multiple scans |
| C | 1.5 – 2.4 | Requires multiple scan positions |
| D | 0.5 – 1.4 | Difficult to read |
| F | 0.0 – 0.4 | Unreadable or unreliable |
The TPA Series consistently achieves grades in the A and B range, even at high speeds.
2. Greater Flexibility for Mounting and Media Compatibility
Kyocera has reengineered the printhead structure to support a broader range of mounting positions, significantly improving heat conduction from the heating element. This means the TPA Series can now support a wider variety of media types without compromising print quality, ensuring adaptability across a range of barcode label applications.
3. Engineered for Longevity in Harsh Environments
In demanding industrial environments, durability is crucial. The TPA Series is designed with Kyocera’s advanced film deposition technology, which significantly improves both corrosion and wear resistance. This advancement makes the printhead more robust in challenging operating conditions, ensuring extended life cycles and reduced maintenance costs.
Even in high-volume, high-demand operations, the TPA Series is built to withstand long-duty cycles with minimal performance degradation. This results in lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for businesses and enhanced reliability for mission-critical printing.
Development Background: Meeting the Needs of a Rapidly Growing Market
The TPA Series was developed in response to global trends in urbanization, e-commerce, and rising consumer demand, particularly in emerging markets. With the exponential growth of the logistics sector, there is increasing demand for high-speed, high-resolution barcode printing that can keep up with massive order volumes.
In the food processing industry, regulatory requirements for product labeling—especially for nutritional and allergen information—have intensified. This has led to a need for more accurate, durable, and high-speed barcode label printing.
Meanwhile, labor shortages and cost pressures across various sectors have driven the demand for equipment that can reduce human intervention while maximizing productivity. The TPA Series directly addresses these challenges by offering a reliable, high-throughput printing solution.
A New Benchmark for Industrial Printing
By setting new standards in both speed and reliability, Kyocera’s TPA Series thermal printhead brings a competitive edge to barcode label printing. Whether it’s streamlining operations in a busy warehouse or ensuring precise food labeling in a production line, this innovation is built to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced, high-expectation industries.
With production ramping up in August 2025, Kyocera’s latest offering reaffirms its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer-centric solutions across global markets.
