Need Help Mimaki UJF-3042FX printhead

[HMprodukt]

Hi guys!

I'm thinking about buying small uv flatbed printer. I've come accross one Mimaki UJF-3042FX at fair price, but two printheads needs to be replaced. Because of physical damage, there is a gap in missing nozzles about 5mm. So I was searching for printheads and found 2 versions:

Original Mimaki
https://www.digiprint-supplies.com/en/ujf-3042-head-unit-assy-m010010-phmi7982.html?category=43
and
Ricoh
https://www.digiprint-supplies.com/en/ujf-3042-gen4-7pl-printhead.html?category=43

So I'm asking you is this cheaper one (Ricoh) good choice, or is there some difference between those two heads that I'm not aware of?
Is there any step-by-step guide for replacing heads on 3042FX? Maybe some kind of service instructions.
I have been replacing head on my Roland SP-540V, and it turned fine.

Thanks.

 

[Tipgypsy]

It's much easier to start with a working used 3042FX than buying one that has issues . You can spend thousands getting an old machine in shape .

 

[HMprodukt]

I'm aware of that, it's just matter of budget.
Print quality at current status isn't as bad as you would think considering head damage. Color prints just fine with noticable lines just on solid colors. White is more tricky because on black substrate turns out grey, not white. Low opaque

 

[Hamster]

The heads are electrically the same. Differences in the construct. In the Mimaki's head at the top there is a seat for a damper.
You can put your head on ricoh, but you need to throw the damper seat and possibly lengthen the cables.

 

[TD Digital]

Mimaki charges a premium for their heads because it comes pre assembled with a damper adapter, mounting bracket and tubing. You can save yourself a lot of money buying the head separately and reusing your good working damper adapter and frame. You will only need to find some extra tubing as I like to use fresh tubing. Feel free to reach out to me as I source my heads directly from Ricoh at a great rate.