JBD (Jade Bird Display) is introducing a new MicroLED printhead module that applies the core strengths of its microdisplay technology to printer design. Whereas traditional laser printers depend on a bulky array of optical and mechanical components to scan point by point, JBD claims its module replaces that technology with a single, linear MicroLED array that can expose an entire row at once.
In this new design, the MicroLED array effectively replaces the laser beam and its associated scanning and focusing system, namely, the laser diode, the rotating polygon mirror (or other mechanical scanner), and the optical lenses or mirrors that guide and shape the beam. In a conventional laser printer, the laser is modulated and swept across the photosensitive drum one point at a time through a rotating mirror and lens assembly, gradually building up each line of an image.
This shift is meant to significantly streamline the printing process, making the hardware more compact, quieter, and faster, while also consuming less power than conventional laser setups. JBD’s experience in microdisplays, particularly in AR, has allowed the company to design high-resolution MicroLED arrays that meet 1200 DPI specifications (and may eventually extend to 2400 or 4800 DPI), striving to deliver crisp text and rich image details.
The solid-state structure of the printhead avoids mechanical wear and tear, improving reliability and potentially lowering maintenance costs for printer manufacturers. Through this module, JBD aims to accelerate the adoption of MicroLED solutions in the printing sector, working closely with partners and offering full customization from LED chip fabrication through module assembly, so that printer makers can integrate the technology seamlessly into their existing and future product lines.
