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Industrial inkjet photo printer targets silver halide replacement
Developed by KYOCERA NIXKA Inkjet Systems, the Belharra system addresses high-volume photo labs seeking lower environmental impact and industrial reliability using water-based inkjet technology.
global.kyocera.com
KNIS New photo printer "Belharra"
The worldwide launch of the Belharra industrial inkjet photo printer marks a shift in how large-scale photo production can be implemented using digital inkjet rather than traditional chemical processes.
Belharra was designed specifically for industrial photo printing environments where consistency, uptime, and predictable operating costs are critical. Its development incorporated feedback from photo print providers, finishing partners, and paper manufacturers, allowing workflow constraints such as substrate handling, integration with finishing lines, and continuous production demands to be addressed at the system level rather than through post-installation adaptation.
Transition from silver halide to inkjet
A central engineering objective behind Belharra is enabling photo labs to move away from silver halide printing. Unlike chemical photo processes, the system uses water-based inks and eliminates the need for chemical baths, significantly reducing waste streams and process complexity. According to a life-cycle assessment comparing prints produced on Belharra with conventional silver halide output, the inkjet approach achieves an average 60% reduction in overall environmental impact while maintaining photo-grade output quality.
Energy consumption and physical footprint were also reduced during system design, supporting installation in facilities where space, utilities, and environmental compliance are limiting factors.
Validated in production conditions
The printer has already been installed and commissioned in a European production environment following beta testing at Photoweb. Operation under real industrial workloads was used to verify reliability, print consistency, and running cost stability before wider market availability. Based on this validation phase, additional installations are planned in North America and the Asia-Pacific region from early 2026.
Integration into existing workflows
Belharra is engineered to integrate into established photo production lines rather than requiring a dedicated or isolated workflow. This includes compatibility with industrial finishing equipment and production software, enabling print providers to scale output without restructuring downstream processes.
By focusing on inkjet technology optimized specifically for photo applications, rather than adapting general-purpose printing platforms, the system positions itself as a dedicated alternative for high-volume photo production environments.
The printer is produced by Kyocera Corporation through its inkjet systems subsidiary, reflecting a broader move toward industrial inkjet solutions designed around sustainability, long-term operating efficiency, and process modernization.
www.global.kyocera.com
The worldwide launch of the Belharra industrial inkjet photo printer marks a shift in how large-scale photo production can be implemented using digital inkjet rather than traditional chemical processes.
Belharra was designed specifically for industrial photo printing environments where consistency, uptime, and predictable operating costs are critical. Its development incorporated feedback from photo print providers, finishing partners, and paper manufacturers, allowing workflow constraints such as substrate handling, integration with finishing lines, and continuous production demands to be addressed at the system level rather than through post-installation adaptation.
Transition from silver halide to inkjet
A central engineering objective behind Belharra is enabling photo labs to move away from silver halide printing. Unlike chemical photo processes, the system uses water-based inks and eliminates the need for chemical baths, significantly reducing waste streams and process complexity. According to a life-cycle assessment comparing prints produced on Belharra with conventional silver halide output, the inkjet approach achieves an average 60% reduction in overall environmental impact while maintaining photo-grade output quality.
Energy consumption and physical footprint were also reduced during system design, supporting installation in facilities where space, utilities, and environmental compliance are limiting factors.
Validated in production conditions
The printer has already been installed and commissioned in a European production environment following beta testing at Photoweb. Operation under real industrial workloads was used to verify reliability, print consistency, and running cost stability before wider market availability. Based on this validation phase, additional installations are planned in North America and the Asia-Pacific region from early 2026.
Integration into existing workflows
Belharra is engineered to integrate into established photo production lines rather than requiring a dedicated or isolated workflow. This includes compatibility with industrial finishing equipment and production software, enabling print providers to scale output without restructuring downstream processes.
By focusing on inkjet technology optimized specifically for photo applications, rather than adapting general-purpose printing platforms, the system positions itself as a dedicated alternative for high-volume photo production environments.
The printer is produced by Kyocera Corporation through its inkjet systems subsidiary, reflecting a broader move toward industrial inkjet solutions designed around sustainability, long-term operating efficiency, and process modernization.
www.global.kyocera.com
