<p>To make it possible to use plural types of ink for a single ink jet head such as to cope with the need for using varying types of paper in correspondence with different ink types for different objects. An ink exchange mechanism is provided such that plural types of ink are used for a single ink jet head while the ink types are selected for use in accordance with the property of the paper or the desired printing finish by switching the drive condition of discharge element to switch the excitation control means.</p>