Printhead

Updated: 04/09/2024 by Computer Hope

Printhead may refer to any of the following:

printer head

1. With an inkjet printer, an inkjet printhead, printer head, or printhead is a printer component that transfers the ink from an ink cartridge onto paper. A printer head contains several tiny nozzles or jets that eject microscopic droplets of ink that create the text or images you see on the paper. The picture shows an example of a printhead assembly for Hewlett-Packard inkjet printers. This assembly contains the ink cartridge holder, a circuit board on the back that controls the printhead movement and printing, and the printhead at the bottom.

Types of inkjet printer printheads

Depending on the manufacturer and model of the printer, it may have any of the following printheads.

  • Disposable printhead - A printhead that's part of the ink cartridge. When replacing the ink cartridge, the printhead is also replaced.
  • Fixed printhead - A printhead that's part of the printer and designed to last the printer's life.
  • Separate printhead - A printhead that's not part of the printer or the ink cartridge. Like the printhead shown in the picture.

Where are the holes on the printhead?

When physically examining a printhead or looking at a picture like the one shown above, it's impossible to see the holes (nozzles or jets). These holes are microscopic and would require magnification to see.

2. With a laser printer, a laser printer printhead, more properly called a laser unit or laser scanner assembly, is a printer component that allows the printer to print. The laser unit contains the laser, circuit board, lenses, and mirrors that help guide the laser to the drum.

3. With a thermal printer, a thermal printhead or printhead is a printer component that helps the printer print on thermal paper. The thermal printhead contains the heat elements that heat portions of the thermal paper to create the print.

4. With a dot matrix printer or other impact printers, a printer head or printhead is the pins that strike the ink ribbon against the paper to generate the printed image.

Cartridge, Daisy wheel, Head cleaning, Inkjet, Nozzle, Printer terms