A printhead is a component in a printer that helps transfer ink onto the page. It is typically located under the cover of the printer and can become clogged with ink over time. The printhead houses ink cartridges, and it can be cleaned in one of two ways: through software on your PC or manually by taking out the printhead. Printheads can either be a part of the printer cartridge or built into the printer, depending on the type of printer.
- Types of printheads: There are two types of printheads: those that are built into the cartridge and those that are built into the printer.
- Printheads built into the cartridge: Printer cartridges with a built-in printhead are called integrated printer cartridges. With this type, the nozzle plate (printhead) is built into the side of the cartridge. Every time you replace one of these printer cartridges, you are also replacing the printhead.
- Printheads built into the printer: HP printheads that are built into the printer use individual ink cartridges to create a print. The nozzle plate (printhead) for these types of cartridges is included in the printer, and the cartridges install into that printhead to create a print. These kinds of printheads require replacement after long-term use.
It is important to keep the printhead clean to maintain print quality and to keep the ink from drying in the cartridges. If the printhead becomes dirty, it can cause quality issues such as streaking, fading, or missing text on prints. A printhead can usually be cleaned through software on your PC or manually by taking out the printhead.
