Low-cost aftermarket parts may seem like a good deal, but you'll likely have to deal with a lot of printer issues and extra costs.
I read a story the other day about how the US counterfeit market has become prolific, as e-commerce provides a platform for third parties to keep these products somewhat undetected (at least initially). Globally, the sheer size of this market is even more staggering. It doesn't even take into account the increasing influx of clones or imitations into the market. There seem to be knockoffs of just about everything made online these days, including cars, toys, toasters, and printheads.
Yes, you read that right.
Industrial printer replacement parts such as printheads are considered clothing or auto parts by counterfeiters and aftermarket parts suppliers because they are consumables. As with poor quality media and ribbon, a worn printhead can degrade print quality and make barcodes unreadable. Lack of proper maintenance of the printhead can lead to the same result. (We'll share some tips on how to keep it clean in an upcoming blog post.)
So even though printheads may not be as sexy as handbags, jewelry and watches, they are often "copied" by other manufacturers.
That's why I strongly recommend that you double check that you ordered genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) printheads when replacing printheads.
The printhead is one of the most important components in a thermal or thermal transfer printer. This is what is actually printed. If your printheads aren't working properly, your printer isn't working properly, which can lead to costly downtime and wasted business.
Non-OEM printheads appear to work in your printer, but they may not be as "compatible" as you think
Non-OEM printheads, especially those sold online, are often advertised as "compatible" and may look similar to genuine OEM printheads. But there are some caveats (buyers beware) as looks and performance can be very different things. Reminds me of the old adage "you get what you pay for".
As my colleagues discussed in previous blog posts, there is a direct correlation between printer performance and business performance. Since the success of your operation depends largely on your printing application, you must go to great lengths to select the correct replacement parts and supplies for your printer. This includes printheads, printer ribbons, RFID inlays, and more. However, the only way to ensure that the printheads work perfectly with your printer and maintain high-quality output for years to come is to use genuine OEM printheads that meet the printer's OEM specifications.
Additionally, using non-OEM printheads may put your printer warranty at risk. Likewise, if your printer needs service, the presence of non-OEM printheads may hinder the ability of the OEM support team to help you resolve the issue.
If you are not sure which printhead to order or what you already have, please contact.
