How do I know which printhead my printer needs?

Send your exact printer model and a clear photo of the current head label. We confirm the correct version, part number and compatibility before you order.

Are unlocked and coded printheads interchangeable?

No. Unlocked heads work in Chinese printers without a decoder; OEM-coded heads for Mutoh or Mimaki use different voltage and encryption. We confirm the right version for your printer.

What is the difference between water-based, eco-solvent and UV versions?

They are the same printhead platform tuned for a specific ink system. Order the version that matches your ink to avoid damage and short head life.

How to Choose the Right Inkjet Printhead

Choosing the wrong printhead means wasted money, downtime and bad output. This guide walks through the five things to check before you order, and gives you a quick reference of the Epson heads we supply. If you already know your printer model, skip to the bottom and send us the details — we confirm the correct version for you.

1. Match the head to your printer

Printheads are not universal. A head for a Mimaki JV33 is not the same as the one for a Mutoh ValueJet, even when both are called "DX5". Coded (OEM) heads and unlocked (un-coded) heads use different voltage and encryption and are not interchangeable. Always start from your exact printer model, and where possible the part number printed on your current head.

If you are unsure, send a photo of the head label and the printer nameplate — we confirm the correct version before you pay. See DX5 printheads for Chinese printers as an example.

2. Match the head to your ink

The same printhead family ships in different versions for different inks. The Epson i3200, for example, comes in three variants:

i3200-A1 — water-based ink (sublimation, DTG)
i3200-E1 — eco-solvent ink (signage, stickers)
i3200-U1 — UV ink (UV flatbed, UV DTF)

Ordering the wrong ink version will shorten the head's life or fail outright. Browse Epson printheads to compare versions.

3. Read the real specs

The numbers that matter are nozzle count, resolution and droplet size — not marketing claims. Higher nozzle count means faster throughput; smaller droplets mean finer detail.

Head	Nozzles	Resolution	Typical use
DX5	1,440	up to 1,440 dpi	eco-solvent / solvent
DX7	1,440	up to 1,440 dpi	eco-solvent (finer droplet)
XP600	1,080	up to 1,440 dpi	DTF / UV DTF / eco-solvent
i1600	1,600	300 / 600 npi	DTF / eco-solvent / UV
i3200	3,200	300 / 600 npi	DTF / DTG / UV / eco-solvent

Specifications are manufacturer reference values. Compare DX5 vs i3200 in detail.

4. Buy genuine, not "cheap"

A head that costs far below market price is usually a refurbished, re-labelled or outright counterfeit unit. Genuine heads come in sealed manufacturer packaging. Read how to spot a fake printhead.

5. Plan the whole job

Replacing a head often means replacing the dampers, cap top and head cables at the same time. Ask us what to order together so the new head is protected from day one. See inkjet spare parts.

Get a confirmed quote

Send your printer model, the current head's label photo, ink type and quantity. We confirm version, compatibility, price, stock and lead time, then issue a formal quotation. Contact Jayce for a current quotation.