When you need to replace a thermal printhead, finding the right part isn't always as straightforward as looking at the name on your printer.
A Zebra, Star, Epson or TSC printer may require a printhead with very specific characteristics. Even where printhead technology is similar, printer manufacturers can use customised versions designed for particular printer models and applications.
With over 40 years of experience, Kestronics is a specialist distributor of thermal printheads, helping customers identify and source the right printhead for their equipment.
Browse Our Thermal Printhead Collection
What's behind a thermal printhead?
The thermal printhead is one of the most important components inside a thermal printer. It contains heating elements that are selectively activated to create an image, either directly onto heat-sensitive media in direct thermal printing or through a ribbon in thermal transfer printing.
But it’s important to note that not all thermal printheads are the same. Specifications can vary depending on factors including print resolution, print speed, media, printer design and application. This means finding a replacement isn't necessarily as simple as locating another printhead that looks the same.
Who manufactures thermal printheads?
While most users will be familiar with printer manufacturers such as Zebra, Star, Epson and TSC, there's another part of the supply chain behind the finished printer. Specialist OEM manufacturers produce thermal printhead technology used across the printing industry.
Kestronics has extensive experience within this market and direct relationships with leading printhead manufacturers, including ROHM and Shandong Hualing Electronics (SHEC).
ROHM thermal printheads
ROHM manufactures a wide range of thermal printheads designed to support different printer types and applications. Its thermal printhead portfolio covers a variety of specifications designed to meet requirements around areas such as printing speed, resolution and reliability. This makes the technology suitable for a broad range of thermal printing applications.
SHEC thermal printheads
Shandong Hualing Electronics Co Ltd. (SHEC) is another specialist thermal printhead manufacturer, covering manufacturing, marketing and after-sales services. Its thermal printhead technology is used across a wide range of applications and industries, including retail, logistics, industrial manufacturing, healthcare, transportation and financial services.
Why identifying the right printhead can be complicated
This is where specialist knowledge becomes particularly valuable. Printer manufacturers may use a customised version of a thermal printhead to meet the requirements of a particular printer. Two printheads can therefore appear very similar but have differences that affect whether they're suitable for a particular printer. The key is identifying exactly which printhead your printer requires rather than simply choosing something that appears to be equivalent.
At Kestronics, we've spent decades working with thermal printheads and printer technology. Our team can help customers navigate part numbers, printer models and specifications to identify an appropriate replacement.
Thermal printheads for Zebra, Star, Epson and TSC printers
Kestronics holds stock of thermal printheads for a wide range of printer manufacturers, including:
Whether you're replacing a failed printhead, sourcing spares for your printer estate or looking for an ongoing supply of thermal printheads, you don't have to navigate the options alone.
Our experienced team can work with your printer information to help identify the printhead you require.
More than simply ‘sourcing a part’
When printheads are business-critical components, sourcing is only part of the challenge. You also need confidence that you've identified the appropriate printhead for your printer and application. That's where more than 40 years of specialist experience makes a difference.
Kestronics combines thermal printhead expertise, manufacturer relationships and stockholding to help customers source printheads for a wide variety of thermal printers and applications.
Need a thermal printhead? Talk to Kestronics now.
If you're looking for a thermal printhead for a Zebra, Star, Epson, TSC or another thermal printer, speak to the Kestronics team.
Send us the printer manufacturer, printer model and existing printhead part number, where available, and we'll help identify the printhead you need.
We can also provide pricing and samples to help you find the right solution for your requirements.
Speak to our experienced team about your thermal printhead requirements today.