How to Spot a Fake or Refurbished Printhead

Counterfeit and "re-labelled" printheads are common in this market, and they fail fast — usually taking your ink lines and downtime budget with them. Here is how to reduce the risk.

1. Check the packaging

Genuine heads ship in sealed manufacturer packaging. A loose head in bubble wrap, a box that has been opened and resealed, or a "bulk" head with no packaging is a warning sign.

2. Check the label and serial

Ask for a clear photo of the head label and any serial or batch marking before you pay. A genuine supplier will show you the label; a seller that refuses or only shows stock photos is a red flag. Keep the label photo and compare it when the head arrives.

3. Be suspicious of "too cheap"

If a price is far below the market range, the head is almost certainly refurbished, re-labelled or counterfeit. Genuine heads have a real floor price; nobody sells below it at a profit.

4. Buy from a supplier that confirms the version

A genuine supplier confirms the exact version, compatibility and condition before you pay, and states the condition (new / genuine) in the quotation. We supply genuine printheads only — the exact model and condition are stated in your quotation. Read about PUHUA INKJET.

5. Replace the supporting parts too

A new head dies quickly on old, dirty dampers or a worn cap top. Order dampers, cap top and head cables together so the head is protected from the first print. See inkjet spare parts.

Need a genuine head confirmed?

Send your printer model and the old head's label photo. We confirm the correct version and quote a genuine head with the condition stated in writing. Contact Jayce or read the buying guide.