SATO replacement print heads

A thermal print head is a replaceable part on a thermal printer that generates the heat needed to mark the label being printed.

A thermal print head is made up of a long line of heatable dots which can be turned on and off very quickly to create black marks on the label. A complete image is created by turning on the dots for areas of the label that need to be black and turning off the dots on areas of the label that need to be left blank.

SATO thermal printers have one print head.

To locate your printer’s print head, open the printer’s outer cover and look right next to where the label leaves the printer.

Print head life varies greatly based on inches printed per day, proper cleaning and the environment around the print head. In a dry industrial environment with heavy use, print heads generally last 3 to 9 months.

The process of repetitive heating and cooling cycles causes the heating elements to weaken and eventually break. The print heads’ ability to create heat eventually deteriorates to the point where they will not print dark enough. A single heat creation dot can also burn out, making it inoperable and leaving a thin white line on every label where it should be printed. The print head must be replaced when these breaks occur.

To identify the correct genuine OEM print head for your industrial printer, you need to know the (1) printer model you are using and (2) the print resolution in dot per inch (dpi). The most popular print head is 203 dpi, but other commonly bought print heads are 305 dpi and 609 dpi.

Print heads are in constant contact with labels, ribbon and the platen roller, which will cause wear. Using higher quality labels and ribbons, as well as regular maintenance can extend the life of the print head. The amount of use a printer gets and environmental factors are also two important considerations in the life of the print head. For context, a print head used in a dry industrial environment will last between three and nine months.

No. When a thermal print head breaks, it cannot be repaired. However, it is common for dirty print heads to be deemed “broken.” To clean your print head, use a cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove build up on the surface of the print head that touches the label stock.

There is value in replacing the print head. Print heads are “consumable” parts, meaning they are similar to ink cartridges on an office printer, which must be replaced with time and use.

Use a cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove build up on the heating surface (the surface that presses against the label stock). This is recommended after every ribbon change and after every media change. Only clean with a SATO packaged cleaner or a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Furthermore, the alcohol should be 90% or higher. Oils on hands can have a negative effect on the life of the print head, so be sure never to touch it with bare hands.

SATO print engine print heads are easy to replace, as we’ve designed them with the tool-less release mechanism. Check out this video for a step-by-step tutorial:

No need to be an expert when replacing the print head in the SATO thermal printer. The tool-less design makes the replacement process fast and simple. This video shows you exactly how to do it:

Generally, the larger the print head the more expensive they are. Furthermore, higher dpi print heads cost more than lower dpi print heads. The 203 dpi print head, the most popular, costs between $271.50 and $555.00, depending on the printer being used. High resolution print heads, including the 609 dpi unit for the CL4NX Plus and the S84-ex, which cost $1,319.00 and $1,179.00 respectively.

The SATO Printer Store is the best place to purchase genuine replacement print heads, which are designed and tested to rigorous standards. When you make a purchase with us, you are guaranteed to get the right part at the best possible price. Plus, we are quick to ship orders to our customers. If you’ve got questions about print heads, contact us and we will have the answers.