When should I change my HP Latex printheads?

An overview of HP Latex user changeable printheads.

One innovation from HP Latex printers has been the user changeable printheads.  They help eliminate the need for a tech installed printhead that can take time and cost a lot of money.  There are some things to keep in mind, however, to maximize print quality on HP Latex printers.

First, for the 100, 300 and 500 series HP Latex, the printheads are under warranty for 1000 ml of use and by date.  If you have a failure and both the date is not expired and the usage is under 1000 ml of ink, HP will replace the printhead at no cost.  Contact HP for in warranty replacement.

That said, it is generally recommended to consider changing the printhead if it's over 4000 ml and you are noticing a drop in quality or color shift.  The same goes for expiration date.  Over time and by use, the thermal heat used to push the ink drop out will begin to change the nozzles or the nozzles will be blocked enough to affect quality.  A simple change takes the operator less than a minute, then a short alignment and you are back up and running.