Editing Inkjet printing (section)

=== Disposable head ===
The ''disposable head'' philosophy uses a print head which is supplied as a part of a replaceable [[ink cartridge]]. Every time a cartridge is exhausted, the entire cartridge and print head are replaced with a new one. This adds to the cost of [[consumables]] and makes it more difficult to manufacture a high-precision head at a reasonable cost, but also means that a damaged or clogged print head is only a minor problem: the user can simply buy a new cartridge. [[Hewlett-Packard]] has traditionally favored the disposable print head, as did [[Canon Inc.|Canon]] in its early models. This type of construction can also be seen as an effort by printer manufacturers to stem third party ink cartridge assembly replacements, as these would-be suppliers do not have the ability to manufacture specialized print heads.

An intermediate method does exist: a disposable ink tank connected to a disposable head, which is replaced infrequently (perhaps every tenth ink tank or so). Most high-volume [[Hewlett-Packard]] inkjet printers use this setup, with the disposable print heads used on lower volume models. A similar approach is used by [[Kodak]], where the printhead intended for permanent use is nevertheless inexpensive and can be replaced by the user. Canon now uses (in most models) replaceable print heads which are designed to last the life of the printer, but can be replaced by the user should they become clogged.