As technology evolves, Zebra, like all leading hardware manufacturers, discontinues certain products to make way for newer, more advanced models. This includes key components like printheads, which are crucial for the performance of your thermal printers. If your business relies on older Zebra printers, it is essential to be aware of the "end-of-life" status of these parts to ensure uninterrupted operations.

What Does "End-of-Life" Mean for Your Printheads?

An end-of-life (EOL) designation means that a product is no longer manufactured or sold by the company. The list below contains several key Zebra printheads that are now end-of-life, including those for popular older models such as the Z4M+ and S4M.

• G41400M Kit Printhead 203 dpi S4M

• 105902-142 Kit, 4" Printhead ASSY, 2348 Printer

• 79056M Kit Maint Printhead 203 dpi Z4M+

• G79056-1M Kit Printhead 203 dpi Z4M+

• G79057M Kit Printhead 300 dpi Z4M+

• G79059M Kit Printhead 300 do 76M+

• G57212M Kit Printhead 300 dpi RH 110PAX4

• G46500M Kit Printhead 300 dpi 170XiIIIPlus, 170PAX4

• P1014112 Kit Printhead TTP2000

• 104612 Printhead, 200 dpi TP 2100

• P1029257-001 Kit Printhead ASS"Y TTP21X0

• P1022237-002 Kit Printhead ASS"Y TTP8300

• P1022237-004 Kit Printhead TTP8300

• 101770 Thermal Printhead 300 dpi 216MM TTP8300

• 61330M Printhead Assembly HC100

• G105910-055 Kit, Printhead Assy, 4", DT GC420, GK888

While these parts are no longer available from Zebra, there may be limited third-party stock. However, this supply is not guaranteed and will eventually run out, leaving your business vulnerable to costly downtime.

The Business Impact

A failed printhead on a critical printer can bring a production line or shipping operation to a complete halt. Waiting for an obsolete part to be sourced can result in:

• Operational Downtime: Lost productivity and missed deadlines.

• Increased Costs: The cost of emergency repairs or replacements can be much higher than proactive planning.

• Supply Chain Disruption: Inability to print labels, leading to delays in shipping and inventory management.

Your Next Steps

The end-of-life status of these printheads is a clear signal that it's time to assess your current printer fleet and consider a proactive upgrade strategy.

1. Audit Your Printers: Identify all the printers in your fleet that use these EOL printheads.

2. Plan for an Upgrade: Look at Zebra's current range of printers, such as the ZT Series or ZD Series. These modern printers are more efficient, offer advanced connectivity (like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), and provide better performance and security.

3. Consult with a Partner: An experienced Zebra partner can help you transition smoothly by identifying the right replacement printers for your specific needs, managing the migration, and ensuring you get a modern solution that is supportable for years to come.

By taking these steps, you can avoid unexpected disruptions and ensure your labeling and barcoding operations remain reliable and efficient.