Canon Print Head CH-40

Canon Print Head CH-40

The Canon Print Head CH-40 is a genuine OEM colour replacement printhead designed for the second-generation Canon PIXMA G-series ink tank printers. Additionally, it handles cyan, magenta, and yellow ink delivery, making it the component directly responsible for vibrant colour documents, photos, and illustrated prints on compatible models. Moreover, as the direct successor to the CH-4, it covers the newer G1420 through G7045 and GM-series range released from 2019 onwards.

The CH-40 works alongside the BH-40 black print head to provide complete printing functionality across the second-generation G-series. Consequently, when colour output deteriorates — with missing hues, streaked gradients, or faded tones despite full colour ink tanks — the CH-40 is typically the component requiring replacement. Canon engineered it using FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology, which furthermore places dye-based colour ink droplets with micro-level precision. As a result, prints achieve smooth colour transitions, accurate hue reproduction, and consistent saturation across both plain and photo paper.

Because PIXMA G-series printers use continuously refillable ink tanks, the print head endures more accumulated wear than heads in conventional cartridge-based systems. However, the CH-40’s user-replaceable design means that declining colour quality does not necessarily signal the end of the printer’s working life. Therefore, replacing a worn CH-40 extends the printer’s lifespan considerably at a fraction of the cost of a new unit. Installation requires no tools: open the printer cover, unlock the blue lever inside the carriage, lift out the worn colour head, and seat the CH-40 firmly until it clicks. The printer furthermore detects the new component automatically, after which a nozzle check pattern across all three colour channels confirms correct ink flow and installation.

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Technical Specifications

Component Details

• Model: CH-40
• Part Number: 3422C001 / 3422C001AA
• Component Type: Genuine OEM colour replacement print head
• Ink Colours: Tri-colour — Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
• Ink Type: Dye-based (compatible with G-series colour ink bottles)
• Generation: Second-generation PIXMA G-series (successor to CH-4)

Print Technology

• Technology: Canon FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering)
• Function: Colour ink delivery for photos, graphics, and colour documents

Installation

• Installation Method: Tool-free lever-release swap
• Printer Detection: Automatic upon installation
• Post-Installation Check: Nozzle check pattern recommended across all three colour channels

Compatibility

• Compatible Printers: Canon PIXMA G1420, G1430, G2420, G2430, G2460, G2470, G3420, G3430, G3460, G3470, G3480, G4470, G5040, G5045, G6040, G6045, G7040, G7045, GM2040, GM4040
• Companion Black Print Head: Canon BH-40 (sold separately)
• Predecessor Model: Canon CH-4 (for G1400–G4411 range)

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Use Cases and Applications

Restoring faded or streaked colour output — The most common reason to replace the CH-40 is persistent colour streaking, missing hues, or uneven gradients that cleaning cycles fail to resolve. Additionally, if colour ink tanks are full but prints appear washed out or incomplete, the colour print head is typically the component at fault. Consequently, replacing it with a genuine CH-40 restores output to factory standard without requiring a full printer replacement.

Home photo and creative printing — Second-generation PIXMA G-series printers are widely used for family photos, greeting cards, and creative projects. However, sustained photo printing places greater wear on colour nozzles than plain document printing. Therefore, the CH-40 is a practical maintenance part for households that rely on their G-series printer for colour-intensive output over long periods.

Small office colour documents — Offices printing brochures, flyers, presentations, and branded correspondence depend on consistent colour accuracy. Moreover, a worn colour print head produces visibly inconsistent output that undermines professional materials. As a result, replacing the CH-40 promptly maintains the colour quality that client-facing documents require.

G5040, G6040, and G7040 high-volume environments — The upper-tier G-series models are designed for higher monthly print volumes, consequently placing greater sustained demand on the colour print head over time. Furthermore, these models are common in small businesses and workgroups where colour printing reliability directly affects productivity. Keeping a spare CH-40 on hand therefore ensures uninterrupted operation during busy periods.

For other Canon printer consumables, explore our [Canon Ribbon](https://urbanlinkcomputers.co.ke/product-category/Canon Ribbon/) range available at Urbanlink Computers. For full compatibility and technical documentation, refer to the Canon CH-40 official product page.

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Image Alt Text Suggestions

1. Canon Print Head CH-40 genuine colour replacement printhead on white background
2. Canon CH-40 colour print head part number 3422C001AA front view
3. Canon CH-40 printhead being installed into Canon PIXMA G6040 ink tank printer carriage
4. Canon BH-40 and CH-40 print head pair for second-generation PIXMA G-series printers side by side

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Spec Notes and Caveats

• Part number: The CH-40 part number 3422C001 / 3422C001AA follows the Canon sequential numbering convention directly alongside the BH-40 (3421C001AA) and is consistent across multiple reseller sources. However, a dedicated Canon official product page specifically for the CH-40 was not confirmed during research. Verify this part number against a Canon invoice or Canon Africa documentation before publishing.
• CH-4 vs CH-40 distinction: The CH-4 covers the first-generation G1400–G4411 range. The CH-40 covers the second-generation G1420–GM4040 range. These are not interchangeable — ensure both listings carry clearly differentiated keyphrases, confirmed across this session.
• GM-series colour note: The GM2040 and GM4040 are primarily mono business printers. However, they retain a colour print head carriage. Confirm whether colour printing is supported on GM-series models in your specific regional variant before referencing them in colour output use cases.
• Ink type: The CH-40 uses dye-based colour ink from Canon G-series colour ink bottles (GI-490 C/M/Y or GI-40 C/M/Y depending on market). Verify the correct ink bottle designation for the Kenyan market before referencing in product copy.
• External link: A direct Canon-published page specifically for the CH-40 was not confirmed. The Canon Middle East domain has been used as the reference point, consistent with the BH-40 listing. Update to a direct CH-40 product URL or Canon Africa link if available.