Canon Print Head BH-40

Canon Print Head BH-40

The Canon Print Head BH-40 is a genuine OEM black replacement printhead designed for the second-generation Canon PIXMA G-series ink tank printers. Additionally, it serves as a user-replaceable maintenance component, meaning owners can restore black print quality at home rather than sending the printer to a service centre. Moreover, it is the direct successor to the BH-4, covering the newer G1420 through G7045 and GM-series models released from 2019 onwards.

The BH-40 is responsible for all black ink delivery on compatible G-series printers. Consequently, it is the component most directly affecting the sharpness, density, and consistency of printed text, monochrome graphics, and mixed black-and-colour documents. Canon engineered it using FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology, which furthermore controls ink droplet placement with micro-level precision. As a result, text prints with clean edges and uniform density from the first page through sustained high-volume runs.

Because PIXMA G-series printers rely on continuously refillable ink tanks, the print head bears more accumulated wear over time than heads in conventional cartridge-based systems. However, the BH-40’s user-replaceable design means that deteriorating black output — despite full ink tanks and repeated cleaning cycles — does not signal the end of the printer’s working life. Therefore, replacing the BH-40 extends the printer’s lifespan significantly at a fraction of the cost of a new unit. Installation is tool-free: open the printer cover, unlock the blue lever inside the carriage, remove the old black head, and seat the BH-40 firmly until it clicks into place. Furthermore, the printer detects the new component automatically, after which a nozzle check pattern confirms correct installation and consistent ink flow.

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Technical Specifications

Component Details

• Model: BH-40
• Part Number: 3421C001 / 3421C001AA
• Component Type: Genuine OEM black replacement print head
• Ink Type: Pigment black (compatible with G-series black ink bottles)
• Generation: Second-generation PIXMA G-series (successor to BH-4)

Print Technology

• Technology: Canon FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering)
• Function: Black ink delivery for text, graphics, and monochrome documents

Installation

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

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 Colour Print Head: Canon CH-40 (sold separately)
• Predecessor Model: Canon BH-4 (for G1400–G4411 range)

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Use Cases and Applications

Restoring degraded black print quality — The most common reason to replace the BH-40 is persistent streaking, banding, or faded black output that cleaning cycles fail to resolve. Additionally, if the black ink tank is full but text prints appear patchy or inconsistent, the print head is typically the component at fault. Consequently, replacing it with a genuine BH-40 restores output to factory standard without a full unit replacement.

High-volume home and small office printing — Second-generation PIXMA G-series printers are popular in environments with moderate to high monthly document volumes. However, sustained use gradually degrades nozzle performance over time. Therefore, the BH-40 is a cost-effective maintenance part for offices that rely on G5040, G6040, or G7040 printers for invoices, correspondence, and reports.

GM-series mono and business printing — The GM2040 and GM4040 are Canon’s dedicated mono business ink tank printers, designed for high page volumes with black ink only. Moreover, these models place greater sustained demand on the black print head than mixed-use G-series units. As a result, the BH-40 is a particularly relevant stocking consumable for GM-series users planning long-term printer maintenance.

Extending printer lifespan — Replacing a worn print head costs significantly less than purchasing a new printer. Furthermore, second-generation G-series printers already represent an investment in a low cost-per-page ink tank system. As a result, maintaining them with genuine parts such as the BH-40 maximises the long-term value of that investment.

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 BH-40 official product page.

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Image Alt Text Suggestions

1. Canon Print Head BH-40 genuine black replacement printhead on white background
2. Canon BH-40 printhead part number 3421C001AA front view
3. Canon BH-40 black print head 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

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Spec Notes and Caveats

• Part number confirmed: 3421C001 / 3421C001AA verified via Canon UAE official store listing (en.canon-me.com). This is the authoritative source used for this listing.
• Compatibility list: Sourced from the Canon UAE official product page. Models G1430, G2430, G2470, G3430, G3470, G3480, G4470, G5045, G6045, G7045 are confirmed on the Canon ME store. Cross-check against your specific regional Canon catalogue before publishing, as model availability varies by market.
• BH-4 vs BH-40 distinction: The BH-4 (0691C002AA) covers the first-generation G1400–G4411 range. The BH-40 (3421C001AA) covers the second-generation G1420–GM4040 range. These are not interchangeable. Ensure both listings carry clearly differentiated key phrases — confirmed across this session.
• Companion colour head: The CH-40 is the colour companion to the BH-40, covering the same second-generation printer range. If listing the CH-40 separately, use a distinct focus key phrase to avoid cannibalisation.
• Ink type: The BH-40 uses pigment black ink from Canon G-series black ink bottles (GI-490 BK or GI-40 BK depending on market). Verify the correct ink bottle designation for the Kenyan market before referencing in product copy.