The Canon BC-12e Print Head is the genuine colour print head for the Canon BJC55 and BJC85 portable Bubble Jet printers. It is the part that holds the ink tanks and places each droplet on the page, so its condition directly affects print quality.
If your printouts show streaks, banding or missing colours even after cleaning, the head may be worn. Replacing it with a Canon BC-12e Print Head brings back sharp, even colour and keeps your BJC55 or BJC85 working as a handy compact printer.
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Why choose the genuine Canon BC-12e Print Head?
These are the practical benefits of a genuine Canon BC-12e instead of a non-genuine alternative:
- Fresh nozzles with every replacement. The print head is part of the cartridge, so each new unit restores sharp, even output.
- Ink matched to Bubble Jet heads. Canon’s ink is formulated for thermal Bubble Jet printing, helping prevent clogging and heater damage.
- Reliable detection. The printer recognises genuine Canon parts and seats them correctly in the carriage.
- Simple to replace. The cartridge drops into the carriage and locks with the lever, with no priming required.
It’s ideal for owners of a Canon BJC55 or BJC85 who want to restore print quality rather than replace the whole printer.
Canon BC-12e Print Head compatible printers
The Canon BC-12e Print Head is made for the following Canon printers. Check the model name on the front or top of your printer and make sure it appears in this list before ordering:
- Canon BJC55
- Canon BJC85
Not sure which model you have? Our Canon Cartridge Finder Australia matches the right ink to your printer, and this guide explains how to find the correct cartridge number on your old cartridge.
This head uses separate ink tanks, so check the compatible tanks for your model and confirm the printer model on its label before ordering. Not sure which part your printer takes? Send us your exact printer model through our contact page and we will confirm the right genuine Canon consumable before you place your order.
Canon BC-12e Print Head specifications
| Brand | Canon (genuine OEM) |
|---|---|
| Model | BC-12e |
| Colour | Colour |
| Page yield | Not rated in pages |
| Cartridge type | Bubble Jet cartridge / print head |
| Quantity | 1 cartridge |
| Condition | Brand new, sealed in Canon retail packaging |
What’s in the box
One genuine Canon BC-12e Print Head in sealed Canon packaging, with Canon’s installation instructions.
Before you order: a quick checklist
- Confirm your printer model appears in the compatibility list above.
- Check the code on your current cartridge reads BC-12e.
- Confirm whether you need the standard or higher-yield version, where both fit your printer.
- Think about ordering a spare so you’re never caught out mid-job.
How long does it last?
Canon doesn’t publish a fixed page yield for the Canon BC-12e Print Head. It lasts until the printer reports it empty, which depends on how much you print and the coverage on each page. Our price is $124.16 including GST.
Comparing standard and high-yield options? Read standard yield vs high yield cartridges to see which suits how much you print.
Get more pages from your Canon BC-12e Print Head
- Print in standard rather than high quality for everyday documents.
- Use grayscale printing for text-only pages to save the colour cartridge.
- Avoid unnecessary print head cleanings, which use ink each time.
- Print at least once a week so the nozzles don’t dry out.
- Turn the printer off with its power button, not at the wall, so the print head is capped properly.
How to install the Canon BC-12e Print Head
- Turn the printer on and open the cover. Wait for the cartridge holder to move to the replacement position.
- Push the old cartridge down (or release the lock lever) and lift it out.
- Unpack the new cartridge and gently peel off the protective tape. Don’t touch the gold contacts or the print head nozzles.
- Slide the cartridge into the holder, angled slightly up, and lower the lock lever to secure it.
- Close the cover. The printer will run a short cleaning cycle; print a nozzle check if colours look faint.
Steps vary slightly between models, so check your printer’s manual or the instruction sheet inside the box if anything looks different when fitting the Canon BC-12e Print Head.
Troubleshooting tips
If the Canon BC-12e Print Head isn’t printing as expected after installation, these quick checks solve most problems:
- Streaky or missing colour: Run a nozzle check and a standard print head cleaning from the printer’s maintenance menu.
- Cartridge not detected: Remove it, check the tape is fully removed, and re-seat it until it clicks. See our cartridge recognition guide for more fixes.
- Smudged prints: Make sure the paper type setting matches the paper in the tray, especially for photo paper.
Looking after your printer between cartridge changes
- Print a nozzle check if colours look faint or streaky before replacing a cartridge.
- Use paper that matches the printer’s media setting, especially for photos.
- Keep the printer covered or closed when not in use to reduce dust.
- Turn the printer off with its power button so the print head is capped properly.
- Print at least once a week to keep the nozzles from drying out.
Storage, handling and recycling
To keep a spare Canon BC-12e Print Head in top condition until you need it:
- Keep it sealed until needed. Open the pack only when you’re ready to install.
- Don’t touch the nozzles. Hold the cartridge by its sides, away from contacts and nozzles.
- Store at room temperature. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Recycle the empty. Drop empties at a Cartridges 4 Planet Ark collection point.
Canon Australia supports free cartridge recycling through Cartridges 4 Planet Ark, so your empty BC-12e can be dropped at a participating store instead of going to landfill. For full product information, visit Canon Australia.
Genuine vs compatible cartridges
Compatible cartridges can cost less up front, but quality varies a lot between brands. The Canon BC-12e Print Head is made by Canon for these printers, is covered by Canon’s manufacturer warranty against defects, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law, and is designed to deliver its rated yield. Our article on OEM vs compatible printer cartridges compares the two in more detail.
Every cartridge we sell under the Genuine label is brand new and sealed in Canon retail packaging. If you’re ever unsure whether a cartridge is authentic, check the box for Canon’s security label and an intact factory seal, and buy from a supplier that lists the Canon part number.
Delivery, warranty and returns
When you order the Canon BC-12e Print Head from us, it ships from stock in its sealed Canon box. We’re an Australian-owned supplier based in Moorebank, NSW. Orders are usually processed within 1–2 business days and shipped for a flat $19.99 anywhere in Australia, with standard delivery generally taking 3–7 business days after dispatch. See our shipping policy, returns policy and warranty policy for details, or browse more genuine Canon ink cartridges. Questions about compatibility? Contact our team before you order, and we’ll confirm the Canon BC-12e Print Head is right for your machine.
Canon BC-12e Print Head FAQs
Is this Canon BC-12e Print Head genuine Canon?
Yes. It’s a brand-new, genuine Canon cartridge supplied in sealed Canon retail packaging, not a compatible or remanufactured product.
Which printers use the BC-12e?
It suits the Canon BJC55, Canon BJC85. Check the full compatibility list above before ordering.
What is the Canon part number?
Look for the code BC-12e on the cartridge label or box.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery is a flat $19.99 per order within Australia, no matter how many items you buy, and generally arrives 3–7 business days after dispatch.
Do you deliver to regional and remote areas?
Yes. We ship to every Australian state and territory at the same flat rate. Remote addresses can take a little longer. We don’t currently ship internationally.
Will I get tracking?
Yes. Tracking details are emailed to you once your order is dispatched, where the courier provides them.
Can I return it if I change my mind?
Yes, let us know within 30 days of delivery. The cartridge needs to be unopened and unused, and change-of-mind return shipping is paid by the customer. Approved refunds are processed within 7 business days.
What if my BC-12e is faulty?
Contact us with your order number and a short description of the problem, plus photos if you can. We cover return shipping for faulty products and will arrange a replacement or refund in line with Australian Consumer Law.
Does the BC-12e include a print head?
Canon BC-series and BX-series parts combine the print head with the ink supply (or hold separate BCI ink tanks), so fitting a new one gives you fresh nozzles.
Why does my older Canon still need a genuine cartridge?
Bubble Jet printers fire ink with heat, and the genuine head and ink are matched so the nozzles fire cleanly without overheating or clogging.
Can I keep printing in black only?
Some BJC models let you print in black with only the black cartridge fitted. Check your printer’s manual, as this varies by model.
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