Introduction
When purchasing a thermal printhead for Bizerba labeling equipment, customers often encounter two very similar models:
ROHM KD2004-DC91B and ROHM KD2004-DC91C.
Because the model numbers are almost identical, a common question is:
What does the "B" or "C" mean, and can these two printheads replace each other?
Based on currently available industry cross-reference information, the two models are closely related and are frequently supplied for the same Bizerba applications. Many suppliers even list them together as KD2004-DC91B/C.
1. KD2004-DC91B and KD2004-DC91C at a Glance
| Item | KD2004-DC91B | KD2004-DC91C |
| Brand | ROHM | ROHM |
| Series | KD2004 | KD2004 |
| Resolution | 200/203 dpi class | 200/203 dpi class |
| Print Width | Approx. 104 mm | Approx. 104 mm |
| Main Application | Bizerba labeling equipment | Bizerba labeling equipment |
| Common Bizerba Reference | 65620170701 | 65620170701 |
| Market Cross-Reference | Often listed as B/C | Often listed as B/C |
| Interchangeability | Commonly interchangeable in matching applications | Commonly interchangeable in matching applications |
Industry listings commonly associate both models with Bizerba equipment such as GLP, GLP 160, GLM-Ievo and GLM-I Maxx 100. The KD2004-DC91C is commonly specified as a 203 dpi, 104 mm printhead.
2. What Do the "B" and "C" Suffixes Mean?
This is the most important point:
There is currently no sufficient public ROHM documentation showing that "B" and "C" represent two clearly defined technical specifications.
In other words, it would be inaccurate to say:
- B means a specific mounting structure
- C means another mounting structure
- B means 200 dpi
- C means 203 dpi
There is not enough reliable public evidence to support these explanations.
Instead, the B and C suffixes should be understood primarily as part of the model/reference designation.
In the aftermarket and Bizerba replacement market, KD2004-DC91B and KD2004-DC91C are frequently cross-referenced and even sold together as one replacement family.
3. Are KD2004-DC91B and KD2004-DC91C the Same Printhead?
In many Bizerba applications, they are treated as equivalent replacement references.
This is supported by several market references that list:
KD2004-DC91B / KD2004-DC91C
under the same Bizerba part number:
65620170701.
Therefore, from a purchasing and replacement perspective, the two models are generally considered closely related and commonly interchangeable when the equipment and OEM part number match.
However, it is more technically accurate to say they are closely related cross-reference models rather than claiming that every internal engineering detail has been officially confirmed to be identical.
4. Why Do Different Suppliers Use Different Model Numbers?
The thermal printhead aftermarket contains information from many sources, including:
- ROHM model numbers
- Bizerba OEM part numbers
- Distributor databases
- Replacement-part catalogs
- Historical product references
- Compatible-product databases
As a result, the same Bizerba application may be described using different references.
For example, some suppliers list:
KD2004-DC91B
while others list:
KD2004-DC91C
and some directly combine them as:
KD2004-DC91B/C.
This is one of the main reasons customers may see different model numbers for what appears to be the same replacement printhead.
5. The Bizerba Part Number Is More Important.
For replacement purposes, the Bizerba OEM part number can be more useful than the B/C suffix alone.
A frequently referenced part number is:
Bizerba P/N 65620170701
Multiple industry listings associate this part number with KD2004-DC91B and/or KD2004-DC91C.
Therefore, when a customer requests either model, it is better to verify:
Printhead Model + Bizerba Part Number + Equipment Model
rather than relying only on the letter after DC91.
6. Can DC91B Replace DC91C?
Usually yes, when the application matches.
The market contains products explicitly sold as KD2004-DC91B/C, and these are commonly associated with Bizerba P/N 65620170701.
Therefore, if the original equipment uses the corresponding Bizerba part number and configuration, DC91B can generally be supplied as a replacement for DC91C.
7. Common Applications
KD2004-DC91B/C printheads are commonly associated with Bizerba labeling systems, including:
- Bizerba GLP
- Bizerba GLP 160
- Bizerba GLM-Ievo
- Bizerba GLM-I Maxx 100
- Bizerba GVE
- Other 104 mm-class Bizerba labeling equipment
For example, KD2004-DC91C is listed for GLM-I Maxx 100 and 104 mm applications, while other industry sources list it for GLP 160 at 203 dpi.
Final Conclusion
ROHM KD2004-DC91B and KD2004-DC91C are closely related thermal printhead references and are commonly treated as interchangeable replacement models for matching Bizerba applications.
The letters "B" and "C" are part of the model designation, but current public information does not provide sufficient evidence to assign a specific technical meaning to each suffix.
Therefore, the safest conclusion is:
B and C are different model/reference designations within the same printhead family, but they do not appear to represent fundamentally different printing technologies or performance specifications.
For purchasing and replacement, the most reliable method is not to focus only on the suffix.
Instead, verify:
Model Number + Bizerba Part Number + Equipment Model + Physical Configuration
This helps distributors, maintenance companies and end users select the correct replacement printhead and avoid unnecessary compatibility problems.
