Abstract: A printhead with improved durability characteristics and a method for making the same. A substrate is provided which includes an ink ejector system and a barrier layer. An orifice plate having a bottom surface made of rhodium is affixed to the barrier layer so that the rhodium-containing bottom surface is securely attached to the barrier layer. The use of rhodium in the bottom surface provides substantially improved adhesion characteristics without the use of separate adhesives or, alternatively, various adhesives may be optionally be employed including polyacrylic acid and silane compositions. The rhodium-containing bottom surface also provides improved corrosion resistance. As a result, a unique printhead is produced having improved structural integrity levels. The orifice plate may likewise have a top surface made of rhodium. The use of a rhodium-containing top surface provides enhanced abrasion resistance and avoids corrosion problems.