A method for connecting a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) to a printhead assembly that includes a printhead carrier and an ink ejection printhead carried by the carrier. The method includes the steps of: adhering the PCB to a first surface of the printhead; receiving the printhead and PCB in a mechanical nest, and actuating the nest into a position below a heated platen assembly; heating the heated platen assembly and actuating the heated platen assembly rectilinearly towards the nest, the heated platen assembly thereby compressing the PCB and the printhead; actuating a forming bar assembly, provided adjacent the heated platen assembly, rectilinearly towards the nest, the forming bar assembly thereby bending a portion of the PCB extending beyond the printhead towards the printhead assembly; and heating a heater cartridge and actuating the heater cartridge rectilinearly towards the print head printhead in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the forming bar assembly is actuated, whereby the PCB is connected to the printhead and bonded to the printhead carrier.