Given the relatively low cost of printers, such devices can already be considered a mandatory component of a home computer. In light of this, many are interested in how to refill a printer cartridge.
In this paper, we will deal with this issue in detail in relation to inkjet models that print with liquid ink. We also describe in general terms how to refill a laser printer cartridge . Such an injustice is justified: inkjet models are cheaper than laser ones and, most importantly, they allow printing in color. The cost of color laser printers will scare away even a person with an average income.
Before considering how to refill an inkjet cartridge, let's recall the internal structure of these models: nozzles of the print head controlled by the controller in accordance with computer commands, in one way or another, give microparticles of liquid ink of the desired color to the paper. The paint itself is in reservoirs - cartridges and is gradually consumed. New cartridges are expensive, but there is a solution - learn how to refill the cartridge yourself.
You will need:
- A workplace (table) covered with a thick layer of newspapers, cardboard, film - all that does not allow accidentally spilled paint to serve as a reason for clarifying relations with relatives.
“A few pieces of pure cotton wool.” It is needed to remove possible leaks from the cartridge.
- Cheap plastic gloves (women dye their hair in them). With proper skill, this need disappears, but for beginners who do not want to walk with their hands stained with paint, it is better to protect them.
- Several 5 ml disposable syringes - a syringe for each color. By the way, the number of colors varies from model to model, but always at least four (black, red, blue, yellow). You can find out in the instructions.
- Cans of paint. Must be suitable for this model and be the right type (pigmented, water soluble).
So how to refill a cartridge? Turn on the printer and open the housing cover (see the instructions for replacing cartridges), as a result, the carriage extends into the seat, allowing you to remove the cartridges. We take out the desired one and look for a small hole on its top cover. There are several, you need less. Often it is hidden under a sticker. We draw in the syringe the paint of the desired color, slowly we introduce a thin needle. There must be a distance between the needle and the walls for the passage of air. There is absorbent material inside the cartridge, so the needle must be resistant to insertion. Leave at least 1 cm to the bottom of the cartridge. Next, everyone will figure out how to refill the cartridge. Slowly squeeze the ink. Usually enough 1.5-2.5 "cube" (depending on the capacity of the tank and the remainder of the ink). It remains to return them back to the printer.
A few rules:
- For a cartridge that combines several ink tanks, it is imperative to find matching holes on the Internet. Otherwise, colors may be mixed up and the cartridge will need to be washed.
- Ideally, rinse the containers with a special liquid, because mixing different paints is not recommended. It is strictly forbidden to fill the cartridge with water-soluble ink and their pigment type (and vice versa) without washing.
- Sometimes there are chip cartridges that do not work after refueling. The counter in them must be reset programmatically or replaced with the initially “frozen” counter (Epson became famous).
In laser models, instead of ink, toner is used - a special powder. Sometimes it is allowed to refill the internal container with toner through the provided hole (we carefully fall asleep). But more often you can’t do without disassembling the case. All models are unique, so the process does not make sense to describe. It is important to remember that the toner has an expiration date and there should be no lumps in it, in addition, the powder is carcinogenic, so once again they better not breathe.