As we often get asked about the life of a cartridge and how many refills it can take, we thought it would be a good idea to post some guidlines on how to give them the best chance of lasting longer.
To give you some idea of how amazing and delicate your printer and cartridges are, we need to look at what they are and how they work. You need to know a little about how they work to better understand how to get more life out of them.
Every inkjet printer uses a printhead. The printhead is the actual part that releases ink from the cartridge onto your paper and creates the image. This is done is such a precise way that it manages to mix any possible colour in the entie spectrum from the 3 primary colours that it contains, and deliver it in exactly the right spot. This is done repeatedly line by line (spot by spot) until the image is complete.
That may be amazing in itself, but there´s more.
The printhead contains 100´s of nozzles tiny holes) where the ink is released. The latest cartridges now contain upto 700 nozzles! This means that it can release 700 spots of ink at any one time in any position that its at, in any colour you choose.
Generaly, the higher the number of nozzles a cartridge has the greater the resolution (quality of image) will be. You could also say the more delicate they are too.
Now, if you use refill cartridges then the printhead is attached to the cartridge itself. If you use compatible cartridges then the printhead remains inside the printer and cannot be taken out, so extra care for these types is essential. Once a printhead is destroyed inside a printer that uses compatible cartridges then its curtains for the printer, as replacing it is often as expensive as a new machine.
Compatible cartridge types
So what is the best way to care for your cartridges ?
Sometimes the best piece of advise is also the simplest. When you are not using your printer keep it covered over with a dust cloth. An old T-shirt will do, for example. This will stop all of the dust settling around the openings of the printer and getting sucked in with the paper on the next print.
Because the printheads are extremely delicate, and we now know that it is vitaly important to protect and keep them as clean as possible, you should always try to:
Avoid running the cartridges completely dry. Continued use with empty cartridges will burn and destroy the printhead entirely, making refill impossible.
Avoid leaving the cartridges standing empty for long periods of time. Dried ink will block the nozzles and congeal the sponge material inside.
Avoid cleaning the cartridge with any type of material or liquid. The nozzles are microscopic and easily blocked by hairs and fibres. If you suspect your cartridge requires proper cleaning return it to us and we will clean it for you free of charge.
Avoid touching any electrical contacts, ink sockets or the printhead itself with your fingers. Oils from the skin and static electricity from your body can be reasons for malfunction.
Avoid leaving the printer without any cartidges at all for long periods of time, especialy in compatible type printers (those without printheads attached).
Avoid contact with the colour printhead as it is very easy to mix the colours together and will result in the cartridge needing flushing.
Always try to use your printer at least once a week to keep the cartridges in service and avoid drying. If you are experiencing any problems with your cartridges please visit the FAQ section and the HelpDesk, found in the menu at the top of the page. If you can not find a solution then simply call us on the number below or use our contact form.
Refilling of all major types of ink cartridge
Recycled and compatible laser toners
Compatible cartridges for all leading makes including Epson, Brother and Canon
All types of printing paper: Photographic / Presentation / Business Cards and more
Computer Repairs
Web Design & Hosting
To discover if your cartridges are available to refill, and how much money you can save, simply dial the number below.
