Welcome to this article, which is an in-depth guide to inkjet cartridge, Before you buy a new inkjet cartridge, check out our guide that covers everything you should consider to find the best machine for you.
1. What is an inkjet cartridge？
Inkjet cartridges mainly refer to the components used to store printing ink and finally complete printing in inkjet printers (including inkjet all-in-one machines).
Judging from the composition and structure of inkjet cartridges on the market, they can generally be divided into split inkjet cartridges and integrated inkjet cartridges.
2. What are the types of inkjet cartridges?
Inkjet cartridges are of two types:
1) All-in-one cartridge
An all-in-one inkjet cartridge integrates the nozzles on the inkjet cartridge. When the ink is used up and a new inkjet cartridge is replaced, it means that a new print head is replaced at the same time. Using this inkjet ink cartridge can achieve relatively high printing accuracy and ensure printing quality. Because the nozzles are replaced with inkjet cartridges, there is no degradation in print quality due to inkjet headwear. However, the design structure of the inkjet cartridge increases the cost, and the price of the inkjet cartridge is relatively high.
However, in order to save printing costs, for this type of inkjet cartridge, users often replenish the ink in the empty inkjet cartridge by themselves after the inkjet cartridge is used up. Generally speaking, as long as the operation is correct, the filled ink will not cause too much damage to the nozzle. Even if it is unsuccessful, what is scrapped is only the inkjet cartridge should be scrapped, and generally, it will not cause harm to the printer. Of course, it’s not possible with this type of inkjet cartridge to limit the number of times the user can refill the ink. Generally speaking, after the original ink is used up, it can be replenished 3 to 4 times. If you find that the print quality has dropped significantly, it means you need to replace the inkjet cartridge with a new one.
2) Split inkjet cartridge
A split inkjet cartridge refers to a product that separates the design of the nozzle and inkjet cartridge. The starting point of this structural design is mainly to reduce printing costs. Since the inkjet cartridge is not integrated into the print head, when the inkjet cartridge fails, the printhead can continue to be used, which also simplifies the disassembly process of the inkjet cartridge by the user, reducing maintenance needs. The possibility of man-made damage to the printer; but this inkjet cartridge structure also has obvious defects, that is, the nozzle will not be updated in time, and as the printer’s working time increases, the quality of the printer will naturally decline until the nozzle is broken.
In split inkjet cartridges, it can be divided into monochrome inkjet cartridges and multi-color inkjet cartridges by color. Monochrome inkjet cartridges mean that each color is individually packaged, and the used-up color can be exchanged for another color without causing waste. Multi-color inkjet cartridge refers to packing multiple colors in one inkjet cartridge. If one color runs out, the entire inkjet cartridge must be replaced, even if several other colors remain. Apparently, monochrome cartridges are more economical.
3. Why are inkjet cartridges important?
Inkjet ink cartridges are very important for the entire inkjet printer, especially some low-end printers, which have reached the price of 2 ink cartridges = 1 printer. Therefore, the condition of your inkjet cartridges must be considered when shopping for a printer.
4. Why do I need to clean the inkjet cartridges?
After the inkjet printer is not used for a long time or used for a period of time, there will be failures such as unclear printing, breakpoints, and disconnection. At this time, it is necessary to solve it by cleaning the print head.
Most inkjet printers automatically clean the printheads when they are turned on, and there is a button to clean the printheads. For example, most Canon inkjet printers have three-level cleaning functions: quick cleaning, regular cleaning, and thorough cleaning.
For specific cleaning operations, please refer to the steps in the inkjet printer operation manual. However, if the printing effect is still unsatisfactory after several consecutive cleanings, it should be that the ink is used up and the inkjet cartridge needs to be replaced.
If the automatic cleaning method fails, it proves that the clogging is serious, usually, because the printer has not been used for a long time or the power is cut off during use, and the nozzle has not been reset. Use a syringe to face the nozzle, continuously pull the pressurizing device, let the high-speed airflow clean the nozzle, and suck out the residual ink, which is a cleaning method that saves ink.
5. Can the inkjet cartridges be removed at will?
When the inkjet cartridge is not used up, it is best not to take it out, otherwise, it will cause ink wastage or be is-discharged by the printer. Generally speaking, the ink of the printer does not undergo deterioration such as hardening within a short period of time in the printer, so there is no need to remove the inkjet cartridge. However, if your printer is really not used for a long time, you need to take out the inkjet cartridge, which can prevent the ink from deteriorating and ensure the life of the nozzle.
6. What should be paid attention to when cleaning inkjet cartridges?
Pay attention to the following points when cleaning the print head:
- Do not clean the print head with sharp objects, do not hit the print head, and do not touch the print head with your hands;
- When charging, do not remove or install the print head, and do not touch the print frame with your hands or other objects.
- The print head cannot be removed from the printer and placed separately, and the print head cannot be placed in a dusty place.
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