Basic Guidelines And Tips To Follow When Refilling Inkjet Cartridges
Refilling ink can be a tricky process the first time.
Refilling ink cartridges can be an economical alternative to buying new cartridges. It does take some practice, but once mastered is generally cheaper than brand-name OEM and remanufactured/compatible cartridges.
Here are some basic tips to get you refilling cartridges like a pro as soon as possible.
The Main Goal Of Refilling
Most ink cartridges are relatively simple in design, more or less a bag of ink encased inside a plastic box. The refill must be performed at such a speed that leaking is not caused (refill speed too fast) or that ink fails to permeate throughout the cartridge (refill speed too slow). Basically, we've seeking the happy medium in between.
Preparing For The Refill
- Work over a sink or drain if possible. Avoid working at a desk or near anything of value.
- Wear old or spare clothing to minimize damages incurred by ink stains.
- Check to see if your ink cartridge has an opening that connects to the ink. Otherwise, you may have to drill a hole yourself, which can get complicated depending on your ink cartridge model.
Safety During The Cartridge Refilling Process
- How safe is ink (e.g. what if I accidentally come into contact with the ink)?
- Printer ink is considered non-toxic, as it is mostly composed of water and a tiny portion of alcohol and glycol. If ingestion does occur, there is no need to induce vomiting. On average, printer ink has a toxicity similar to that of laundry detergent. If ink gets into the eye, flush with cold water for at least 15 minutes.
- Gloves are recommended to keep ink as clean and uncontaminated as possible and to prevent getting ink on hands. In some rare cares, people have reported allergies to ink upon contact, including symptoms like hives and shortness of breath. Immediately stop if this occurs, and if symptoms persist or worsen, contact a medical professional.
Materials Needed During The Refilling Process
- If you are new to refilling your own ink cartridges, it is recommended that you go to a site like 4Inkjets or 123Refills and purchase a printer-specific ink refill kit, which will contain all of the components necessary to complete the refill.
- For a true DIY job, some tools that may be needed include:
- A screwdriver (size depending on ink cartridge model)
- Glue or wax (as a sealant)
- Tape
Last Notes
Getting a ready-made refilling kits online from either 4Inkjets or 123Refills is highly recommended for both ease of use and increased ink compatibility.