Avoiding Ink Spills Due To A Bad Printer Ink Cartridge

2010-11-22

In order to get the most out of your laser ink printer, it is necessary to perform proper maintenance of all components. The most important part of a laser printer is the ink cartridge. If taken care of and refilled frequently, an ink cartridge can give you many years of service. Depending on your volume of printing and use of your printer, a printer ink cartridge normally lasts several weeks to several months before having to be refilled. The original ink cartridge is always included with the purchase of a new printer, but when the time comes to make your first refill, you should carefully evaluate the different types of ink available on the market. Ink spills can damage or even destroy your printer and tend to occur when bad printer ink (ink that is not compatible with the company issued cartridge) is used to refill a cartridge.

Avoiding ink spills will not only insure quality printing but will also extend the life of your printer. One reason that ink spills occur is due to a damaged or broken cartridge. Cartridges contain an electrical chip that notifies you as soon as ink begins to run low. It is vital to take action immediately and to refill cartridge as soon as the warning light comes on. The situation is similar to changing oil or brakes on an automobile, waiting too long to take your car in can cause additional problems that become more expensive to fix. Printer cartridges need to be refilled before the ink completely runs out, otherwise the cartridge will dry out and the passage that allows ink to flow may become clogged with encrusted ink. Once a dried cartridge is refilled ink will not be allow to flow freely and will overflow or leak onto paper. This will ruin the printer quality and will produce runny, smeared copies. If you accidentally allow an ink cartridge to run completely dry, do not waste time trying to refill it. Instead, buy a new ink cartridge (it does not have to be the exact brand model) that is compatible with your printer. If you do buy a generic brand, make sure that the seller is a legitimate company that guarantees their product.

Choosing which ink to purchase when refilling your printer ink cartridge is equally as important as the cartridge itself. Do not be lured into buying bad printer ink just because it is sold at a low price. Verify that the ink is recommended for your exact printer ink cartridge. The printer brand name ink is recommended, but if you choose to buy a cheaper brand, make sure that the ingredients in the ink are similar to the original brand.