Printer Ink Cartridges And How They Work And Why They Can Dry Up

2010-04-03

It only makes sense to get the most out of any purchase made, and printer ink cartridges are not excluded. Ink is a recurring expense in both home and business offices, and it is not inexpensive. Knowing how ink cartridges work and why they can sometimes dry up can go a long way towards maintaining cartridges and getting the most out of them.

Printer ink cartridges are essentially ink reservoirs connected to a series of small nozzles that allow small dots of ink to be released. The series of small nozzles are referred to as the print head, one of the most heavily used parts of any printer system. The print head typically forces ink out by one of two means - heat or vibration. Some manufacturers' cartridges do not have built-in print heads, and this often becomes a problem. If the small nozzles in the print head become clogged, the ink in the reservoir can dry out and the printer won't be able to print until the print head is replaced. This is why many printer ink manufacturers now include a print head in the printer ink cartridge itself; the heavily used part is then replaced every time new ink is bought, maintaining printer cartridge quality but also contributing to the high cost of cartridges.

Several things can be done to prevent printer ink from drying out. Aside from printing on a regular basis to prevent clogging, storing the ink properly can prolong the life of any printer ink cartridge. Cartridges should always be stored in the original packaging. The vacuum seal on the packaging offers the most protection from air entering the cartridge and drying out the ink. Additionally, ink should be stored in a cool, dry place. Both heat and light can change the properties of the ink and cause it to dry up. Cartridges should also be stored in an upright position, as this prevents the ink flow from being obstructed by possible clogs. Even partially used cartridges can be stored in such a way that they can be used later without having the ink in them dry out. In those cases, the ink should be placed in a plastic, zipper-sealed bag along with a slightly damp towel or sponge. Like a brand new printer ink cartridge, a partially used one should also be stored in a cool, dry place and in an upright position. These steps won't prevent the ink from drying out forever, but they will prolong the life of the cartridge and maintain printer cartridge quality for some time.

Properly storing printer ink, along with printing on a regular basis, can easily prevent ink from drying out prematurely.