Three Common Printer Errors Caused By Printer Ink

2010-09-06

After investing time on an important presentation or document, it can be exasperating to have the hard copy ruined by printer errors. Three common errors are actually caused by faulty printer ink cartridges and the ink itself. Ink smearing, white horizontal lines, and even failure to print at all can all be caused by faulty printer ink cartridges.

When ink smudges on a document, it is generally a sign that too much ink has built up on the print head. As papers are printed, excess ink can sometimes be left to dry on the print head and will build up over time. The surplus ink can smudge onto the documents that are being printed causing unsightly smearing. The best way to prevent this type of printer error is to clean the print head on occasion, but sometimes, the print head may be too old or too damaged to properly clean and the only solution is to replace it.

Another common printer error is white horizontal lines running through a document. This is caused by clogged nozzles on the printer ink cartridge. If the cartridge is old and used infrequently, the ink inside may just dry up over time and cause clots in the microscopic ink nozzles. When printer ink cartridges run out of ink and sit unused for an extended length of time, the ink inside may also dry out. When the old cartridge is then refilled with new ink, the dried bits of old ink clog the ink nozzles and prevent ink from flowing properly. Always be sure to maintain proper ink levels in ink cartridges and refill them promptly or completely replace them as needed.

Perhaps the most frustrating of all printer errors is when the printer experiences a complete failure to print. This may happen for a few different reasons, but one reason is that the sensor on the ink cartridge has been damaged. Handling the cartridge improperly during the installation or refilling process can cause this sort of sensor damage. The sensor on the ink cartridge is the area that communicates with the printer to complete a print job. When this is scratched or damaged, it is unable to properly communicate with the printer causing documents to print improperly or not at all. To prevent this, always be sure to handle the printer ink cartridge with care and to keep the manufacturer's seal on the sensor until the cartridge is ready to be inserted in the printer.

By understanding these three common printer errors, it is easier to prevent them. With proper care and maintenance of your printer ink cartridges, you can help ensure documents print properly every time.