Filling HP cartridges through the print head

[Richard Steinfeld]

I'm curious about the method of filling HP cartridges through the print
head instead of through fill holes. One device I've seen offered is
called the "Snap & Fill" tool.

I can understand how this would be successful in filling a black
cartridge. But how can this work properly in color? The problem that I
envision is that the colors would be contaminated by one another due to
the close proximity at the head itself. How is success achieved in light
of this issue? Or does the technique only work with black?

I've found, also, a different device included in some InkTec kits: their
"Wonderful Suction Device," said to eliminate air pockets. Does anyone
have experience with this? How does it work?

Richard

 

[George E. Cawthon]

I'm curious about the method of filling HP cartridges through the print
head instead of through fill holes. One device I've seen offered is
called the "Snap & Fill" tool.

I can understand how this would be successful in filling a black
cartridge. But how can this work properly in color? The problem that I
envision is that the colors would be contaminated by one another due to
the close proximity at the head itself. How is success achieved in light
of this issue? Or does the technique only work with black?

I've found, also, a different device included in some InkTec kits: their
"Wonderful Suction Device," said to eliminate air pockets. Does anyone
have experience with this? How does it work?

Richard

I think most of the places that sell the snap and
fill tool are clear that it is used only for the
black cartridge.

 

[TJ]

Richard Steinfeld wrote:

I'm curious about the method of filling HP cartridges through the print
head instead of through fill holes. One device I've seen offered is
called the "Snap & Fill" tool.

I can understand how this would be successful in filling a black
cartridge. But how can this work properly in color? The problem that I
envision is that the colors would be contaminated by one another due to
the close proximity at the head itself. How is success achieved in light
of this issue? Or does the technique only work with black?

I've found, also, a different device included in some InkTec kits: their
"Wonderful Suction Device," said to eliminate air pockets. Does anyone
have experience with this? How does it work?

Richard

I'm curious about the method of filling HP cartridges through the print
head instead of through fill holes. One device I've seen offered is
called the "Snap & Fill" tool.

I can understand how this would be successful in filling a black
cartridge. But how can this work properly in color? The problem that I
envision is that the colors would be contaminated by one another due to
the close proximity at the head itself. How is success achieved in light
of this issue? Or does the technique only work with black?

I've found, also, a different device included in some InkTec kits: their
"Wonderful Suction Device," said to eliminate air pockets. Does anyone
have experience with this? How does it work?

Richard

The only Inktec refill kits I have experience with are for the HP 56 and
57 carts. These fill from the top, but there is a snap-on holder where
you connect a syringe to draw (suction?) a small amount of ink through
the print head to eliminate any possible air blocks.

I did have another brand of kit, "Inkman," for my old Deskjet 500 that
filled from the bottom. At first glance I thought it filled through the
print head, but I soon learned that it filled through a vent valve
passage in the bottom. This printer was black-only. The Inkman kit also
had a "wonderful suction device" that was used to set the pressure
balance in the cart. This was applied to the vent on the top.

I had much more success with the Inkman kit than I did with the kits
that required you to drill a fill hole in the top and plug it when done.
BTW, the hardware from the Deskjet 500 kit also fit and worked with the
black carts from the Deskjet 600 series printers. They used different
ink, but the holder and suction device were a perfect fit.

TJ

 

[SteveB]

The InkTec suction device works on the 57 and 58 OK. The idea is to fill as
normal with needles from the top, then suck about 1ml of ink quickly out
through the heads to clear the jets of air and crud and equalise internal
pressures. I've only used it twice and decided it's not really required
IMHO if you fill correctly, and it tends to make a mess, but it's nice to
know I have the tool for helping clear any problems I may have (none so far
that an overnight 'rest' doesn't fix). The ink comes out in such a rush I'm
sure it's effective in its desired function. The ink's good though.

 

[Richard Steinfeld]

The InkTec suction device works on the 57 and 58 OK. The idea is to fill as
normal with needles from the top, then suck about 1ml of ink quickly out
through the heads to clear the jets of air and crud and equalise internal
pressures. I've only used it twice and decided it's not really required
IMHO if you fill correctly, and it tends to make a mess, but it's nice to
know I have the tool for helping clear any problems I may have (none so far
that an overnight 'rest' doesn't fix). The ink comes out in such a rush I'm
sure it's effective in its desired function. The ink's good though.

You know, I've been studying the instructions for filling a few
different HP black cartridges on various ink mongers' web sites. I'm
talking about run-of-the-mill HPs, not the sleazy "price leader" or
serious photo print models.

The instructions that caught my attention used the usual
fill-through-the-hole method. They also said to apply strong pressure to
the cartridge sides while sealing the hole; after sealing the hole,
release the pressure. As I interpret this, when the pressure is
released, a slight vacuum will result, which will suck a little air in
through the print head -- since this is the only place where the
negative pressure can be equalized.

For those who don't know yet, these HP black cartridges contain the ink
in a bladder. The color cartridges are made differently: they contain
the ink in sponges.

One site recommended the use of "pony clamps" for this purpose. So,
having a black cartridge of questionable condition (but one that I'd
kept moist), I stumbled on one of those despicable "ink for everything"
black kits, brought it home, and went at it. The kit was cheap. I had a
set of two plastic clamps from the dollar store (China's best quality),
so I applied it while filling. The clamp applied massive pressure, and
gave me the advantage of holding the cartridge upright while I worked.
After I filled the cartridge, I applied the plug, sealed over the plug
with tape, then removed the clamp. I then just put the cartridge into
the printer and it's been printing away nicely ever since.

Would a "Wonderful Suction Device" work any better than this method?
Would filling through the print head be better? My only concern about
the way that I did it is that the pressure that I applied was so strong,
I'm afraid of breaking the cartridge walls. If this is a great way to do
it, then I should go to a different dollar store and get some weaker clamps.

Richard

 

[tomcas]

I'm curious about the method of filling HP cartridges through the print
head instead of through fill holes. One device I've seen offered is
called the "Snap & Fill" tool.

I can understand how this would be successful in filling a black
cartridge. But how can this work properly in color? The problem that I
envision is that the colors would be contaminated by one another due to
the close proximity at the head itself. How is success achieved in light
of this issue? Or does the technique only work with black?

I've found, also, a different device included in some InkTec kits: their
"Wonderful Suction Device," said to eliminate air pockets. Does anyone
have experience with this? How does it work?

Richard

I have been using the MIS snap and fill for black cartridges for a few
years and they work great. I also use their color cartridge primer to
suck out a couple of CCs when filling. I find I only need to do this
about half the time but it definitely works and saves the head from
burning up when it gets air bombed.
http://www.inksupply.com/snapfill45.cfm
http://www.inksupply.com/accessory.cfm?action=find

 

[Richard Steinfeld]

Thanks. These links look very useful.

Richard

I have been using the MIS snap and fill for black cartridges for a few
years and they work great. I also use their color cartridge primer to
suck out a couple of CCs when filling. I find I only need to do this
about half the time but it definitely works and saves the head from
burning up when it gets air bombed.
http://www.inksupply.com/snapfill45.cfm
http://www.inksupply.com/accessory.cfm?action=find

 

[Bob Headrick]

For those who don't know yet, these HP black cartridges contain the
ink in a bladder. The color cartridges are made differently: they
contain the ink in sponges.

The #15 and #45 cartridges have a bladder, the #56, #28 and #96 are foam
based.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Richard Steinfeld]

The #15 and #45 cartridges have a bladder, the #56, #28 and #96 are foam
based.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, MS MVP Printing/Imaging

Thanks for the correction, Bob.

Richard

 

[Anya]

Hello,Mr.Richard Steinfeld
We are in a strong position to supply Encad, HP, EPSON,MIMAKI, ROLAND,
MUTOH spare parts(e.g printhead , resetter, cutter,damper,trailing
cable,belt, pump,dye ink , pigment ink ,etc.), consumable and third
part supply decode solution .

We would be interested in receiving your inquiries for all types of the
spare part of printer.

To know more detailed information, please access our website
www.highwellglobal.com, and contact me as MSN messenger:
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Richard Steinfeld]

Hello,Mr.Richard Steinfeld
We are in a strong position to supply Encad, HP, EPSON,MIMAKI, ROLAND,
MUTOH spare parts(e.g printhead , resetter, cutter,damper,trailing
cable,belt, pump,dye ink , pigment ink ,etc.), consumable and third
part supply decode solution .

We would be interested in receiving your inquiries for all types of the
spare part of printer.

To know more detailed information, please access our website
www.highwellglobal.com,

What??????

This doesn't seem to have anything to do with my post, and I have a
hunch that the shipping from your country would make my buying parts
rather impractical.

However, perhaps you have some nice cheese or sausages?

Richard

 

[Anya]

well, maybe you are not interest in the spare parts of printers , but
it's not necessary to said that .Send information to the customer and
sell the products , that's my mission.
If you thought I have make you in trouble , I apologize.
Richard Steinfeld 写é“：

 

[Richard Steinfeld]

Anya,

The subject of this thread, and my original post is "Filling HP
cartridges through the print head." The subject of this thread is not
"spare parts."

If you want to sell spare printer parts, please be so kind as to do
either of these two things:

- Add to a thread that's on the subject of "spare parts for printers."
- Start a new topic with an original post about "spare parts for printers."

It appears from your English language web site, that your company
specializes in parts for wide printers. That's not what I'm concerned about.

What you did was the same thing as, let's say, you'd posted a message
about cheese and sausages, and I answered with a post about ink
cartridges. It is good manners in newsgroups to add to a thread about
the same topic that the thread is about.

For example, if you'd given me advice about filling HP cartridges
through the print head, that would have been on-topic. Or, if you'd
mentioned that you sell a device that loads ink into an HP cartridge
through the print head, that would be on-topic. I might even have been
interested in buying from you.

But to add to my topic with an attempt to sell printer parts seems like
the antics of a stereotype used car salesman!

I hope that you understand.

Richard

 

[measekite]

who ray :-D

Anya,

The subject of this thread, and my original post is "Filling HP
cartridges through the print head." The subject of this thread is not
"spare parts."

If you want to sell spare printer parts, please be so kind as to do
either of these two things:

- Add to a thread that's on the subject of "spare parts for printers."
- Start a new topic with an original post about "spare parts for
printers."

It appears from your English language web site, that your company
specializes in parts for wide printers. That's not what I'm concerned
about.

What you did was the same thing as, let's say, you'd posted a message
about cheese and sausages, and I answered with a post about ink
cartridges. It is good manners in newsgroups to add to a thread about
the same topic that the thread is about.

For example, if you'd given me advice about filling HP cartridges
through the print head, that would have been on-topic. Or, if you'd
mentioned that you sell a device that loads ink into an HP cartridge
through the print head, that would be on-topic. I might even have been
interested in buying from you.

But to add to my topic with an attempt to sell printer parts seems
like the antics of a stereotype used car salesman!

I hope that you understand.

Richard

 

[Bob Headrick]

Anya,

The subject of this thread, and my original post is "Filling HP
cartridges through the print head." The subject of this thread is not
"spare parts."

If you want to sell spare printer parts, please be so kind as to do
either of these two things:

- Add to a thread that's on the subject of "spare parts for printers."
- Start a new topic with an original post about "spare parts for
printers."

And the third thing to do is pick an appropriate newsgroup.
Comp.periphs.printers is *not* a forsale group and sale items are not
welcome here.

- Bob Headrick