Rebuilding Canon printer cartridge - why many hate printer companies :-)

[Andy]

I have a Canon 2200 MG printer.

I replaced the low capacity black cartridge with a higher capacity cartridge.

As a scientist, I decided to take the old one apart.

As is typical of the "It doesn't need to last" mantra of printer manufacturers, the foam that holds the ink was quite non-absorbent.

The foam was white and the only place it was black was where my needle had punctured the foam and it did not spread very far.

I had previously refilled it twice.

I replaced the foam with a much more absorbent foam and the printer ink soaked in great.

I did multiple cleanings etc. but it won't print correctly.

As much ink as I put in, I expected that ink would be all over the printed page.

Any ideas as to the cause and possible fix ?

 

[Tim Rude]

I have a Canon 2200 MG printer.

I replaced the low capacity black cartridge with a higher capacity cartridge.

As a scientist, I decided to take the old one apart.

As is typical of the "It doesn't need to last" mantra of printer manufacturers, the foam that holds the ink was quite non-absorbent.

The foam was white and the only place it was black was where my needle had punctured the foam and it did not spread very far.

I had previously refilled it twice.

I replaced the foam with a much more absorbent foam and the printer ink soaked in great.

I did multiple cleanings etc. but it won't print correctly.

As much ink as I put in, I expected that ink would be all over the printed page.

Any ideas as to the cause and possible fix ?

First thing I'd try is putting back the original foam. Absorbent foam is
meant to absorb and hold liquids, but you really don't want the foam to
hold the liquid. You want the cartridge to be able to expel the liquid
ink as needed. You may have shot yourself in the foot trying to be clever.

Also, some ink cartridges need a little bit of air pressure inside to
work properly. Not much, just a tiny bit. Not sure about yours. But with
some of the cartridges I used to work with we had a little squeeze bulb
that was used to inject a tiny bit of positive air pressure inside the
cartridge. Too much and the ink would leak out of the jets. But without
it you got spotty (or no) printing.

 

[Andy]

First thing I'd try is putting back the original foam. Absorbent foam is

meant to absorb and hold liquids, but you really don't want the foam to

hold the liquid. You want the cartridge to be able to expel the liquid

ink as needed. You may have shot yourself in the foot trying to be clever.



Also, some ink cartridges need a little bit of air pressure inside to

work properly. Not much, just a tiny bit. Not sure about yours. But with

some of the cartridges I used to work with we had a little squeeze bulb

that was used to inject a tiny bit of positive air pressure inside the

cartridge. Too much and the ink would leak out of the jets. But without

it you got spotty (or no) printing.

Think about what you posted.

Absorbent foam is

meant to absorb and hold liquids, but you really don't want the foam to

hold the liquid. You want the cartridge to be able to expel the liquid

ink as needed. You may have shot yourself in the foot trying to be clever.

Not trying to be clever, but to learn why things happen.

If the purpose of the foam is to expel liquids, why have any foam at all ?

There is a rectangular box at the bottom of the print cartridge, it may be the secret.

Any Canon employees, feel free to chime in.

We won't report you.

Andy

 

[Bob F]

Think about what you posted.
Absorbent foam is
Not trying to be clever, but to learn why things happen.
If the purpose of the foam is to expel liquids, why have any foam at
all ?

There is a rectangular box at the bottom of the print cartridge, it

may be the secret.
Any Canon employees, feel free to chime in.
We won't report you.

I would imagine whatever is there is intended to stabilize the liquid, and wick
it to the print head without seperating the components.

 

[Paul]

There is a rectangular box at the bottom of the print cartridge, it

I would imagine whatever is there is intended to stabilize the liquid, and wick
it to the print head without seperating the components.

When a big company presents a puzzle, look for the patent.

http://www.google.com/patents/US5289212

Paul