[Book]

Hello,

Today I tried refilling my cartridge with some bulk ink that I don't remember where I got from (I know I should use some appropriate ink for each cartridge but anyway). So, I picked up a syringe and a needle, sucked some ink and used a random hole on the cartridge to sink the needle as deep as it can get and then slowly add the ink.

However even when I added quite some, I couldn't get the cartridge to print. So I took apart the cover (which wouldn't come up, so I had to break it), and inside there was a foam rubber filling ALL of the cartridge, and which was sucking up all the ink. I took it out, then filled the cartridge with pure ink, then put it back in. Now I can print stuff with this broken cartridge (the first time though the printhead got a little messed up in ink, but after cleaning it, it had no problem).

About the next time:

How should I know in which hole to insert the needle in the cartridge, or does this not matter?
What the purpose of that stupid foam materieal, sucking up all the ink?
Couldn't the needle damage the cartridge if inserted so deeply?

Thanks!

[xgerryx]

You need to use common sense and practical knowledge. There will obviously be some form of instruction with your bulk ink.

[Knotbored]

Ink cartridge filling and tattooing should only be done by experts knolegable of the body parts being injected.

[Book]

Hell, never mind, I just did it myself using some info on google, it's not too hard, it's not only for experts, you only need a little understanding of the mechanism.

[kiwiguy]

The foam is fully impregnated with ink. It's not designed to have it sloshing about.

[Elvandil]

There are times when my cartridges get plugged with dried ink. In that case, I just place the head straight down on a wet paper towel a few times until I see all 3 colors equally and cleanly. The ink is highly water-soluble and easily cleaned with water (until even partial drying).

But which hole to use requires using the directions or close examination. It does matter which hole and mixing colors can lead to real problems. Some inks are also thickened, probably to prevent refilling, and they will run right out of the cartridge when filled. Read the directions that come with the ink--they are sometimes pretty good.

[deddhedd]

look in the local dollar storees
i found all colors and black ink tubes for a buck each.
bought about 20 of them, for all the printers. I cannot tell the difference between the dollar ink and the $40 Lexmark ink.
peace
Nick

[JohnWill]

Personally, I experimented with refilling inkjet cartridges and using rebuild laser cartridges. I finally got tired of the low quality results and I just buy the branded ones nowadays.

[Elvandil]

Originally Posted by deddhedd

look in the local dollar storees
i found all colors and black ink tubes for a buck each.
bought about 20 of them, for all the printers. I cannot tell the difference between the dollar ink and the $40 Lexmark ink.
peace
Nick

LOL. I did the same thing. I knew that if I didn't buy them all, they would be gone the next day. And even though I would have been happy with somewhat inferior printing with ink that cheap, even my photos came out beautifully. I'll probably never need to buy ink again.