REFILLING TIPS
(HOW TO SAVE MONEY $$$)

The average cartridge can usually be refilled 2 to 6 times.
With the average cartridge refill saving 20% to 70% over the cost of buying a new one, it makes sense that the more refills you can get out of a cartridge, the more money you can save. If you can refill your cartridge 6 times instead of purchasing a new one each time, the savings would be substantial. So, here are some tips on how to look after your cartridge to get the longest possible life out of it.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CARTRIDGE

A print head works by super heating the ink, which causes it to expand and shoot through the microscopic holes. This happens thousands of times per second through each of the sometimes hundreds of openings contained on the printhead. The printhead needs the liquid ink to be running through to keep it cool (much like a car needs oil to keep cool).

The main cause of a cartridges lifespan being shortened is running a cartridge completely dry. If the cartridge continues to be used when a colour has run out, or partially run out, the print head will start to burn out.

If the cartridge is used when empty it can also cause damage to the circuitry as well as the printhead. The only remedy is a brand new cartridge. Cartridges also do not like being left out when empty, the ink dries in the printhead nozzles causing blockages that sometimes cannot be cleared. When a cartridge is empty, it should be placed in a sealed bag or container with a damp tissue.

If your ink cartridge is just an ink tank with no printhead or electronics then placing the cap on is OK, and you dont need to put a damp tissue in the bag.

With many printers not giving any indication as to how much ink is left, running dry can sometimes be inevitable, however most newer machines have a “Low Ink” warning, or, failing that, stop at the first sign of fading print and refill, as continuing will shorten the cartridges life and cost more money in the long run.

Remember "A stitch in time, saves nine"

Things you can do to help get the most refills.

• Call Captain Cartridge to organise refilling as soon as you are aware your cartridge is nearly empty. (Putting it off may mean spending more later.) Stop printing at the first sign of any ink running out or if possible just before. If faded print does not improve with one or two printhead cleans, its time for a refill or new cartridge.

• If possible store in a ziplock bag or airtight container with a damp cloth or tissue while awaiting refilling, this will slow down the drying out process and minimise blockages.

• Do not put shipping clips or tape back over the printhead on a colour cartridge as this can cause colours to bleed together, the remedy for this is often a new cartridge.

• Avoid touching the copper connections and printhead on cartridges.

• If you are concerned about having no time, don’t worry, we come to you at a convenient time.

Whilst we are filling your cartridge we will usually offer to ‘top up’ the other cartridge(s). If it is not completely empty we charge 75% or 50%. So now there’s no excuse for not getting the most refills out of your cartridge and saving money.

Call 5493 2000
For FREE DELIVERY