A Primer on Printing
The priming station of a typical ink-jet printer
(e.g., HP DeskJet 500C) includes a rubber seal
('boot') and small pump to actually suck on the end
of the print cartridge to free up nozzles (there are
50 or more in a typical print cartridge) that have
dried up or become clogged. It may fire all the
nozzles at some point during this process as well.
It also includes rubber 'flappers' which the end of
the cartridge pass over to wipe off excess ink.
Priming and cleaning are normally done automatically
upon power-on and possibly between pages. However,
additional cycles may be needed at times.
With the water based ink, even if the printer is
powered off properly which seats the cartridge(s) on
a rubber seal, some evaporation occurs so priming
will often be needed after it sits idle for a while.
Note: Don't kill power to an ink-jet printer as soon
as your printout pops free - it needs to position
the printhead and cartridge(s) on the rubber boots.
Wait until the printhead stops moving and clunking.
Some (older) printers don't even have a seal in
which case letting it sit idle is even more likely
to result in problems.
If there has been ink spilled into the priming area,
it may clog up the little hose connecting the
priming station to the pump - I have used a wooden
toothpick to clear the hole though this may be risky
if it should break off. With care, a wire rounded
off at the end so as not to puncture the tubing can
also be used. Complete disassembly and washing of
the parts is probably the best but is probably a
pain. Search below for great deals on all of your
printing needs, including printer cartridges, toner
cartridges, ink refill kits, cleaning cartridges,
printer paper, and much more.
Printer and Photocopier Troubleshooting and Repair
Collection
Version 2.48
Copyright © 1996-2001
Samuel M. Goldwasser
--- All Rights Reserved ---
For corrections/comments/suggestions, please contact
me via the
Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ Email Links Page.
Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is
permitted if both of the following conditions are
satisfied:
1. This notice is included in its entirety at the
beginning.
2. There is no charge except to cover the costs of
copying.
<<
Back to Inkjet Articles
|
