Do you test ink cartridges after you fill them?
Every ink cartridge goes through a comprehensive print test prior to delivery to you. We test by printing from a computer. We do not use the quick print test that can be run directly from many printers, as this does not thoroughly test your cartridge and ensure that it will print properly.
I didn’t use my inkjet printer for 6 months, and then it printed blank pages. What’s wrong?
It’s very possible that the ink has dried up either in the cartridges and/or in the printer. Your printer may have a cleaning cycle that you should run (perhaps several times).
In printers that use cartridges with integrated print heads (most HP, Lexmark, Dell, and some older Canon), then the cartridge may have dried up. Try cleaning the print head by pressing a damp paper towel to it for a few seconds. Let it dry and then try printing again. If that doesn’t work, you will likely have to replace your cartridge.
For Epson, Brother, and most Canon printers that use ink tanks, it may be that the cartridges alone have dried out, but it is also very possible that ink has dried up in the print heads. You can try running the cleaning cycle one or more times. If that doesn’t work, you may have to replace the print heads, which can be costly or not economically practical.
My printer isn’t working. Does it make sense to have it fixed?
It depends. As prices of machines have come down, you will need to assess the value in spending money to fix them versus just buying new. Plan on $80-$120 per hour for labor plus parts. Don’t necessarily go by what you originally paid for your machine, as replacing it today will likely cost much less. But many printers and copiers are clearly worth fixing.
What is a drum?
Drums are what actually lays toner on the paper. Some toner cartridges have integrated drum units, including those used in most HP and Lexmark printers. When you replace the toner in these machines, you are also replacing the drum.
Some machines have separate drums, including many Brother, Sharp, Xerox, and other manufacturers’ equipment. You will need to periodically replace the drum unit in these machines.
