HP & Generic Ink

[PleasurePaulie84]

Hi,

I have a new HP Multifunction printer and was wondering if I can use generic ink with it and not void the warranty? I know I can replace the inks if I had to do a warranty return, however does the printer actually not function and log that generic inks have been used?

 

[Zepper]

Welcome to the forums.

nifty-stuff.com is where to go for that sort of info. Some of HP's printers use dye-based black and some use pigmented black (as my K5400 does - supposed to be better for text). Who knows, some may use both blacks like some Canon printers do. I'd want to get black that most closely matches the OEM for my model. Some HP refillers were recently all but put out of business by an HP suit for using reverse-engineered, ink that was identical to HP's patented ink. Staples brand refills were apparently one victim of that suit. AFAIK, all the color inks are dye based but there are several formulas for different HP series. HP cartridges (with integrated print heads) should be refillable 3 to 5 times. I know that Canon printers record the switch to clone tanks or refills on models from the last two years or so, but IDK about HP. I got a set of pre-filled, refillable tanks for my HP K5400 - I suppose I'll be finding out soon as my "Yellow Low" LED is on now and you can't mix the clone tanks with OEM, so I'll have to replace all with the clones when the yellow finally gives out...

You can't be prevented from using refill ink, however, if you do, HP can deny service under Warranty by claiming the damage was due to the generic ink. You could try to force them to prove that the damage was really caused by the ink if you have the time and money for legal services. Most won't find the effort worthwhile - after all, one can buy a great, new printer for $150. or less...

.bh.

 

[PleasurePaulie84]

Wow. Thanks for your welcome and help here!

I will join up at the forum and see if they know anymore.

I have a HP C7280 and it uses HP 02 ink which I know is a dye based ink. The only reason I care about this is that I purchased an extra warranty when I brought the printer - so it has a 3 year warranty isntead of 12 months. So if it somehow logs into the system that generic inks are being used - then they have proof obviously.

I have honestly found the ink pretty bad for text because it runs much worse than my older HP printers ever used to. I was hoping some of the generics were pigment based like my old printer was.

 

[Zepper]

It depends as much on the paper quality as the ink, but you can look around in your driver's advanced settings and you may have an "Ink Volume" setting which you can reduce on a one-shot or for all future printing. Using normal rather than high print quality will also reduce ink volume used to get less spreading. Paper specific for Ink Jet printers is also made to reduce ink spread. Avoid using settings for thicker papers with normal 20 or 24 pound paper. Mine also has an "Overspray" setting that can be dialed back.

I printed a Valentine's card for my mother at Best quality and next to lowest "Overspray" and the edges looked very crisp to my eye, but I also used top quality Staples "photo supreme", two-sided, matte photo paper to print it on - really nice paper for greeting cards. Keep your eye out for sales on similar stuff at Staples and other big-box stores. I got my 50 pack for $5. after rebate.

.bh.