When to change printer ink?

[lcoy]

Just wondering, is there any damage caused to the printer (I have a Cannon ip5000) if I wait until the ink runs out before I change the cartridge?

Trying to save ink even though the generic cartridges cost only $3.95.

 

[imported_Stew]

Wait till it runs out.

 

[lcoy]

Thanks for the answer. I didn't think it would be a problem.

 

[corkyg]

Right - the "status" gauge gives you an estimate - not an exact reading. Sort of a heads up. Print until you see fading ink.

 

[Lemon law]

Disagree---Printhead damage can result ---and Canon printheads are expensive to replace.---like you say---clone cartridges are cheap---why risk it?

 

[xgsound]

IP5000 here also. Don't ignore the low ink warning. You absolutely don't want to run out. That said, I remove the suspect ink tank and look at the "saturated cotton". When that wet level gets much lower than the others, I change it. I often get 6 more 8 x 10's or many text prints on a reported low ink cartridge.

The way it appears to me is that the printhead receives it's ink from the wet cotton and the liquid keeps the cotton wet. The low signal appears as soon as the liquid runs dry. So just don't run off a big job without checking the low tank or changing it.


Jim

 

[ForumMaster]

i have the cannon i1550. we change ink when it tells us that there is no ink left or if the prints are faded. it will either be full or low. we just wait until it tells us to change ink. then we do. never had any problem.

 

[Bill Kunert]

Very few printers have the capability to actually monitor ink levels in cartridges. Most of them use an algorithm that predicts useage based upon what you're printing. In newer printers if you refill an empty cartridge and put it right back in the printer is will not show that it is full. My HP 2110 remembers the serial number of thwo cartridges. If I am refilling I need at least 3 carts on hand to assure resetting ink levels. Most inkjets heat the ink to eject it from the nozzle. If there is no ink to heat it will burn out the heaters and render the unit inoperable.

Bill

 

[Seekermeister]

The best solution is to buy a printer that has the heads on the ink cartridges. That way you don't have to worry about damaging or replacing them separately. These ink cartridges may cost a bit more...I'm not sure, but you can always refill them.

 

[Zepper]

When the original Canon Pixmas (iP3000, 4000, 5000, etc.) say Low, you can ignore that. When it stops and says one or more is OUT, then is the time to actually eyeball the tank(s). You can use it down to all that's left is in the sponge.

DO NOT let it go until you see print degradation. The ink also acts as coolant for the printhead - running nozzles dry can cause them to burn out.

.bh.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Zepper
DO NOT let it go until you see print degradation. The ink also acts as coolant for the printhead - running nozzles dry can cause them to burn out.
.bh.

And that is why I like HP Deskjets! 🙂 No worries about printheads. You get new ones in every cartridge. For the low volume, occasional print user, that is the way to go.

 

[Zepper]

Well, you can always toss the clone tanks when they say OUT, and fageddaboudit. Won't need to worry about burning nozzles while saving a ton of money and hassle over HPs with integrated head carts.

.bh.

 

[corkyg]

Like I said - for those of us that only print once in a while, the HP system is better for long term periods of unuse.

I have had Canon and Epson - and both resulted in clogged, dried up heads.

You are on the mark for regular printer users.