INKJET PRINTER TIPS

 

REMEMBER – INKJET PRINTERS ARE MACHINES WITH MANY MOVING PARTS. LIKE MOTOR CARS, IF YOU USE THEM ALL THE TIME, VERY LITTLE EVER GOES WRONG, BUT PARK THEM UP FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME, RELIABILITY CAN BECOME A PROBLEM.  A FEW TIPS….

 

IF YOUR PRINTER IS USED VERY INFREQUENTLY:

 

1)    Leave it switched on although not in use.  It consumes only a tiny amount of power, but    

       the electronics will keep the print-heads closed, thus stopping the air getting to the inks.   

       This reduces considerably the risk of ink drying-up inside them, causing a blockage.

 

2)    Create a simple word document like the one in the box below, and try to get into the

       habit of printing it every 7-10 days.  It uses very little ink, but keeps the heads in-use and

       lubricated, making any blockage even less likely. 

   

 If you are absolutely certain the cartridge is full but you are missing one or more colors,   

 (having made certain any pull-off tab has been removed) consult your printer manual and run    

 a “print-head cleaning cycle”.  Printer manufacturers are aware of ink drying within print-

 heads and this program is built in to most modern printers to combat the problem.  If one

 cycle doesn’t clear the blockage, try running it 2, 3 or even 4 times if the problem persists.     

 If there are still inks in the cartridges, the blockage should clear and all colors should be

 accurate.

 Remember – printing photo’s, pictures and maps consumes ink very quickly.  A typical   letter or page of text is only 5% covered with ink.  When printing a picture, every square millimetre is covered – 100% - with ink.  Allowing the kids to print internet pictures, maps etc can dramatically increase your printer’s ink consumption. 

 

 The on-screen indicators of remaining ink levels are not always accurate. To avoid 

 suddenly running out just when it’s most inconvenient, always keep spare black and

 color cartridges in hand.