A Primer on Printing
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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
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For corrections/comments/suggestions, please contact me via the Sci.Electronics.Repair
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