Reviving Clogged Print Head Jets: Tips and Tricks for Inkjet Printers

  • Thread starter Thread starter jmnew51
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Head
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for unclogging print head jets in inkjet printers, particularly focusing on experiences and techniques shared by users. The scope includes practical tips, personal experiences, and considerations for printer maintenance and replacement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Jim, describes his attempts to unclog the print head by soaking it in water and methanol, expressing frustration over the cost of ink and print heads.
  • Another participant shares their experience of needing to replace their printer after unsuccessful cleaning attempts, suggesting that isopropyl alcohol might be a viable solution before purchasing a new printer.
  • Jim mentions that after using alcohol, the print head appears clear, but he still experiences issues with printing quality, leading him to suspect a malfunction in the print head mechanism itself.
  • There is a suggestion for Jim to consider a black and white laser printer if color printing is not essential.
  • Jim responds that he requires color printing and finds color laser printers to be too expensive and bulky, seeking recommendations for a good inkjet printer instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying experiences and solutions regarding print head clogs, with no consensus on the best method for unclogging or the necessity of replacing the printer. Multiple competing views on printer types and brands are also present.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention different cleaning methods and their effectiveness, but there are unresolved questions about the longevity of print heads and the implications of using certain cleaning agents.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals experiencing issues with inkjet printer maintenance, those considering printer replacement, and users seeking practical advice on cleaning techniques may find this discussion relevant.

jmnew51
Messages
96
Reaction score
0
I know I've been asking a lot of questions lately, but here's another.
Does anyone know of a way to unclog the jets on the print head of an inkjet printer? I have the kind of printer where the print head and ink tanks are separate. I've tried disassembling and soaking them in water, warm water overnight, with limited results. Right now I'm soaking them in methanol. Don't know what that'll do. Maybe destroy them? No big deal. I can't get them to spit out a drop of ink anyway. I'm just tired of paying high prices for ink and print heads They cost more than I paid for the printer new.

Thanx again.

Jim
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
This has happened to me before. Usually it happens when I don't use my printer for like three weeks. I tried cleaning it by printing out patterns and what not, and I also did the manual cleaning. But no luck, so I had to buy a new one :( Mayb that's the case for you also.

Someone told me that isopropyl alcohol sometimes solves it. Give it a try before you waste all that money.
 
Yes. I tried the alcohol and all the pores in and thru the print head are clear. I verified this, but when I try to print with it it spits and sputters all over the paper. I think the print head mechanism itself may be malfuntioning, because when I try to print high res. nothing comes out at all. You see I refill the ink tanks myself, but I think the print head itself also has a finite life and doesn't last indefinetely.
Maybe it's time for a new inkjet.
Any suggestions?? What's good out there? I'm not looking for speed.
Thanx
Jim
 
If you don't need colour prints, get a b/w laser printer.
 
The idea of a laser printer is great, but yeah I do need color and a color laser printer is too expensive and too bulky right now. Soooo inkjet it is. Any ideas? What's a good brand/model??
Thanx
Jim