Ink refills... do they harm your printers?

Question

I've seen some ads of Epson and HP I think. They advertise to get only original ink cartridges to replace empty ones and not settle for refills because they harm the printer. Is it true? Or is it just another marketing strategy?

Answer 1

You can refill a couple times... after that, I recommend you change the cartridge because yes, it does have a negative effect on your printer. But not if you replace cartridge after every couple refills or so.

Answer 2

HP, Epson, and others have been saying this for years. From what I understand, there is some truth to it.

Some ink refillers aren't careful in using the right kind of ink for a particular model (all ink is not the same). So in that regard, you could end up damaging the print head which can be costly to fix. In fact, it wouldn't make sense to spend the money to fix it if that happens, as replacing the printer with a new one wouldn't cost much more.

Now many HP and Canon models incorporate the print head in each cartridge. That makes the cartridges a little more expensive, but at least you're getting a new one each time you change the ink tanks out. So if that is the case with your printer, you should only refill the ink tanks one or two times before you replace it (like someone above said). The print head in those situations isn't meant for long life.

So because you can get away with it if it's done right, that's why I say there is "some" truth to that statement. Of course, I think HP, especially, charges too much for their ink cartridges. So without a doubt, part of that claim is for marketing too.

Answer 3

Best advice? Don't refill yourself.. try to shop around on the net if the price of ink cartridges are hurting your budget. You can find specials or deals in online surplus stores or factory direct merchants. You can also buy in bulk which would save you bundle (either online or large warehouse/retail outlets such as Costco or SAM's Club) There are some decent and proven third party or off brand ink cartridge companies but it's best if you use HP only ink in your HP printer.

Answer 4

I use a "Continuous Ink Supply System" in comparative terms, a cartridge full of ink costs about 10% of the cost of a cartridge. I have used equivalent 18 X 6 carts (6 colour printer), work out just how much I have saved!!!! a small fortune, and the printer is fine.....
Original carts may be fine for the printer, but harm your pocket....

Answer 5

as a matter of fact, they can especially if you don't know what you're doing and you're trying to refill the ink cartridge by yourself. sometimes, the ink cartridge may leak, spilling the ink to your printer, hence damaging it. have it refilled by a professional refiller or purchase epson and have it fitted with continuous ink system.

http://www.continuousink.com/products.asp?cat=21

they are applicable to some hp and other printers too but they are most compatible with epson. they are the cheapest alternative to high-priced ink and refilling cis is much much easier than refilling the individual cartridges.

Answer 6

Definite marketing strategy. That's why the manufacturers of the ink cartridges have stopped shipping out the refillable cartridges..to make more profit.

Answer 7

it seems to me that if it's a clean and professional refill it should be fine. my husband teaches computers and he likes refills. i think that it wouldn't hurt to alternate, as other answerers suggested.

Answer 8

there are several real good reviews talking about CIS and 3rd party inks

http://www.inkrepublic.com/reviews.asp

Answer 9

it is a lie, you can get this filled but maybe once or twice.