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A primer on priming
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.
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