safleydj@stat.appstate.edu (10/27/90)
In article <1990Oct8.041430.2899@cbnewsh.att.com>, wcs@cbnewsh.att.com (Bill Stewart 201-949-0705 erebus.att.com!wcs) writes: > The HP Thinkjet is a nice printer. It's REALLY quiet, which is its > big advantage. It works by spraying ink at the paper, and therefore > works better if you use HP's special paper, which absorbs the ink fast > and doesn't smear; with regular paper it helps to let the paper dry > a minute before using it. The print's a bit light. Has anyone figured out a way to re-ink the Thinkjet ink cartridges? I am employed in a state librarthat uses approximately 12 cartridges a month. WeAs we are expecting the use of cartriges to increase and we do not have the money in our budget to accomodate this increase, I am desperate for alternatives.
mikef@hp-ptp.HP.COM (Mike_Forman) (11/01/90)
This is only an opinion, not a carefully researched answer, but... The ThinkJet cartridges use air pressure (the ambient air) to help feed the ink to the print head. The collapsing rubber bladder accomplishes this. Therefore, to refill the cartridge, you would need to find a way to take the plastic apart, remove the bladder without puncturing it, fill it with ink, and reinstall the bladder. Then, if the plastic isn't too badly destroyed, and if the ink is compatible with the printer, and if the jets aren't clogged, it might work. I can't imagine that there is a cost effective way to accomplish this. In addition, there is wear on the electrical contacts with time that would cause the cartridge to stop working, anyway. Having used a ThinkJet for a few years, I can't figure out any way to refill them. Best bet is to find a supplies dealer that will give you a volume discount. Or, ask HP to donate some :-) Once again, the above comments are opinion only, and they do not reflect the official HP position.