What does OEM stand for?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM's such as Apple, Canon, Compaq, Epson, Hewlett Packard, and Lexmark are the companies that produce your inkjet printer as well as cartridges that are used in them. We offer both OEM name brand and non OEM name brand products. Because many of our products do not carry the OEM name, we can offer them to you at a lesser cost. Our non OEM name brand products utilize the same printer specific ink as the OEM name brands.

What is a remanufactured cartridge?

A remanufactured cartridge is a cartridge that has been disassembled and its worn parts replaced. The cartridge then receives a new print head, is refilled with ink, and is tested in the factory to guarantee print quality. It is basically the recycling of an empty cartridge. Remanufacturing is considered more comprehensive than recharging or refilling. Your printer's print head cleaning utility (described in your printer's operating manual) should always be run 1-2 times after inserting a remanufactured cartridge.

What is an ink refill kit?

An ink refill kit consists of ink bottles, syringes, and an air balance clip. Refilling is simply the process of injecting ink from the bottles into your existing cartridge. The air balance clip is used to balance the air inside your cartridge, assuring that ink will flow from the cartridge head immediately upon printing. Your printer's print head cleaning utility (described in your printer's operating manual) should always be run 1-2 times after inserting a refilled cartridge.

What should I do when my cartridge's nozzles are blocked with dried ink?

Place the clogged nozzles in a shallow dish filled with warm water and soak them until dried ink begins to flow freely from the nozzle. After several minutes of letting the dried ink flow, remove the nozzle from the water and gently dry it with a soft tissue or cotton swab. Reinstall the cartridge and run the print head cleaning mechanism (described in your printer's operating manual). If this does not work, repeat the procedure. If your cartridge still does not print after repeating, you will need to purchase a new cartridge because the print head of your existing cartridge is probably damaged.

How many times can I refill my existing cartridge?

On average, a cartridge can be refilled 4-5 times. Please keep in mind that this is an average. Each product varies in the number of times it can be refilled. The condition of the cartridge must also be considered.

Will refilling my cartridge void the OEM's warranty on my printer?

NO! This is a common misperception by all printer owners. OEM's have threatened in the past to void printer warranties when cartridges are refilled. Legislation has since prohibited OEM's from voiding warranties for this reason. For more information, search the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act.

It is a violation of the Sherman & Clayton Antitrust Acts for a service technician or printer manufacturer to require you to use any particular brand of supplies. An OEM cannot void your printer's warranty unless they can conclusively prove that other brands of supplies damaged the machine.

What is the proper way to handle my cartridge?

Cartridges should always be handled with care. Do not touch the nozzles. You should keep your cartridges in the protective wrapping until you place them in the printer. If you keep empty cartridges to refill later, they should be stored in an air tight container until you refill them.

What can I do if my printer does not print after refilling my cartridge?

Using the syringe supplied in your refill kit, inject air into the air vent to clean the nozzles. A small amount of ink should be emitted from the nozzles upon injection. If this procedure is ineffective, fill a small dish with warm water and soak the nozzles for approximately 1 hour. After soaking, dry the nozzle using a soft tissue or cotton swab and inject air into the air vent. Reinstall the cartridge, making sure to run the print head cleaning utility (described in your printer's operating manual), and attempt to print again.

What should I do if there are white streaks in my printouts?

Check if the the cartridge is empty. If it is not, place the cartridge on a soft tissue, allowing some ink to leak out. Allow the nozzle to then sit for a few minutes before gently wiping it with a soft tissue or cotton swab. Reinstall the cartridge, run the print head cleaning utility (described in your printer's operating manual) and attempt to print again.

What should I do if ink is continuously flowing from the nozzle?

First check to make sure the rubber stopper is properly placed within the refill hole. If the stopper is properly placed and ink is still flowing, the bladder inside the cartridge has most likely been damaged. You will need to purchase a new cartridge. You can still temporarily use the cartridge by covering the top air vent with a piece of scotch or masking tape.

What should I do if my print quality is poor after refilling?

Using a soft tissue or cotton swab, clean any ink from the nozzle. Reinstall the cartridge, run the print head cleaning utility (described in your printer's operating manual), and attempt to print again. Overfilling your cartridge can often cause this problem.