#Single inklet nozzle cleaning software software#

Some models (including Epson printers) have absorbent pads or sponges in a pan under the print mechanism that collect the waste ink.If you think about the nozzle-cleaning process, you might ask yourself: Where does that waste ink go? Your inkjet printer has a power cord and a parallel or USB data cable, but it doesn't have a waste ink drainpipe, and it doesn't spray that excess ink onto a piece of paper during the cleaning process.įor consumer-level inkjet printers, there seem to be two solutions to this problem: Some of the time you may even find that the clogs get worse! Since this doesn't always clear all of the clogs on the first try, you will sometimes have to run the cleaning cycle more than once. The cleaning function shoots ink through all of the nozzles in an attempt to moisten and dislodge any clogged ink.

#Single inklet nozzle cleaning software software#

Most inkjet printers have a 'cleaning' function you can invoke, either by using the printer software on your computer or by pushing the correct sequence of buttons on the printer's front panel.

(In printers where the print heads and cartridges are a single unit, replacing the ink also replaces the print head, so this particular problem doesn't occur, but the combined cartridge/print heads cost more to replace.)

Changing ink cartridges introduces air into the print head, and the air bubbles interfere with the flow of ink and can also create dried specks of ink inside the cartridge.

The tiny bit of ink at the jet's opening dries up and blocks the nozzle, much like leaving a pen uncapped would dry out the ink at its tip.

There are two main causes of clogged ink jets: Your printer may even have produced large white areas, which occurs when most or all of its jets get clogged. Having a fully functional printer when you need it is important so you keep focused on the task - printing, preserving, and sharing your memories and work with others.If you use an inkjet printer, have you ever seen thin horizontal 'white lines' in your printouts? This is caused by some of the printer's 'jets' getting clogged, which prevents them from spraying their tiny, precisely-formed drops of ink onto the paper. Older Canon machines like the Pro9500 a nozzle check every couple of weeks at minimum, more often in dry locations. As a rule you will not see problems with these models if you turn your printer on every couple of weeks. New Canon printers like the PRO-1000, PRO-2000, and PRO-1 have an automated cleaning function to prevent clogs. Set a calendar reminder on your phone so you will not forget. If you live in a dry environment, do it twice a week. We recommend running a nozzle check at least once every seven days. Running a nozzle check keeps the heads 'charged' and much less likely to clog. The check can be used to prevent head clogs that are the bain of the inkjet printer user.

You can drive yourself mad trying to correct something that a) makes no difference and b) may never work again!Įpson and Canon printers have readily accessible nozzle check systems.

If you do not see a change in color accuracy or lines in the print, you do not have to clean again and again trying to fix the blocked nozzles. In some cases, especially with older printers, you may never get a segment to work again and this is OK. Top Tip - You can continue to print if you only see one to two segments missing in a color. If you have numerous blank areas, a head cleaning is in order. When you look closely at the pattern, any missing sections represent nozzles that are not working. Its primary function is to give you visual evidence that print head nozzle is working properly. The nozzle check is the often forgotten maintenance tool that has surprising utility and power.