Are there any inkjet printers that don't need head cleaning often &

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Level 1

55 points

Are there any inkjet printers that don't need head cleaning often &

that have to be cleaned multiple times to get the printing the way it should look? I have a 3 year old Epson that I can't get it clean enough and give me a good test sheet.

MacBook Pro 2.4 Ghz Core2Duo matte screen, Mac OS X (10.6.5), Lots of other Macs

Posted on Jan 6, 2011 6:13 AM

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Answer 1

varjak paw

Level 10

182,788 points

Jan 6, 2011 7:09 AM in response to iBookmaster

All inkjet printers need head cleaning from time to time; it's the nature of the technology. I've not found Epson printers to be in need of cleaning more often overall than any other brand. Nozzles are more likely to clog if the printer isn't used regularly, one reason why a laser printer is often a better choice if you print only sporadically.

Depending on the model of Epson you have, there may be things you can try beyond the normal cleaning routines, or you may be able to replace the print head. If you'll post your specific model, someone here may be able to offer some suggestions to try.

Regards.

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Answer 2

iBookmaster Author

Level 1

55 points

Jan 6, 2011 8:24 AM in response to varjak paw

Thanks Dave, I was just checking to see who would post brands/models of inkjet printers that don't seem to need frequent head cleanings with the utility app of the printer's software. Which one/one's do you have?

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Answer 3

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

122,700 points

Jan 6, 2011 8:33 AM in response to iBookmaster

I have had a canon pixma for a couple years and have never had to do head cleaning.

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Answer 4

varjak paw

Level 10

182,788 points

Jan 6, 2011 8:50 AM in response to iBookmaster

I've had various models of Epson and HP and all have required head cleaning at some point. Ink formulations have steadily been improved, so current printers are less likely to clog than printers made a few years ago, but any inkjet printer can clog. Again, it really is dependent on how frequently you use your printer.

Regards.

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Answer 5

Jan 6, 2011 10:09 AM in response to iBookmaster

That's consumerism.

There is no interest in making a printer that lasts 5-7 years. My experience with inkjet printers was so bad that it's been more than 5 years since I abandoned them.

As far as I know, EPSON printers are among the best BUT you will have to spend a lot of money in maintenance because they now all have tetrachromia or exachromia (that means not 2 ink cartridges but 4 or 6).

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Answer 6

iBookmaster Author

Level 1

55 points

Jan 6, 2011 4:15 PM in response to Tom Gewecke

Now that's amazing. Good for you. Looks like Canon has got something figured out for sure. Do you ever buy aftermarket cartridges?

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Answer 7

iBookmaster Author

Level 1

55 points

Jan 6, 2011 4:23 PM in response to varjak paw

Well, I retired my Epson Stylus CX4800 all in one today after cleaning cartridges and printing a confirmation sheet for about a half our straight and replacing all of the cartridges without ever getting a good confirmation sheet. I tried to get opinions on the HP OfficeJet Pro 8000 yesterday but, no response. I have done tons of reading reviews on it. Like every printer I looked at, it had plenty of great and plenty of worst printer ever reviews. But, with the XL cartridges, the 8000 is rated at 2200 pgs per black ink cartridge. Which is way up there. Other HP models use this cartridge too and get the same yield.

So, I bought it today for about half price what HP sells it. First day impressions are; it's fast in draft mode. Which actually looks fine quality wise. A little on the washed out side but, just what I am looking for. A good general printer. It does duplexing and is wireless. Time will tell if I end up liking the printer a whole lot. For first day, it's good so far.

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Answer 8

iBookmaster Author

Level 1

55 points

Jan 6, 2011 4:24 PM in response to Tyrexionibus

It is all about money isn't it?

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Answer 9

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

122,700 points

Jan 6, 2011 4:32 PM in response to iBookmaster

Do you ever buy aftermarket cartridges?

No. And this thing (ip6000) has 6 of them, so a total replacement is a small fortune. But I have been much happier with its reliability and output quality than with the HPs and Epsons I used earlier. Head clogging with Epsons drove me away from them.

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