HP HP51626A, 2500 C, HP51638A, HP51633M, HPC6117A User Manual

Hewlett-Packard Disposable Cartridge

Maintenance Manual

(Applicable to the Following Cartridges: HP51626A, HP51638A,

HP51633M, HPC6117A, HP51640(A,C,M,Y), HP51641A, HPC6105A,

HPC1823A, HPC6116A, HP51645A, HPC6104A, HPC6168A,

HPC6169A, and HPC6170A.)

Rev :X3 11/11/99

out for

Wo

rth reading

remember

Watch Out!

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................3

1.1. TIJ Background ......................................................................................................... 3

2. PEN CARE.................................................................................................................4

2.1. Set-up....................................................................................................................... 4

2.2. Storage..................................................................................................................... 4

2.3. Disposal.................................................................................................................... 4

3. PRINTHEAD AND INTERCONNECT CARE.......................................................5

3.1. Inserting and Removing the Print Cartidge .................................................................. 5

3.2. Wiping ...................................................................................................................... 5

3.3. Purging the Nozzles………………………………………………………………………………8

4. PEN FAILURE ANALYSIS....................................................................................10

4.1. Troubleshooting Guide .............................................................................................10

5. SUPPLIES ORDERING INFORMATION............................................................11

5.1. Tex Wipes ...............................................................................................................11

5.2. DI Water.................................................................................................................12

Figures

Figure 1. Anatomy of a Printhead .........................................................................................3

Figure 2. Wiping Directions .................................................................................................. 6

Figure 3. Wiping Directions .................................................................................................. 7

Figure 4. Wiping Directions ................................................................................................. 7

Icons:

Stuff to watch

TIP

Shortcut or

Stuff to

Don’t Forget

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1. INTRODUCTION

This document acts as a guide for the maintenance and care of Hewlett-Packard
disposable print cartidge products including the HP51626A, HP51638A,
HP51633M, HPC6117A, HP51640(A,C,M,Y), HP51641A, HPC6105A,
HPC1823A, HPC6116A, HP51645A, HPC6168A, HPC6169A, HPC6170A, and
HPC6104A. Each pen consists of a printhead and a pressurized ink source.

1.1 Background on Thermal Inkjet Technology

The disposable Hewlett-Packard cartridges are used in drop-on-demand thermal
inkjet systems. Inkjet systems fire small drops of ink to form text and images on
various types of medium.
Thermal inkjet uses a firing resistor to vaporize a small amount of ink. The
vaporization process causes a small bubble to form. This bubble formation causes
a small drop of ink to be forced out of the firing chamber through the nozzle.
Figure 1 shows the major components of the thermal inkjet system. In the figure,
the entire ink supply is located near the printhead of the print cartridge. This is
the case for all of the Hewlett Packard disposable print cartridges. Back pressure
is controlled in the local ink supply by a spring or foam which prevents the ink
from seeping out of the nozzles. The filter screen keeps any large particles or air
bubbles away from the firing chambers. Bubbles or particles in the firing
chambers will prevent ink from coming out of the nozzle when the resistor heats
up. There is a firing resistor for every nozzle on the printhead.

Ink Supply
(Local or Bulk)

Filter Screen

Firing
Resistor

Substrate

Ink Barrier

Orifice
Surface

Nozzle

Standpipe

Section
of a
Printhead

Figure 1: Anatomy of a Printhead

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relatively free from dust and not too dry.

Don’t Forget

2. PRINT CARTRIDGE CARE

2.1 Set-up

TIP

Once the cartridge is out of the box it can be easily snapped into the carriage. It is
important to remove the tape from the printhead before the cartridge is snapped
into place. The cartridge will not function with the tape still in place.

2.2 Storage

Short-term storage is defined as less than 2 days or less than 1 day in a hot and
dry environment. Long-term storage is defined as more than 2 days or more than
1 day in a hot and dry environment.

Short-term Storage

If the printing system has a capping station:
? Leave the cartridges in the printer

If the printing system does not have a capping station:

? Leave the cartridges in the machine for a short period of time
? The next time that the printer is used, the printhead will have to be

cleaned as instructed in the Printhead Maintenance section

Long-term Storage

If the printing system has a capping station:

? Leave the cartridges in the printer

If the printing system does not have a capping station do the following:
? Keep the printhead in an area that is relatively free of dust and paper

particles and is not too dry

? Place the cartridges in a Tupperware container with a damp sponge or

towel to maintain humidity and prevent the printhead from drying out

? When the cartridges are ready to be used again the printhead will need

to be cleaned as instructed in the Printhead Maintenance section

2.3 Disposal

? The cartridges may be disposed of in normal garbage
? If there should be an ink spill, use soap and water to clean up any

problem areas. Lava brand soap also works well to get the ink off of
hands.

- It is important to take the tape off of the cartridge before it is placed in its holder.

- If the printing system has a capping station, leave cartridge in printer.

- If the printing system does not have a capping station, keep the cartridge in an area that is

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