First time refilling advice

[Sandra D'Uva]

I have always bought replacement cartridges and now I would like to attempt refilling and would like advice and suggestions on how to get started and what/ where to buy what I need.

My printer is HP 3522 (564 ink). The cartridges in there now are the original, less ink ones that the machine came with. Can I use the original cartridges that came with the unit or I need to buy new empty cartridges and the ink to fill them? Should I buy a kit, or buy empty cartridges and ink separate? Should I buy the XL or regular cartridges? Where is the best place to buy these items?

Any suggestions of where and what to buy so I can get started on my first refill?

 

[Smile]

Since your carts have integrated print head it's not recommended to buy used ones from ebay since they can be stored not properly and be dry when you get them.

I would recommend using original carts and refilling them until they die.

 

[PeterBJ]

HP564XL in US or HP364XL in Europe are similar to the Canon PGI-5/CLI-8 cartridges, except that the HP cartridges are totally opaque, and no resetter exists for the chips. The non-XL or standard version of the cartridges have the ink chamber sealed off, so only the sponge can be refilled.

I think the easiest way to refill the non-XL version of the cartridges would be drip filling through the ink outlet. Turn the cartridge upside down and drip refill ink into the ink outlet. As long as the cartridge absorbs the ink readily, you can continue to add ink. When the cartridge stops absorbing the ink quickly or the ink outlet becomes visibly wet, stop. Place the cartridge in a shallow tray, in normal position with the ink outlet down and check that it doesn't drip or leak. If it does then it is overfilled. You can then wick out excessive ink by using a paper towel or similar.

The XL version of the cartridges can be refilled in the same was as the similar Canon cartridges. As these cartridges are opaque I would recommend top filling them.

Seal the ink outlet by reattaching the original orange clip using rubber bands or if a special aftermarket storage clip is available this might be more convenient to use. Now peel off some of the top label on the cartridge starting from the cartridge locking clip. Only remove enough of the label to uncover the factory fill hole, sealed with a small plastic ball. Use a push-pin or heated needle to drill a starting hole in the plastic ball. Don't drill all the way through the ball. Use a small eyelet screw as a miniature corkscrew to extract the ball.

Now fill ink into the reservoir, but not more than 1 cm or slightly more than 3/8" of ink from the bottom of the reservoir. Use a wooden cocktail stick or toothpick to gauge the level. Now seal the vent using tape, sticky fix, blu-tack or similar, and fill the ink reservoir almost to the top. If the plastic ball was not damaged, it can be reinserted, else silicone plugs for Canon cartridges also fit the HP cartridges. If you reuse the ball, the seal should be doubled using a piece of aluminium tape to guard against leaks. Air leaks into the ink reservoir will cause the cartridge to leak. After having sealed the ink reservoir, remove first the vent seal and then the ink outlet seal. Place the cartridge in a shallow tray and check that it doesn't leak. A drop or two leaked is OK, but the cartridge must not continue to leak.

Here are some "first aid" tips in case anything goes wrong with the refill: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1925

 

[Sandra D'Uva]

HP564XL in US or HP364XL in Europe are similar to the Canon PGI-5/CLI-8 cartridges, except that the HP cartridges are totally opaque, and no resetter exists for the chips. The non-XL or standard version of the cartridges have the ink chamber sealed off, so only the sponge can be refilled.

I think the easiest way to refill the non-XL version of the cartridges would be drip filling through the ink outlet. Turn the cartridge upside down and drip refill ink into the ink outlet. As long as the cartridge absorbs the ink readily, you can continue to add ink. When the cartridge stops absorbing the ink quickly or the ink outlet becomes visibly wet, stop. Place the cartridge in a shallow tray, in normal position with the ink outlet down and check that it doesn't drip or leak. If it does then it is overfilled. You can then wick out excessive ink by using a paper towel or similar.

The XL version of the cartridges can be refilled in the same was as the similar Canon cartridges. As these cartridges are opaque I would recommend top filling them.

Seal the ink outlet by reattaching the original orange clip using rubber bands or if a special aftermarket storage clip is available this might be more convenient to use. Now peel off some of the top label on the cartridge starting from the cartridge locking clip. Only remove enough of the label to uncover the factory fill hole, sealed with a small plastic ball. Use a push-pin or heated needle to drill a starting hole in the plastic ball. Don't drill all the way through the ball. Use a small eyelet screw as a miniature corkscrew to extract the ball.

Now fill ink into the reservoir, but not more than 1 cm or slightly more than 3/8" of ink from the bottom of the reservoir. Use a wooden cocktail stick or toothpick to gauge the level. Now seal the vent using tape, sticky fix, blu-tack or similar, and fill the ink reservoir almost to the top. If the plastic ball was not damaged, it can be reinserted, else silicone plugs for Canon cartridges also fit the HP cartridges. If you reuse the ball, the seal should be doubled using a piece of aluminium tape to guard against leaks. Air leaks into the ink reservoir will cause the cartridge to leak. After having sealed the ink reservoir, remove first the vent seal and then the ink outlet seal. Place the cartridge in a shallow tray and check that it doesn't leak. A drop or two leaked is OK, but the cartridge must not continue to leak.

Here are some "first aid" tips in case anything goes wrong with the refill: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1925

Thank you for that detailed description! Any suggestion where/ what ink to buy. I am willing to buy it online but there are so many types, sizes it seems. Also, I see kits out there. Can you specifically suggest where/ which ink to buy?

 

[Smile]

I can recommend http://www.octopus-office.de/

 

[PeterBJ]

Hi Sandra D'Uva

I guess you are located in the US as your printer uses the HP564(XL) cartridges. A brand of refill ink that is preferred by many members is Image Specialists, that is sold by Precision Colors, but the HP page is still under construction. You could try contacting the company and ask if they also have inks suitable to your printer. Link here: http://www.precisioncolors.com/contact.html

 

[Tigerman]

you can also try this site, it simple and complete:
http://www.inksupply.com/product-details.cfm?pn=REF-HP501-KIT&printerID=0

also you can get cartridges volume at:
http://www.hp.com/pageyield/en-019/searchResults.html?cCode=us,st=cartridge,ss=564