Installing a CISS on a printer
Surely, many computer owners have heard of such an accessory as the CISS or the continuous ink supply system. How the process of operation of this device works, why it is needed, and how the CISS is installed on the printer, we will try to learn all this from this article.
to contents ↑CISS - basic concepts
Before buying a printer, most users try to find out as much information as possible about laser and inkjet printing technology. Therefore, probably, it makes no sense to describe all the advantages and disadvantages of each type of printing device. If this and other information on the principles of operation of such a technique still interested you, then follow the link to a separate article “How to choose a printer for home use?”.
And here we immediately turn to the main question: what is the CISS or the continuous ink supply system?
Probably all users know that the print head in inkjet printer models is connected by ink cartridges. The ink tanks themselves are very small and need constant refueling. Installing a continuous ink supply system to the printer solves most of the problems associated with filling ink into cartridges.
to contents ↑Important! On the part of the CISS, it looks like a system that communicates vessels between large ink cans and printer containers.
CISS - installation options
As for the types of CISS, in the modern market you can find two main varieties:
- This accessory can be presented as a standalone solution that is compatible with most modern printing devices. However, it is worth saying that office equipment manufacturers do not welcome such a solution. They quickly deprive users who decide to install CISS on a printer themselves of warranty service options.
- You can also meet combined species, in which the CISS is already present. Such printers and MFPs are very popular in the expensive price segment. Often, such devices are designed to print large amounts of color information. Therefore, the manufacturer himself is interested in the fact that the buyer bought his products for use.
CISS: basic parameters
Now that we have explained what constitutes a continuous ink supply system, we can proceed directly to the consideration of the main characteristics of this device.
Strange as it may sound, the volume of capacities in the CISS does not play a big role. Unlike integrated cartridges located on the print head, containers in the CISS are available for maintenance. The user can independently fill ink in cans even during the printing process. To compare the process, see the step-by-step procedure for replacing a print cartridge.
The main indicator of this system is ergonomics. All users, without exception, are interested in the convenience of installing this accessory, as well as the possibility of placing it near the printer on the table. Today on the market you can find many different options for CISS. Some manufacturers present plastic containers pulled together by a strap, others offer a full-fledged unit that can be placed away from the printer.
to contents ↑Important! Of course, the latter option will be preferable, since the printer itself can take up too much space on the desktop.
Branded products
Plastic containers and a multitude of tubes are likely to be introduced by most users of a continuous ink supply system in a stupor. Manufacturers from China do not pamper the user with turnkey solutions. Because of this, many experts in the field of office equipment and printing are advised to purchase only branded products from eminent manufacturers of consumables.
At least there is always a set of similar products with instructions for installing a CISS on a printer.
to contents ↑Important! Of course, you can carry out the installation yourself, using the installation instructions found on the Internet. But in this case, no one will guarantee that you will be able to correctly connect all the cartridges to the tubes, without violating the air exchange system of the bypass valve.
Trust in professionals
Builders must deal with construction, an electrician must work with electricity, and it is better to entrust the installation of a CISS to a printer to an experienced professional. This is the opinion most people today adhere to.
The main thing is to adhere to the basic rule. Before installing a continuous ink supply system to a printer or multifunction printer, a potential buyer must agree on the area of responsibility for the seller and the specialist who will perform the installation. In the event of an unsuccessful installation, someone will have to take responsibility for the malfunction and reimburse the buyer.
to contents ↑Important! IT experts recommend that users purchase printers and CISS from the same seller, and install it with his own strength.
Do it yourself installation
Sometimes situations arise when a user has to service computer equipment on his own. In fact, installing CISS on a printer at home is quite realistic. The main thing here is to be patient, keep the installation instructions handy and follow all the manufacturer's recommendations.
Important! The main task of the user is to control the ink level in the cartridges. Do not allow air to enter the print head. If this does happen, you should immediately take the printing device to the service center specialists.
With regard to the CISS connection, everything is quite simple here. You just need to connect the system’s tanks to the cartridges using tubes, following the simple rule of communicating vessels. After that, fill the ink cartridges with ink. And to remove excess air from the containers, you must open the bypass channel.
to contents ↑Feedback
Many users of printing devices with CISS advise future buyers of such equipment to pay special attention to the manufacturer. The problem lies in the fact that in the modern market there are many products from unscrupulous manufacturers. They all have one common problem: the system of communicating vessels does not work as it should. To pump ink into a cartridge, you must constantly raise the container high from the continuous ink supply system. In order not to be mistaken, check out the comparative review of well-established brands in the articles:
It is also worth paying attention to whether the CISS is compatible with your model of printer or MFP. As a rule, the manufacturer in the specifications for his product indicates a list of equipment that is supported by this device. These recommendations should definitely be used. In addition, do not forget that the kit in any CISS should be accompanied by instructions. In this case, it does not matter at all whether the installation will be performed by the seller or the user.
to contents ↑Important! The presence of instructions provides the buyer with a certain guarantee that he chooses a certified device, and not a fake.
Stock footage
Having familiarized with what the continuous ink supply system is, it can now be concluded that such a device will be very popular among users who have inkjet printers on hand. Installing a CISS on a printer will allow the user of office equipment to save not only money, but also the time spent on frequent refilling of cartridges.