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General discussion

Any Printers - Black Only?

Aug 2, 2010 2:06AM PDT

I've looked around the forum & have only seen old posts for my question: Does any manufacturer make printers that will still print B&W when one or more of the color cartridges are empty? Enabling the check box that says "Black Ink Only" has never gotten around it for me. Thanks -

Discussion is locked

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No.
Aug 2, 2010 2:53AM PDT

The reason why is well known so I won't duplicate that again.

Why not a laser printer?
Bob

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What is well known, Bob?
Aug 6, 2010 7:37AM PDT

Not sure what you mean, pleae explain I'm curious.

Thanks!
-Lee

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It has to do mostly with jets.
Aug 6, 2010 9:26AM PDT

Epson for example has print heads with jets that will clog if the color ink runs out. To avoid this and force the users to get some ink in the machine the machine stops printing.

Some HP models like the k550, k5400 also have a replaceable printhead which surprises some to cost as much as the printer. To keep the heads from clogging every once in awhile it shoots a little ink through those heads to keep it clear and moving.

About the only hope you have here is to get a printer with black only print cartridges. The bad news is there are now so few available and none in the retail channels.

-> Now you may wonder why they force this issue. It's simple. If they didn't then owners could claim the maker should pay to get the heads de-clogged or replaced.

Hope this helps explain it.
Bob