How many people know that the cost of Lexmark's ink cartridges can put a dent in your pocket if you're the owner of one or more Lexmark printer inkjet machines.
Here are you Step-by-Step “How-to-Remanufacture Your Lexmark 10N0026” Instructions:
Let's get straight to the point, no beating around the bush during this lecture.
First, you will need the necessary Tools & Supplies Required:
Tools & Supplies Required:
oElectrical Circuit Tester (tool)
oFlush Cleaning Machine (tool)
oBin for soaking (tool)
oNozzle-Sealing machine
oCentrifuge (tool)
oPrinter Tester or OEM Printer (tool)
oUltrasonic Welder or Hot Glue Gun (tool)
oTop Removal Tool or Machine (tool)
oVacuum-Filling Machine (tool)
oTowels (supply)
oPurified Water (supply)
oLabels and Packaging Material (supply)
Here you will also be provided with the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) information:
Lexmark 10N0026:
oPart Number: 10N0026
oOEM Milliliter Load: 19 ml
oYield @ 5% coverage: 410 pages / min:14
oResolution: 2400x1200dpi (dots per inch)
Below are the 11 steps to know how to remanufacture your Lexmark inkjet 10N0026 ink cartridges.
Step #1 – Perform Visual Inspection and Electrical Test:
oImmediately, when the cartridges are unpacked and compiled for processing, they should be promptly inspected.
Analyzing the cartridge from all angles will disclose any obvious problems that would make it nearly impossible to process, such as flex circuit or print head damage.
Visual inspections can be quickly performed in the same time frame as the circuit test, which will eliminate cartridges with electrical failures.
Step #2 – Remove Top and Foam:
oIn this step, the cartridge tops are removed in the fastest way possible while leaving a consistently even and smooth surface that will enable a brand new top to be welded onto the cartridges at a later time.
The original equipment manufacturer's top is not reusable. Due to the fact that the top is engraved with the Lexmark logo, ink cartridges recyclers such as you would rather not have it there to reuse anyway.
Step #3 – Soak with Solution:
oEach 10N0026 cartridge is filled with Lexmark's notorious pigmented ink. The ink formula is similar to the 12A1970 cartridges, yet does not seem to render the cartridge useless as quickly by drying to the point of no return.
Although, the ink happens to thicken similar to a shoe polish consistency soon enough to be a formidable obstacle to processing by customary means.
Now, with the tops removed, the cartridges are filled with approximately 20 ml each of soaking solution that is formulated to return the thickened ink to a minimal liquid state.
There should be at least a minimum of three hours of soaking time at room temperature, this is highly recommended.
It would also be a good idea to place some towels under the cartridges during this step which will help capillary actions from possibly taking place.
Step #4 – Clean and Rinse:
oAs for any excess solution, I suggest you dispose of it (observing all applicable local waste disposal regulations), allowing the soaked cartridges to be placed in the inverted position onto the specially designed flushing apparatus.
The target of the flushing will be only the pre-firing chamber, which is the barrel shaped reservoir adjacent to the print head.
During this process, warmed purified water is directed through the filter screen at a safe pressure, forcing the re-liquefied ink through the nozzles.
The water stream provides a physical force to move a sufficient volume of water through the entire ink delivery system, accomplishing a thorough exchange of fluids converting ink to water and rinsing away any soaking solution in the process.
Step #5 – Replace Foam:
oFelted or permanently compressed, foam is inserted into the cleaned cartridge body. Felted foams are sometimes cut very closely to the actual size of the ink chamber, which eases insertion.
Lexmark will use non-felted foams for this cartridge and depending on the compression necessary to insert the foam to produce the desired finished compression. Non-felted foams are less expensive to produce, although they are much more difficult to consistently insert.
Compression ratios, choice of foam material and pore size all affect the flow of ink and ultimately the cartridges performance.
The felted foam chosen for this cartridge is a polyether material, which when filled with pigmented ink, is usually contains more stability then polyester materials.
Step #6 – Vacuum Fill and Stabilize Cartridge:
oThe nozzles are then sealed with a blue tape or clip before vacuum filling, and the cartridges are submitted into a vacuum type environment.
Both the foams, print head are adjacent cavities that are evacuated to approximately 650 mmHg and the ink is the slowly released as near to the filter screen as close as possible.
When this volumetric fill has been completed, the chamber containing the cartridges is slowly returned to atmospheric pressure.
Each cartridges remains sealed at the nozzles for about one working day prior to the print test.
This time allows for additional stabilization to take place, providing you with more reliable print results.
Step #7 – Print Test:
oTo perform a print test, it may include flooding the nozzles for cleansing purposes (100% prints) and the printing of various fonts and sizes of text.
Assorted grayscale blocks will help reveal the quality of the cartridge. Before the cartridge cap is welded, the print test must be completed.
If by chance the cap is required during the print test, you can secure the cap temporarily with a strong rubber band.
Step #8 – Weld Replacement Top:
oFor cartridges that pass the print test phase must receive a replacement top.
As a reminder, ultrasonic welding is by far the fastest and cleanest method of attaching the cartridge tops, although a suitable adhesive may also be implemented.
A typical ultrasonic weld will only take a fraction of a second. This is not at all, time consuming.
Step #9 – Seal Nozzles:
oJust like the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cartridge, the nozzles on the remanufactured inkjet cartridge should be sealed with blue tape.
This indeed can be one of the more difficult phases throughout the process. A thoroughly clean and dry nozzle plate makes the best sealing environment.
A mechanical pressing device that allows two presses brings consistency to the process, and the application of just enough heat to soften the applied tape will allow it to conform more perfectly during the second press.
When applying the blue tape, there may be a remove label included.
Step #10 – Clean – Label – Package – Date Code:
oThe appearance of the cartridges should be given your undivided attention. This is important if you plan on reselling this product.
Be careful and cautious because the final cleaning of the circuit and cartridge body and application of the replacement label along with date code are all part of the finishing process.
Carefully research the matching of inks and foams when choosing replacement foams. This is expected in order to ensure the greatest of quality measures.
This should result in an ink cartridge being stable for a year or more from the date of the manufacturer.
Congratulations, you have successfully completed the process on how to remanufacture your own Lexmark 10N0026 inkjet cartridge.
Good luck and complete each cartridge as if it were your last. This information is provided to you at no expense to both educate and improve your knowledge in the technical area within the remanufacturing industry.
