FAQ

Which cartridge types should I start refilling?

That depends on your market. However, the following types of cartridges represent more than 80% of the typical range: 51626, 51629, 6614, 645, 6615, Canon BC 01/02 on black cartridges. On color cartridges you should begin with 51625, 51649.

What success rate can I expect?

The recycling success rate or yield varies by cartridge type. For example the 51626 has an average yield of 85-95% whereas the 51629 can be expected to be at 65-85%. One of the reasons is the difference in the quality of the housings. The 51629 cartridges tend to have many physical defects such as vacuum leaks between housing and lid, loose contacts, etc.

How important is the cleaning process?

Successfully cleaning the cartridges and unclogging the nozzles is one of the keys to a profitable recycling operation. The difference can mean a 50% increase in recycling cartridge yield.

What cleaning method should I use?

Different equipment suppliers advocate various cleaning methods. We recommend Cleaning liquid flushing because it is a gentle cleaning method. Comparison tests have shown that this flushing method provides the best overall success rate without harming the print heads. Steam tends to damage the ink supply channels underneath the nozzle plate in HP cartridges. Ultrasonic cleaning by itself is highly ineffective and, at an incorrect frequency and amplitude will destroy the nozzle area.

If I buy a filling machine, can I start recycling cartridges?

Not quite. Refilling is only part of it. The exact recycling process depends on the cartridge type. In general it includes:

* electrical testing of the circuit
* cleaning and unclogging of nozzles
* refilling test printing
* sealing of print head
* packaging

Can I use the same ink for various cartridges?

The ink is formulated according to the specific cartridge type to be compatible with the original ink. The ink is very important and will determine the print quality.

Where can I buy the best ink?

There are numerous good ink manufacturers in the USA as well as Europe, but no one manufacturer has the best ink for all different types of cartridges. APM has gone through extensive testing in its production facility to find the best ink for each cartridge type. We sell what we use in our production, thereby improving your success rates.

What is the minimum number of cartridges I need to recycle per month to justify buying your machines?

Assuming a 1 year payback on all equipment is needed, €uro 1,50 for recycling supplies including ink, €uro 5,50 for the empty cartridge, one can start to recycle cartridges professionally with as little as 120 cartridges per month.
When I buy your machines, will I be able to recycle all the different cartridges with just the operations manual as a guide?

No, the recycling process varies from cartridge to cartridge. When you buy our machines, you receive a comprehensive technical operations and maintenance manual. The manual, however, does not contain a description on how to refill cartridges. APM is the only equipment supplier worldwide who also offers FREE comprehensive process training, either on-site or in our facility. Knowing the process is the key to a successful recycling operation.

How important is the print test?

In order to guarantee high quality, it is essential to print test all remanufactured cartridges. However, the printer self test print is not sufficient because the print coverage is not enough. We use a test pattern which ensures that enough ink flows to sufficiently prime the cartridge.

Why do the cartridges leak after they have been refilled?

Some cartridges liked after being refilled, because they are not in a perfect equilibrium between the 3 main components to know:

- The forces that the ink are subjected in the interior of the cartridge.
- The type of cartridge - bag, sponges etc.
- The quantity of ink inside.

This 3 components should be in perfect harmony and stabilize the internal pressure of the cartridge.

Most of the liking cases are due to over filling of ink