Review: Inside The HP 22 C9352A Ink Cartridge (Cracked Open)

A Look Inside The HP 22 Tri-Color Ink Cartridge

We cracked it open and looked around.

HP 22 Color Ink Cartridge (Retail Price):

HP Hewlett Packard 22 c9352a tri-color color ink cartridge cracked open - retail price

Inside the HP 22 c9352a ink cartridge:

We tried a different bit with this cartridge, and it got pretty mangled – lid is a little easier to get off than the condition of the cartridge indicates.

HP Hewlett Packard 22 tri-color color ink cartridge with lid off removed c9352a sponge

Hewlett Packard HP 22 c9352a color ink cartridge removing the top of the cartridge.

Specifications:

*that 220 page estimate is from HP and based on 5% coverage (see what 5% coverage looks like) – printer manufacturer estimates are not very realistic in our experience.

+often paired with HP tri-color (color) cartridge HP 21 C9351wn

Cartridge specifications here on HP’s website.

Page yield info here  – (had to dig)

Used in these printers:

Cracked open – a look inside the HP 22 c9352a cartridge:

It looks like the HP 22 c9352a tri-color (color)  ink cartridge is completely full, but looks are deceiving in this case.  The HP 22 cartridge contains a measly 5ml of ink and is rated at 165 pages (figure half that).  The (beige) sponges contain the individual color inks (magenta, yellow, cyan) – puncture holes indicate where the cartridge was injected with ink.  Re-fillers should aim for these spots when refilling (see below).

HP Hewlett Packard 22 tri-color color ink cartridge with lid off removed c9352a sponge

The cartridge looks like it will take more ink (it will), but unfortunately the cartridge is programmed as a 22 low capacity cartridge so the cartridge will think it is out of ink at the 22 levels (5ml) of ink.

HP also markets a 22XL cartridge for the Deskjet D1500, and F2200 inkjet printers.  It is a full version of this exact cartridge. HP 22XL Tri-color Inkjet Print Cartridge (C9352C), rated at 415 pages.

Contact! – Contact!

These solder points, or contacts help make up the print head.  Printers that use these types of cartridges do not have an internal print head – rather the print head is located on the cartridges themselves.  If print quality declines to the point where the cartridge is no longer usable, simply try another cartridge (it’s like getting a new printer).  If your cartridge cannot be recognized, give the contacts a quick clean with a damp cloth, or other device and try again.  If the contacts are harmed, the cartridge may not function at all.

HP Hewlett Packard 22 tri-color color ink cartridge with lid off removed c9352a sponge

Refilling?

If refilling this cartridge, here is a picture of the top, with HP 92 sticker removed.  Notice the 4 “phantom” holes.  Refill in top hole – where sponge is located, the other part of the cartridge is empty space.

Refill hole location for HP 22 tri-color ink cartridge

The HP 22 Print Head:

When in use, the print head on the HP 92 cartridge is cleaner.  Many refill attempts are foiled by a dirty or clogged print head.  When refilling cartridges, they should be refilled right before the ink is depleted, or immediately after they run out of ink.  The longer a cartridge sites, the more likely that ink will dry inside the print head and cause clogging.  If your print head becomes clogged, use a wet paper towel and gently clean off the print head surface.

Hewlett Packard print head for cartridge HP 93 c9361wn tri-color cartridges

This photo turned out great - can almost see the holes where the ink exits the cartridge. HP 22 c9352a color (tri-color) ink cartridge.

Conclusion:

As you can see from the above pictures, the HP 22 tri-color (color)  inkjet printer cartridge does not contain very much ink.  If printing more than 100 – 200 pages per quarter, it would be wise to avoid printers that use this cartridge.  Hewlett Packard tries to trick their own customers with a deceptively low cartridge price ($19.99) without also mentioning that more than half the cartridge is empty.  This cartridge contains a measly 5ml of ink, and will run out quickly – there are better options out there.  What is sad is that this cartridge could take a bunch more ink, but the electronics doom this cartridge to 5ml of ink performance.

If you are stuck with using this cartridge – look here for the best pricing.

Review: Inside the HP 93 C9361WN Ink Cartridge

A look inside the HP 93 tri-color (color) inkjet printer cartridge

We crack one open and have a look around.

HP 93 c9361wn retail price:

Retail price for the HP 93 c9363wn Hewlett Packard inkjet printer cartridge.

Inside the HP 93 c9361wn ink cartridge:

HP hewlett packard 93 ink cartridge with lid on, tri-color, color cartridge.

HP 93 tri-color (color) ink cartridge with lid on (c9361w)

Specifications:

  • Color : Tri-Color (all 3 colors in one cartridge)
  • Part Number : c9361wnHP 93+
  • Ink Type : Pigment ink
  • Page Yield : 220 pages*
  • Storage temperature : 59 to 95° F
  • Estimated Ink Volume : 5ml
  • Retail Price : $14.99
  • Street Price : $14.49

*that 220 page estimate is from HP and based on 5% coverage (see what 5% coverage looks like) – printer manufacturer estimates are not very realistic in our experience – figure about half that for everyday printing.

+often paired with HP black cartridge HP 92 C9362wn

Cartridge specifications here on HP’s website.

Page yield info here  – (had to dig)

Used in these printers:

HP 93 c9361w tri-color (color) ink cartridge – “cracked open.”

The HP 93 tri-color, or color, inkjet printer cartridge.  This cartridge has three (3) different chambers for cyan, magenta, and yellow inks.  Can be easily refilled once or twice, and maybe more (your mileage will vary), however compatibles and re-manufactured cartridges can be found – the issue is finding a good quality compatible or re-manufactured cartridge.

The top is glued on very tightly…

We used a dremel to get it off – there could could be an easier way.  If simply refilling the cartridge, there is no reason to crack open the physical cartridge – there are holes in the lid, which are covered by the cartridge label.  Looks like yellow in the top, magenta to the left, and cyan to the right.

HP hewlett packard HP 93 c9361 tri-color ink cartridge review and information

Pay a discount price, get a half full cartridge…

Three shrunken chambers within chambers with matching tiny sponges.  Hewlett Packard (HP) really sticks it to customers with this cartridge.  Cannot ever be completely “full” due to smaller sponges, and chambers within chambers.

HP hewlett packard HP 93 c9361 tri-color ink cartridge review and information

What about refilling?

Sure, or you can buy replacement carts for $10-$20 depending on your model.  Generics are cheap, but if you want really cheap, think about getting rid of the printer and upgrading to a CIS friendly printer from Epson.

Refill hole locations for the hewlett packard HP 93 c9361wn tri-color ink cartridge

Contact! – Contact!

These solder points, or contacts help make up the print head – cannot be reset without additional hardware.  Printers that use these types of cartridges do not have an internal print head – rather the print head is located on the cartridges themselves.  If print quality declines to the point where the cartridge is no longer usable, simply try another cartridge (it’s like getting a new printer).  If your cartridge cannot be recognized, try cleaning the contacts with a damp q-tip before tossing the cartridge – it may take a few attempts, so try 2-3 cleanings.

HP hewlett packard HP 93 c9361 tri-color ink cartridge review and information

If any of the contacts become dirty or damaged, the cartridge will simply not function.

The Print Head:

The print head on the HP 93 tri-color ink cartridge.  Notice the three (3) individual nozzle trails.

Hewlett Packard print head for cartridge HP 93 c9361wn tri-color cartridges

This photo turned out great - can almost see the holes where the ink exits the cartridge. HP 93 c9361wn ink cartridge.

If your print head gets clogged (no matter the cartridge type), remember to try and dab the cartridge on a damp paper towel to soften up the possibly dried ink.  Let it sit for a few minutes before putting back in printer.  The longer a printer sits without usage, the more likely there will be a clog.

Conclusion:

As you can see from the above pictures, the HP 93 tri-color (color)  inkjet printer cartridge does not contain very much ink.  If printing more than 100 – 200 pages per quarter, it would be wise to avoid printers that use this cartridge.  Hewlett Packard tries to trick their own customers with a deceptively low cartridge price ($23.99) without also mentioning that more than half the cartridge is empty.  This cartridge contains a measly 5ml of ink, and will run out quickly – there are better options out there.

If you are stuck with using this cartridge – look here for the best pricing.

Review – Inside The HP 92 C9362WN Ink Cartridge (Cracked Open)

A Look Inside The HP 92 Black Inkjet Printer Cartridge

We crack one open and have a look around.

HP 92 c9362wn retail price:

Retail price for the HP 92 c9362wn Hewlett Packard inkjet printer cartridge.

Retail price for the HP 92 c9362wn Hewlett Packard inkjet printer cartridge.

Inside the HP 92 c9362wn ink cartridge:

HP 92 ink cartridge c9362w removing top cover to expose the insides of the cartridge.  Lots of empty space.

Specifications:

*that 220 page estimate is from HP and based on 5% coverage (see what 5% coverage looks like) – printer manufacturer estimates are not very realistic in our experience.

+often paired with HP tri-color (color) cartridge HP 93 C9361wn

Cartridge specifications here on HP’s website.

Page yield info here  – (had to dig)

Used in these printers:

Cracked open – a look inside the HP 92 c9362wn cartridge:

About 60% of the HP 92 c9362w black ink cartridge is just empty airspace.  The (beige) sponge contains the black ink – a puncture hole indicates where the cartridge was injected with black ink.  Re-fillers should aim for that spot when refilling.

The HP 92 c9362w black inkjet printer cartridge does not much actual ink.  Looks like 60% of the cartridge is just air.

The HP 92 c9362w black inkjet printer cartridge does not much actual ink. Looks like 60% of the cartridge is just air.

Contact! – Contact!

These solder points, or contacts help make up the print head.  Printers that use these types of cartridges do not have an internal print head – rather the print head is located on the cartridges themselves.  If print quality declines to the point where the cartridge is no longer usable, simply try another cartridge (it’s like getting a new printer).  If your cartridge cannot be recognized, give the contacts a quick clean with a damp cloth, or other device and try again.  If the contacts are harmed, the cartridge may not function at all.

The HP 92 Print Head:

When in use, the print head on the HP 92 cartridge is cleaner.  Many refill attempts are foiled by a dirty or clogged print head.  When refilling cartridges, they should be refilled right before the ink is depleted, or immediately after they run out of ink.  The longer a cartridge sites, the more likely that ink will dry inside the print head and cause clogging.  If your print head becomes clogged, use a wet paper towel and gently clean off the print head surface.

Print head for the HP 92 inkjet cartridge - on the bottom of the cartridge.

Refilling?

If refilling this cartridge, here is a picture of the top, with HP 92 sticker removed.  Notice the 4 “phantom” holes.  Refill in top hole – where sponge is located, the other part of the cartridge is empty space.

Conclusion:

As you can see from the above pictures, the HP 92 inkjet printer cartridge does not contain very much ink.  If printing more than 100 – 200 pages per quarter, it would be wise to avoid printers that use this cartridge.  Hewlett Packard tries to trick their own customers with a deceptively low cartridge price ($14.99) without also mentioning that more than half the cartridge is empty.  This cartridge contains a measly 5ml of ink – there are better options out there.

If you are stuck with using this cartridge – look here for the best pricing.

Epson Chip Technology – Refill Deterence

Hackintosh? No, iNkByEpson.

Die chip, die!

As we have previously reported, the T068, T069, T088, T078, T077, T099, and T098 series ink cartridges are not reliably refillable due to the “self-destructing” chip on the outside of the cartridge.  It has been discovered that once ink levels reach a certain point (estimated at 25% full) there is an internal chip in these cartridges that will kill-reset the outer chip.  It renders the outside chip un-resettable, and if you can’t reset the chip, there is no point in refilling the cartridge, as it will not work in the printer w/out that chip reset.

iNkByEpson

Great couple of posts about hacking into the chips Epson uses to estimate the number of prints.  Epson chip technology is incredibly complicated, and it is all for one reason – the prevention of refilling.  Fascinating look into what goes on at a higher level.

Creating a “fake” Epson chip:

http://nerdipedia.com/tiki-index.php?page=MakeaFake

Hacking the actual chip:

http://nerdipedia.com/tiki-index.php?page=Intellidge+hacks

Engineering a home-brew CI System:

http://eddiem.com/photo/CIS/inkchip/chip.html