Our Testing Reveals that HP Printer Inks Do Not ‘Dry Out’

OBSERVATIONS

• In our tests, Wirth Consulting tested a vast majority of HP printers and AiOs (All-in-Ones) and their associated HP OEM inks that are currently available worldwide. The tests were performed under controlled conditions that included a temperature of 70° and a relative humidity of 50%.
• The eleven (11) test units were equipped with either an IPH or IIC inking system:
  • IPH refers to an Integrated Print Head printer. The ink and the print head are one unit and replaced whenever a new ink cartridge is installed. Consequently, a new print head is installed with every new ink-cartridge change.
  • IIC refers to an Individual Ink Cartridge printer. The ink tank is separate from the permanent print head, and only an ink tank is installed during a supply change.
• 90-Day Inactivity
  • All of the HP printers tested (both IPH or IIC designs) were able to produce print quality that met initial specifications (some software-controlled head-cleaning operations may be required). The HP OEM inks did not “dry out,” even after 90 days of idle (un-powered and non-printing) rest.
• 180-Day Inactivity
  • The IIC equipped HP printers were able to produce print quality that met initial specification (some software-controlled head-cleaning cycles may be required). The HP OEM inks did not “dry out,” even after 180 days of idle (un-powered and non-printing) rest.
  • Although the IPH equipped printers were able to print after 180 days of idle (un-powered and non-printing), (primarily) black printing anomalies were apparent even after repeated software-controlled head-cleaning cycles. It should be noted that the integrated print heads were clogged but the ink did not “dry out.” Although this was not included in the test plan, it is feasible that the ink nozzles of the affected print heads may be cleared using a manual (albeit unauthorized) method of head cleaning.

SUMMARY

All of the tested HP printers and OEM inks were able to withstand both 90 and 180 days of un-powered non-use in which the inks did not “dry out.” However, in the 180-day inactivity test, some of the IPH-equipped HP printers exhibited (primarily) black printing anomalies even after repeated software-controlled head-cleaning cycles. However, note that IPH supplies when replaced provide a brand new print head, which in effect restores the inking system back to state of like-new condition.

HP MESSAGING

Based on the results of testing, HP has developed the following (draft) messaging components for public consumption:

1. Original HP ink supplies for HP office printers are designed and proven to not dry out, even with up to 6 months of non-printing.
   1. Based on testing of standard-capacity Original HP 932, 933, 934, 935, 950, 951, 970, 971, 980, and 981 ink cartridges by Wirth Consulting, Oct 2015, and powered-off HP printers stored for up to 180 days under specific climatic conditions. Printer maintenance/servicing may be required to maintain print quality upon resumed printing.  See www.hp.com/go/learnaboutsupplies or www.wirthconsulting.com/our-testing-reveals-that-contemporary-hp-printer-inks-do-not-dry-out.
2. Original HP ink supplies for HP home printers are designed and proven to not dry out, even with up to 3 months of non-printing.
   1. Based on testing of standard-capacity Original HP 46, 61, 62, 95, 98, 564, and 678 ink cartridges by Wirth Consulting, Oct 2015, and powered-off HP printers stored for up to 180 days under specific climatic conditions. Printer maintenance/servicing may be required to maintain print quality upon resumed printing.  See www.hp.com/go/learnaboutsupplies or www.wirthconsulting.com/our-testing-reveals-that-contemporary-hp-printer-inks-do-not-dry-out.

Additional Resources

• Test Report Download – HP Inkjet-Printer Inactivity Study
• Videos – Unboxing and Setup of HP Test Units