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A Comparison of Atomizer and Steam Cleaner for Cleaning Inkjets

by Dr. Wolfgang Reick · TB Acessorios do Brasil Ltda. · September 1, 2008

Since the introduction of pigmented inks in the HP 626 cartridge, cleaning has been one of the most important quality issues. Whereas large remanufacturers are using special machines for high-volume internal cleaning of the foams and print heads, small stores and kiosks had to find cheaper and smaller devices that also do the job more quickly. Today, ultrasonic cleaners, atomizers and steam cleaners are among the most widely used equipment. A possible print head destruction by the ultrasonic waves was discussed previously in “A Scientific Approach to Remanufacturing Inkjet Cartridges: The HP 629A,” in the October 2001 issue of Recharger Magazine. However the effectiveness of atomizer and steam cleaner has not yet been questioned or scientifically compared.

The standpoint of the atomizer defenders is that water particles of “atomic” size enter with high speed into the nozzles and unclog the dried-up ink in the print head by mechanical impact. This technology based on cold water introduction avoids heating of the print head that could cause the nozzle plate to get loose.

The steam cleaner generates steam particles with high temperature that enter into the nozzles with less pressure, cleaning by the chemical attack of the heat (like a washing machine with hot water). The steam cleaner defenders say that nozzle plate loosening can be avoided by allowing cooling times between short cleaning cycles.

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