CISS is a continuous ink supply system. It allows you to forget about small-volume disposable cartridges, which are traditionally used in printing devices and which have to be changed frequently, spending quite a lot of money. In contrast, CISS consists of large ink containers (usually 100 ml of ink of each color), which are economical in consumption and can be refilled multiple times.
Types of CISS systems and their characteristics
When you decide to buy a continuous ink supply system and are looking for suitable options, you will see that it comes in two types:
- Standalone is a stand-alone device that is suitable for most models of MFPs and printers of famous brands. You can purchase it separately and install it yourself or contact a specialist.
- Built-in – a system that is sold complete with printing devices that are designed for full-color printing for commercial purposes. The leader in the world of built-in CISS is currently the Epson company with its “Print Factory” CISS for EPSON Ideally, if you order a printing device that comes with a CISS system, for example, MFPs such as Epson XP-330 or Epson XP-342, then you do not risk anything and will be confident in its normal functioning.
Advantages of CISS
Noting the advantages of CISS, it is worth saying that it is not connected, like cartridges, to the print head of printers, therefore it is always accessible and you can add ink of the desired color when the need arises – even during printing, which will guarantee its uninterrupted operation. It is also important to say that this modern system is ergonomic, which means it will not take up much space and is convenient to place – some models of CISS for HP are a unit that can even be installed remotely from the printer so that it does not take up space on the desktop. However, with such an installation, it is important that the system is on the same level as the MFP, since otherwise the ink may simply leak into the printing device and stain your favorite table/carpet/sofa.
Trusted manufacturers
Having bought a cheap CISS made in China, you may be faced with the fact that you will receive a box with many containers, tubes and incomprehensible parts that will take a long time to deal with. We recommend spending money only on systems from trusted manufacturers, because in this case you will be confident in the quality of the product and in the fact that it comes with instructions, which will make it easier to assemble and install. Of course, you can try to install it yourself by downloading the manual on the Internet. Only in this case, there is a fear that during connection the air exchange system of the bypass valve will be disrupted, and the CISS will not be able to work.
Problems you may encounter
When purchasing CISS from unverified suppliers and manufacturers, you may encounter the fact that it will not work correctly. Most often, users note that the principle of communicating vessels is violated and in order to pump ink into the cartridge, the container with a continuous ink supply system must be raised high. In addition, the CISS may not be suitable for your printer model at all, so carefully study the list of devices with which it is compatible. Do not forget that the device must include instructions, this will guarantee that you have purchased a quality product.
CISS is, of course, very profitable and will reduce your printing costs, so there is no need to doubt the advisability of purchasing it, just approach this issue responsibly.
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
