How can i print on an epson r250 if i only have black ink cartridge?

Question

i have an epson stylus r250 printer with only the black ink cartridge, i need to print some text material in black ink only but the printer won't print unless all the ink cartridges are installed. is there any way to bypass this?

Answer 1

When you are just printing black you are still using every color. In order to achieve high quality photo prints the black cartridge is not a true black, it is more of a dark grey. Your printer will use every cartridge to underlay color to darken and sharpen that black.

And no there is not way to print with an empty cartridge. This is for a series of reason.

One is that your printer is using all of it's colors. Printing with one absent will effect the quality.

The second i that epson cartridge have a tank and valve system that in order to be function need to have enough ink to cycle through the cartridge, this equates to about 20% of their original ink, so although there is ink left, it is not usable ink.

The third and most important point is that the print head, the part which actually forms the print is in your printer. the print head has a small vibrating crystal which moves to force ink out the nozzles (piezoelectric) the ink acts as a cushion preventing this crystal form vibrating against a metal print head. If the crystal does vibrate against a print head uncushioned it is very likely it will become damages and your printer will be rendered about as functional as a door stop.

So no, you cannot print with only a black cartridge.

Answer 2

No. The ink serves as a lubricant for the heads. Printing with a color missing will damage those heads. Also, if no ink is flowing to the heads, the remaining dregs of ink will harden. Your heads will clog and you may have to kiss the printer goodbye. Never leave an inkjet without a cartridge or turned off for days at a time.