ImagePROGRAF 1000--Change all the ink at once to save ink?

[rjsphd]

I replaced the inks in this printer many months ago.  The process went something like this: one cartridge indicated empty and was replaced. The printer made lots of noise and then indicated 2 others should be replaced. I did that. The printer made noise for a while and then  indicated 4 other cartridges needed replacing...and so on.

My understanding from YouTube research is that the Pro-1000 goes though a flush cycle for ALL cartridge lines when any cartridge is replaced, using ink.  So replacing the cartridges sequentially as they empty wastes a ton of ink.  Is this correct?

All of my inks are low and I just replace the CO which always dries up first.  My plan was to replace all the rest when I get another empty cartridge light, thinking I lose what's left at the end of the cartridges, but avoid several cycles of flushing.

Does this make sense? If someone KNOWS the answer, please share.

[jrhoffman75 · Accepted solution]

I use a similar approach with my Pro-100 to avoid the "domino effect". When a cartridge actually runs out (red "x" warning) I replace any cartridges that have an exclamation mark (which warns they are running low).

Replacing all at once, regardless of level, might not be that economical.

[rjsphd]

Thanks.  All of my cartridges have exclamation marks--except the CO I just changed out.  (On this printer, the exclamations come on early, with plenty of prints to make before showing the "X".)

[lelie]

Great advice!

I wish I had read this earlier - while replacing three ink cartridges, the first is now already at 50% (MBK), the second at 60% (PBK) and the third at 80% (GY).

Still 5 cartrdiges to go (have an exclamation mark). At this rate, I'll be only changing cartridges without actually printing anything. Also already took more than 1.5 hours and just got a printer error. Likely takes more ink even...

I'll definitely replace the remaining 5 in one go.