What does CISS mean? Continuous ink supply systems for Epson printers


A continuous ink supply system (or CISS) is a device that significantly reduces printing costs for owners of printers, plotters and MFPs. Externally, the system looks like a container with ink, which is supplied to the device for printing along an ink trail.

Principle of operation

CISS- one of the most successful developments that really saves consumers money. The principle of its operation is that the ink is stored not in the printer cartridge, but in a third-party reservoir.

The paint enters the device through thin ink tubes. Once the ink hits the print head, printing begins. To replenish the amount of ink, simply fill the existing reservoir with new ink yourself.

Good CISS reservoirs are usually made from transparent polycarbonate(found in CISS from INKSYSTEM ). This way you can always monitor the level of remaining ink. Polycarbonate is a durable, reliable and plastic material. It does not wear out or dry out over time. The ink supply cable is made of silicone.

Advantages of CISS

Note a number of advantages in using CISS:

  1. Continuous Ink Supply System does not affect the assembly of the device. It plays the role of a plug-in module that simply performs the function of transporting ink to the print head. Installing and refilling the tanks will take no more than 5 minutes and can be performed by the user without assistance;
  2. Saving. Printing becomes 20-60 times cheaper. This indicator depends on the ink used, the printer model and the volume of CISS tanks. Using the system in commercial activities allows you to quickly recoup the money spent on the printer;
  3. Performance. There is no need to constantly spend time replacing cartridges and cleaning the print head from remnants of old ink;
  4. Safety. After replacing the cartridge, users often encounter the problem of air getting inside the mechanism, which leads to damage to the print head. With CISS such a problem will not arise;
  5. The user can refill only one or a few ink colors, the consumption of which is greater;
  6. There is no restriction on the type of ink used;
  7. Convenient for large volume printing. With CISS you will not encounter the problem of interrupting printing in the middle of a book. Also, stripes, uneven color distribution and other printing errors that indicate a lack of ink in the cartridge will not appear on the sheets.

Choosing a high-quality CISS

At the first stage of choosing a high-quality CISS, decide on the manufacturer. Check out the company's range of devices and make sure they have CISS for your type of printer.The INKSYSTEM company specializes in the production of high-quality CISS for the following printer models:

  • Epson;
  • HP (continuous ink systems available for printers or plotters);
  • Brother;
  • Canon.

Ink

Pay special attention to this parameter when purchasing CISS. Ink is an indicator of print quality. They must provide the maximum level of color rendering. We recommend using ink made in South Korea. They have been tested for years.

CISS from INKSYSTEM uses different types of ink:

  • Pigment;
  • Ink for sublimation printing (on cups, T-shirts, etc.);
  • Special ink for photo printing;
  • Ultrachrome;
  • Invisible;
  • Eco-solvent.

Try to make sure that all the colors in the CISS are from the same paint manufacturer. This will ensure good print quality and realistic reproduction of the color palette.

Number of colors in CISS

Number of colors- This is a setting that should be selected according to the characteristics of your printer. Colors can be from 1 to 10.

Cartridges

In a good CISS, the tanks can be refilled an unlimited number of times. Pay attention to the presence of resettable chips. They promptly notify the user about the need to replenish ink.

The final design of the CISS should be installed on the same surface as the printer. The silicone tube for supplying the dye is straight, with minimal irregularities.

What is more profitable, CISS or a regular cartridge?

The answer to this question is obvious:

  • One set of printer cartridges will cost at least 1500 rubles, at the same time, the cost of good CISS starts from 500-600 rubles;
  • Total ink quantity in continuous feed system ranges from 400 ml(usually 100 ml is allocated for each color). One set of cartridges contains a maximum of 15-20 ml of ink (depending on the printer model);

To get 400 milliliters of paint from a cartridge, you need to purchase 26-30 sets, the total cost of which will reach 40,000 rubles. As you can see, CISS will really help you save a lot, because you get the same 400 milliliters for only 500 rubles.

With everyday use, the cost of ink may be imperceptible, but those users who print at least 300-500 sheets per month will agree with how quickly regular ink runs out and fuzzy streaks appear on the sheet.

  • “The printer breaks down due to CISS”;

The system is not direct catalyst for printer failure, since it does not affect the printing mechanism. Printer failure can be caused by any user actions or software shell errors. Often it is the physical wear of parts that causes breakdowns. Supplying ink from third-party reservoirs cannot in any way cause rapid wear of the gadget.

  • “CISS is a failed attempt to save money. It’s better to print on professional machines without a continuous ink supply system.”

In fact, various photographic machines "for professionals" They print much worse than conventional inkjet printers for working with photos. This myth was spread in order to recoup the cost of purchasing expensive printing machines.

It is not profitable for printer manufacturers to have users work with continuous ink systems. Previously, for working with CISS, the owner of a printing device was deprived of warranty service and was threatened with inevitable damage to printer parts. Today, manufacturers are more loyal to CISS and maintain the warranty when using third-party devices for printing.

CISS is an abbreviation for “continuous ink supply system” in inkjet printing devices (printers). This, at first glance, is a complex design with several containers and tubes that are connected to cartridges. It allows you to perform tasks of any level of complexity, print large quantities of documents, drawings or illustrations without changing cartridges. Now you don't have to worry that your inkjet printer won't be able to print at the most critical moment.

CISS device

The main elements of this system are special containers with ink, which are called donors, an elastic cable and an autochip system.

In fact, the main operating principle of the entire system is Mariotte's law, due to which ink is passed through the printing unit under constant pressure. This makes it possible to produce a uniform flow of ink, regardless of the amount of ink. This is one of the most important principles of continuous printing, which allows you to obtain a high-quality image at the output.

The train itself consists of several tubes with ink of different colors. They feed them into the print head. Depending on the type of containers (dampers, cartridges or capsules), printers with CISS are also divided, i.e. capsule or cartridge.

The autochip, which is equipped with all CISS models, contains important information about the remaining ink and its compliance with the original. Essentially, the printer processor receives a signal that the device can operate because a new cartridge is installed. This is an elegant way to “deceive” the printer, which is configured in such a way as to block printing when the cartridge is not yet empty (a certain percentage of ink remains, but the printer already gives a signal that the cartridge needs to be replaced).

Thus, the CISS device is a system of communicating vessels, which ensures high-quality and continuous printing.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of this system include the following:

  • obvious savings in consumables: you no longer need to frantically search for original cartridges or risk refilling ink that is already empty;
  • ensuring a continuous printing process: this is especially important for large companies that have to constantly print documentation, projects and illustrations;
  • Extending the life of the printer: thanks to this system, the print head of the printer does not dry out, which is usually fatal for inkjet devices;
  • saving time and money.

The disadvantages of CISS include the system’s demandingness regarding the position of the containers (they must be located vertically). If positioned incorrectly, ink may leak. Also, colors cannot be mixed (as in a conventional inkjet printer, where black, red, blue and yellow colors are supplied in separate containers). It is also important that optimal pressure is maintained inside the system for continuous ink movement, so the CISS must be installed in line with the printer. In principle, there are no particular difficulties with installing such a system. Moreover, manufacturers note the simplicity and ease of maintenance, which make it easy to refill containers with ink.

It should be remembered that the system may fail if there is no ink, so you need to monitor this. However, modern CISS are designed for a long service life (printing up to 12,000 sheets), so a basic set of containers and ink lasts from 12 to 36 months, depending on the intensity of printing.

How beneficial is it?

How to install CISS

If the CISS device operates correctly, your printer will last a long time, delighting you with print quality.

Reading articles about it on the Internet, you will definitely come across the abbreviation CISS. But such articles do not always clearly explain what CISS is and what it is used for. CISS or Continuous Ink Supply System is an additional device for an inkjet printer, which allows you to significantly save on cartridges and simplifies their refilling.

The fact is that when using CISS you do not need to refill the cartridges. The ink is stored in reservoirs located outside the printer body and when the ink runs out you just need to add it to the container. Thus, the process of refilling an inkjet printer is simplified as much as possible. At the same time, using CISS also significantly saves your money. Because all you need to buy is paint. There is no need to overpay for refills or even buy a new cartridge.

The operating principle of CISS is very simple. A special cartridge is installed inside the printer, to which thin tubes are supplied from ink tanks located outside the body. The number of these tubes is equal to the number of paint colors the printer uses. All tubes are quite thin and are combined into a light and movable cable. The installed cartridge uses special chips. Thanks to which, the printer will always assume that the cartridge has ink.

Printer with CISS

Advantages and disadvantages of CISS

CISS is not an ideal solution for printing and has a number of disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at all the advantages and disadvantages of this system.

  • Significant reduction in printing costs. The main advantage of CISS. In some cases, the cost of printing can be reduced by 50 times.
  • High level of print quality. CISS provides stable pressure on the printer's print head. Thanks to this, the printer produces consistently high-quality images.
  • Increase printer performance. When using CISS, you do not need to waste time replacing cartridges. The printer can print without stopping.
  • Increasing printer life. The absence of the need to constantly change cartridges has a positive effect on the printer's lifespan.
  • CISS must be handled carefully. Especially when moving the printer to another location. Ink from the reservoirs may spill.
  • Servicing a printer with CISS is a little more difficult than a regular one. It is necessary to study the instructions thoroughly.
  • The printer warranty may be void.

Printers with CISS from the manufacturer

Recently, printers with a pre-installed continuous ink supply system have begun to appear. A striking example is a printer called Epson L100. This printer uses four colors of ink and is equipped with CISS by the manufacturer itself. The printer is equipped with reservoirs into which the user can independently fill ink.

A printer today can be bought at a price of one and a half to two thousand rubles. It’s a paradox, but the cheaper the printer, the more expensive its maintenance will be, and the cartridges included, as a rule, are refilled only 30-50% of the nominal volume. It is worth noting that such extravagance in maintenance applies only to inkjet printers, while their digital counterparts are always more expensive and more economical. Yes, and you can refill the printer cartridge an unlimited number of times, but such equipment can very rarely please its owner with color and photo printing. However, craftsmen have learned to refill “disposable” cartridges for inkjet printing, but no one can guarantee their safety during refilling. More recently, a useful invention has appeared in the world of office equipment called CISS, the abbreviation of which means a continuous ink supply system, which allows you to save hundreds of percent by avoiding the purchase of expensive inkjet cartridges.

Operating principle of CISS for printer

When using a CISS for a printer, ink is supplied in a continuous stream from refillable reservoirs directly to the print head. The CISS for the printer consists of several Marriott vessels, silicone cables and the ink itself, which, due to the complete tightness of such a system, is supplied under pressure to the print head. As a rule, you can install a CISS for a printer yourself, especially since there are many video tutorials on the Internet demonstrating the method of installing a CISS. The ink supply system is not a know-how and is widely used in large-format and interior printers, with the only exception that the built-in CISS is hidden from the user’s eyes. Simply put, CISS is a set of four vessels with paint and loops similar to those used in droppers. The set for any CISS includes a drill for expanding the holes for the cable, syringes for filling Marriott vessels, hygiene gloves and washing liquid for vessels. A clamp is used to tighten the cables when installing the CISS.

When installing CISS yourself, you need to read the instructions and soberly assess your strengths. In the event that self-installation of the CISS is impossible, you should call a professional, otherwise the cartridge may be damaged.

Benefits of using CISS for a printer

When printing using branded cartridges, they are replaced even if the cartridge runs out of only one color. In CISS, you can visually assess the ink consumption and add it as needed. CISS is simply necessary for commercial use of the printer, because the cost of printed photographs and booklets will be reduced to 20-50 kopecks per piece.

A printer with CISS should be installed in one place and should not be subjected to frequent moves, because one awkward movement can provoke depressurization of the entire system.
The real savings when using CISS reaches hundreds of percent. When printing a large volume of products, you don’t have to worry about the printer stopping printing due to a lack of ink in the cartridges. We must not forget about the environmental component when using CISS, because such a system is durable, and the user does not have to pollute the environment with used cartridges, which are rarely recycled in Russia.

One of the loudest and most advanced innovations in the printing market over the past two or three years was demonstrated to us by the company EPSON. Despite such a strong market and many competing companies in the printing field, Epson is proving its leadership and introducing new technologies and last year they demonstrated printer with built-in Continuous Ink Supply System(we mostly come across the abbreviation CISS - we’ll leave it like that from now on). According to analyzes carried out over the past 7-8 years, the majority of inkjet printing consumers, oriented towards small businesses and small home offices, preferred to choose unofficial CISS, which were produced by Chinese companies for certain printer models, thereby increasing the printing volume, significantly reducing its cost and subsequent buying refills yourself, as well as ink from alternative companies. The EPSON company talks about this as a counterfeit and that these technologies harm your printer, but what can you do when the cost of original consumables goes through the roof and printing becomes not very pleasant for the average person. Most often, it looks exactly like this - the user, who is also the consumer, among the mass of inkjet printers on the market, chose the most suitable one for printing according to his parameters, printed starter cartridges on it, and when the time comes to change them, he begins to look for a “handicraft” CISS . Yes, he is looking for where to save money, while each such user understands perfectly well what he is getting into: installing, launching and servicing CISS, as a rule, requires some hassle. So excuse me, gentlemen, manufacturers, with the prices you set for your printer consumables, you can’t really get away with even printing your photo collection for an album at home.

With such obviousness of the matter, companies for which business in the field of inkjet printing plays a very important role, began to think and begin to look for a solution to this problem. For such companies, this is indeed a PROBLEM, and here it began: various kinds of advertising companies began to convince users that they should use only original products, then the myth that when using “Chinese” cartridges the manufacturer will refuse the warranty service, but this had no effect on reducing printing prices, you give the user a choice between expensive and cheap printing, and he will make the decision himself. The most correct and practical way to solve this problem was to produce a “factory” printing device without cartridges with a built-in factory CISS, which would have large ink capacities.

It is no secret to everyone that printer manufacturers receive most of their profits from consumables, and this has its own difficulties. Firstly, the use of CISS by the consumer obviously significantly reduces his printing costs. That is, if a manufacturer launches a built-in CISS in factory production, it is not clear how and where to make a profit? Secondly, when launching production of inkjet printers and MFPs with already built-in CISS, not only production must be re-equipped and new lines established, but also service centers for warranty service. After all, not one of the Chinese “handicraft” manufacturers gives a guarantee for their products, and a company that values ​​​​its reputation is simply forced to invest in additional training of personnel and making improvements to the work of its service centers.

Of all the manufacturers that currently exist, only EPSON took such risks and difficulties, for which special respect goes to them! Everyone else chose a different path; they began to look for ways to protect their original cartridges from all sorts of analogues, while complicating the production process for themselves. Most often, manufacturing companies do not look at customer needs and reducing printing costs, they look at those who produce compatible (analog) cartridges.

Let's still focus our attention on the EPSON company and give them credit for their developments. Now the cost of a color print on A4 sheet format is only 20 kopecks, and printing in monochrome (black and white) is only 15 kopecks.

Many people are now asking the question, what is the most important difference between EPSON and “Chinese” CISS?

One of the first factors in the high-quality work of “handicraft” CISS is maintaining constant pressure in the ink tanks. If the pressure changes, there may be an uneven distribution of ink on the print head, and it is also possible that air may enter the ink channels (tubes) through which ink is supplied from the flask to the head. EPSON engineers have invented a special membrane, which is responsible for the pressure in ink containers, which is constant and does not change, something like a valve and the print quality does not depend on the intensity and load on the printer. If we go even further, they managed to cover the inner walls of the tubes (channels) with a special coating. Thanks to this solution, the ink does not stick to the walls and does not clog over time, unlike the Chinese brothers.

Let's look at the printing characteristics models of printers and MFPs of the “L” series, this includes compact printers and MFPs, which, despite their size, print at a speed of 27 pages per minute in A4 sheet format - the price for the printer at the time of writing and at the dollar exchange rate of 64.50 rubles. ranges from 8,000 to 10,000 rubles. There are also more productive devices whose print speed reaches 33 pages per minute, such as the Epson L350, but they also cost a little more - 10,000 to 12,000 rubles. The manufacturer gave us a wide range of these printers and made a device with the ability to connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi, which allows you to print from any device within the network coverage area, this is a huge plus for them. Well, the flagship model in terms of speed and print quality in this line is a photo printer, it has a six-color CISS, a printing speed of 38 pages per minute - its price ranges from 16,000 to 18,000 rubles.


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