Can You Convert Canon PG-245/XL Ink Cartridges to Sponge-less? Here's What You Need to Know

Question:
I have a Canon Pixma MG2900 printer, which uses 245XL ink cartridges. I’m thinking of switching to a sponge-less cartridge kit (like this one: https://bchtechnologies.com/products/modification-kit-for-making-spongeless-cartridge-with-canon-pg-210-cl-211-pg-240-cl-241-pg-245-cl-246-pg-243-cl-244-as-rfc-cb2) to reduce my cost on ink cartridges After watching your video, sponge-less has gone from seeming impossible to neither too hard nor too easy for me to convert one of my cartridges. I’m curious: will it leak without the sponge, or will it be like a standard cartridge? I am half interested in trying to save money, but I also want to ensure that when I do it, I do it right.
Answer:
Thank you for reaching out, and we sincerely apologize for our late reply. Since you are looking into cost-saving options, I can understand the amount of effort that goes into getting your printer up and running, and I appreciate your patience. BCH Technologies is grateful for your support, particularly our YouTube channel, https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies. We appreciate and value your feedback as we strive to improve and expand our technical content.
 
I'm glad to see you're interested in the sponge-less cartridge conversion! The kit you're looking at is compatible with both XL and non-XL Canon cartridges and includes the PG-245 and its regional variants (the PG-445, PG-645, etc.). But this is a do-it-yourself deal that takes some technical ability and accuracy. This may be slightly advanced if you’ve never done a cartridge refill or modification. Here’s a rundown of what you have to weigh before you move forward:
Compatibility:
This kit is for Canon integrated cartridges with a printhead built into the cartridge. These range from models with different model numbers for cartridges sold in other regions, but the process applies to a lot of models, including:

• PG-145 / CL-146 (Central & South America)
• PG-245 / CL-246 North America
• PG-345 / CL-346 (Japan)
• PG-445 / CL-446 (Russia)
• PG-545 / CL-546 (Europe)
•  PG-645 / CL-646 (Asia Oceania)
• PG-745 / CL-746 (Southeast Asia)
• PG-845 / CL-846 (China)
• PG-945 / CL-946 (Korea)

So yes — this kit will also work with black and color cartridges, provided they’re integrated, with the printhead and ink reservoir in one cartridge.
 
The Sponge-less Conversion Process:
As for the sponge-less cartridge modification, you must cut and glue pieces together using a sharp tool like a knife. The ink must be appropriately regulated, so the cartridge should be sealed tight. With no sponge, the ink is limited in its flow by two mechanisms:

• Leak-proof seal: The cartridge cover must be adequately sealed to avoid leaking.
• Ink pressure control: An ink pressure designer (like a little column) is utilized.

A cartridge may also leak if the cover does not fit securely. So, you'll need to focus on the sealing procedure. That is essential to ensure that the replacement cartridge functions as OEM designed.
Difficulty Level:
This change is classified as a level 5 (very hard) project. It may be daunting for anyone new to refilling or modifying cartridges. If you believe in your ability, check out the tutorial video on our YouTube channel to help you. It will help you understand the process better and allow you to see common traps to avoid them.
 
Warning:
Properly installing the black cover is critical. If you put it backward, the cartridge won’t fit into the printer, rendering it unusable. I suggest you watch the video so that you don't run into this issue.
 
There is No Leak Without the Sponge
Once the sponge is removed, the pressure regulator and hermetic seal must regulate the ink. Yes, it can leak if the seal is broken or the cover is not properly installed. But if done correctly, it should function like a standard cartridge—without the sponge. This method can save you money because you can refill the cartridges multiple times, and it’s a more economical option than buying a new one.
Kit Contents:

• 1 x Black Cover
• 1 x Color Cover
• 1 x Priming Syringe

The kit was delivered without ink, so please remember to fill it out after the optimization is completed.
 
Final Thoughts:
If you’ve never refilled or modified a cartridge, I recommend learning more straightforward refilling techniques before tackling this sponge-less modification. While this is a fantastic way to save money, it does require practice and plenty of tools. If you have good DIY skills, this can be a rewarding project and save you a ton in ink expenses.
 
Printer issues can be quite a hassle, considering just how hands-on they can be to fix. So, there's no remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support from us for printer repairs. We provide an in-person evaluation and repair service either from the local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) and due to the higher amount of demand, we’re strictly first come, first serve, so it can take a few weeks before we’re able to get your printer to drop it off. We offer repairs on either the full of the printer or the components of a printer, along with directions on how to do so. However, we do recognize that our rates are not the most affordable. That said, we strongly advise that you do a bit of self-help on the internet. You may begin on YouTube or at our YouTube Channel (Located at (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use YouTube's search icon next to "About" at the upper right of the menu bar to search for specific videos. Daily, I get dozens of questions about videos for a few topics. In nine years of making videos, it's impossible to remember every last one. Ideally, you would use the search function built into the YouTube application. YouTube may also recommend relevant videos from other channels that can help.
Thanks again for your note, and good luck with your sponge-less cartridge project!