Can You Use Dye Ink for All Cartridges in an HP 755CM DesignJet?

Question:
I have an HP 755CM DesignJet that uses HP 44 (51644C/M/Y) and HP 45 (51645A) cartridges. In your HP 44/45 refill video, you mentioned using dye ink for black instead of pigment. I’m considering the Premium 400 ml Dye Ink Kit for HP (4×100 ml) for all four colors. Since I mostly print schematics, drawings, and occasional signs, would dye ink be suitable for all four cartridges in my case?

Answer:

For the HP 755CM DesignJet, which uses the HP 44 (color) and HP 45 (black) cartridges, both pigment and dye inks can technically be used. These cartridges have slightly different firing voltage requirements depending on ink type—dye inks tend to require a bit less voltage compared to pigment inks. On this particular model, however, the difference is minimal enough that home or light commercial users rarely notice performance problems when mixing the two types.

If you primarily print schematics, technical drawings, and indoor signage, dye ink is perfectly fine for all four cartridges. In fact, dye ink will give you slightly brighter colors and smoother gradients, which is beneficial for graphics and detailed line work. The main drawback is that dye ink is less resistant to water and UV light compared to pigment ink, meaning it can fade more quickly over time—especially if exposed to sunlight.

If you occasionally create signs for outdoor use, pigment ink would be the better choice for those prints. Pigment-based black ink, in particular, offers superior lightfastness and water resistance, which helps outdoor prints retain their quality for longer. In such cases, you could consider keeping pigment black on hand for those specific projects while using dye ink for everyday printing.

In short:

• Indoor use only: Dye ink is fine for all four cartridges.

• Outdoor use: Use pigment black (and possibly pigment colors) for better durability.

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