Epson RX640 (T048) Refill Guide: Is Refilling Genuine Epson Cartridges Better Than Refillable Tanks?

Question

For an Epson RX640 that uses T048 cartridges, would you recommend refilling the original (genuine) Epson cartridges instead of switching to refillable tank-style cartridges? If refilling the genuine cartridges is better, how do I do it correctly?

Answer

Should you refill genuine Epson cartridges or use refill tanks?

For the Epson RX640 using T048 cartridges, yes-refilling genuine (OEM) Epson cartridges is often the safer and more reliable route compared with many third-party refillable/tank-style cartridges.

Here's why:

• OEM cartridge engineering is more consistent. The RX640 generation relies on a cartridge design (including sponge/valving/venting behavior) that keeps ink delivery stable. Epson's originals usually maintain more predictable backpressure and airflow, which helps the printhead stay properly supplied.

• Older Epson heads are sensitive to pressure changes. If a refill system introduces too much air, too little vacuum, or inconsistent flow, you can see clogs, dropouts, banding, or intermittent color loss that seems to "come and go."

• Aftermarket refillables vary widely in quality. Some work fine, but many have imperfect vents, seals, or chip behavior-leading to bubbles in the lines, false "empty" warnings, or ink starvation during printing.

That said, refill tanks can work in certain setups, but they typically require more tuning and troubleshooting. If your goal is maximum reliability with minimum tinkering, refilling OEM cartridges is usually the better starting point.

How to refill an Epson RX640 OEM cartridge (T048) safely

Refilling is absolutely possible-but doing it incorrectly can cause leaks, ink starvation, or air ingestion. Here's the careful method:

1) Use the correct ink type

The RX640 was designed for dye-based ink (not pigment). Using the wrong chemistry can increase clogging risk and cause poor color behavior.

• Use dye ink formulated for Epson dye systems.

• Avoid mixing unknown ink types-mixing can gel or destabilize.

2) Create a refill port (cleanly and cautiously)

You'll need a small refill opening.

• Make a small hole in the cartridge's top area (location depends on cartridge shape).

• Drill slowly or melt carefully-do not gouge deep and risk damaging the internal structure.

Important: The goal is a hole just big enough for your syringe tip/needle.

3) Inject ink slowly (don't overfill)

These cartridges need a stable internal balance. Overfilling is one of the most common mistakes.

• Use a syringe and inject very slowly so the internal media can absorb evenly.

• Stop if you see ink pooling or resisting absorption.

• If you overfill, the cartridge can leak into the printer or create pressure issues that lead to smearing/streaks.

4) Seal the refill port airtight

Once filled, the refill port must be sealed well.

• Use a rubber plug, silicone sealant, or a proven strong sealing tape.

• The seal should be airtight-leaks or air exchange can destabilize ink flow.

5) Maintain proper venting behavior

Cartridges typically have a vent/air path that must function correctly.

• Don't accidentally block the cartridge's normal venting area.

• Don't create extra "leak paths" by leaving a poor seal.

(Airtight refill port + correct vent behavior is the combo you want.)

6) Reset the chip (critical step)

Your RX640 will usually refuse to print if it thinks the cartridge is empty-even if it's physically full.

• You'll need a chip resetter compatible with Epson T048.

• Reset the chip before (or right after) reinstalling, depending on your resetter's design.

If the chip won't reset or the printer still reads it as empty, the chip may be worn or incompatible, and the cartridge may need a replacement chip solution.

7) Reinstall and run a nozzle check

After reinstalling:

• Print a nozzle check first.

• If needed, do one normal cleaning cycle, then nozzle check again.

• Avoid repeated back-to-back cleanings (that can overheat stress the head and waste ink quickly). If it's not improving after a couple tries, you likely have air in the system or a maintenance station issue rather than a simple clog.

If you still get missing lines or clogs after refilling

On older Epson cartridge printers, persistent clogging after a refill often points to one of these:

• Air introduced during refill (microbubbles cause dropouts)

• Printer sat unused and ink dried in the head

• Capping station/capping seal issues (can't hold suction during cleaning)

• Wiper blade or pump contamination (smears, cross-contamination, ineffective cleaning)

• Ink mismatch (wrong type/poor-quality dye causing instability)

In tougher cases, you may need hands-on work involving the capping station and priming/cleaning the ink delivery path with appropriate cleaning solution-especially if the printer has been idle for a long time.

Error codes?

You didn't mention any specific error codes in your question. If your RX640 displays messages like "cartridge not recognized," "cannot recognize ink cartridge," or "ink cartridge empty," those are often tied to chip reset/contacts, not the refill itself. If you can share the exact on-screen wording, it helps pinpoint whether it's a chip, contact, venting, or ink-flow problem.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems, and there's only so much that can be verified remotely. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: printer repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before we can accept your printer for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either an entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. We also understand our rates aren't the most economical, so we strongly recommend self-help through online research. You can start by checking YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel homepage: BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics, and after creating videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one-so YouTube search is the fastest approach. Plus, YouTube may suggest related videos from other channels that could help as well.

Thanks again for reaching out and for supporting us. I truly appreciate it, and I hope this helps you choose the most reliable option for your RX640 and refill your T048 cartridges with fewer clogs and fewer headaches.