How to Refill HP 45 (C6120A) Cartridges for Case Code Printers Printing on Corrugated Boxes

Customer Question 

We’re using HP 45 (C6120A) cartridges in our case code printers to print on corrugated boxes. Since water-based ink is acceptable, can you provide a refill kit and instructions for use? Our cartridges have a refill hole with a ball seal at the bottom.

Answer

Recommended Refill Kit for HP 45 (C6120A) Cartridges

For your HP 45 cartridge with the refill ball port (commonly seen on models like the C6120A), we recommend starting with our Pigment Ink Refill Kit explicitly designed for the HP 45 series:

• Pigment Ink Refill Kit for HP Black 15, 40, 45 Cartridges
  (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/pigment-ink-refill-kit-for-hp-black-15-c6615d-40-51640-45-51645-cartridges)

This kit includes:

• Ink compatible with HP thermal inkjet cartridges (water-based pigment)

• A green plug to seal the refill port

• A clip to remove excess air from the ink chamber

Refilling Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the refill process:

1. Access the Refill Port: Locate the small ball at the bottom of the cartridge. This ball acts as a factory-sealed plug.

2. Displace the Ball: Gently push the ball into the cartridge using a blunt tool (like the end of a pen or screwdriver). This opens the port for refilling.

3. Inject the Ink: Fill the syringe with BCH water-based pigment ink from the kit and slowly inject it into the cartridge. Be careful not to overfill.

4. Seal the Cartridge: Insert the provided green rubber plug into the hole to tightly seal the cartridge after refilling.

5. Air Removal: Use the included green clip to apply pressure and expel trapped air bubbles gently. Removing air ensures steady ink flow and prevents startup misfires.

Ink Considerations for Case Code Printing

Since you're printing on corrugated cardboard and only require water-based ink, the standard refill kit is generally sufficient. However, if you're working in a high-speed or industrial print environment, you may want to explore our specialty inks, which are formulated for:

• Fast drying

• Better adhesion

• High-speed throughput

These options are available in our specialty ink section:

• Specialty Industrial Inks for HP Cartridges
  (https://bchtechnologies.com/collections/ink-for-printers-refill-ink-for-hp-industrial-specialty-ink)

That said, most case code printers don't require these upgraded formulas, so you’re likely good to go with the standard refill kit unless you're experiencing ink adhesion or drying delays.

Working on ink cartridges and printers can be intricate and often requires direct inspection or adjustment. Because of the physical nature of these tasks, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting or repair services. However, BCH Technologies does offer in-person diagnostic and repair services through our local service facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, availability is limited and scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. If your issue extends beyond ink refilling, we suggest exploring our in-house service options. Additionally, for those who prefer DIY fixes, we highly encourage you to explore online tutorials or use the search bar on our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) for detailed guides. With nearly a decade’s worth of videos, the search function is the fastest way to find help on specific topics.

Thank you once again for reaching out to BCH Technologies. We value your trust and look forward to helping you keep your printing process running smoothly.