HP OfficeJet Pro Ink System Failure and Refill Kit Questions: Pigment vs. Dye Ink Explained

Question:
I am dealing with an Ink System Failure on my HP OfficeJet Pro (models 8610, 8620, 8710, 8720) and I also want to know if there are pigment ink refill kits for the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e or 8130e. Additionally, I'm unsure whether I should use pigment or dye ink, and whether it's safe to switch between the two.

Answer:

1. About HP OfficeJet Pro 8610, 8620, 8710, 8720 Ink System Failure

The Ink System Failure error is one of the more common issues on HP OfficeJet Pro series printers. It can be triggered by several causes, including:

• Air bubbles in the ink lines

• Blocked printhead nozzles

• Cartridge recognition or chip errors

• Electrical or communication faults inside the printhead

A reset procedure sometimes clears the error, but in more persistent cases, the printhead may need cleaning or replacement. Unfortunately, once the internal sensors report "Ink System Failure," it often signals a deeper hardware issue with the printhead circuitry rather than just ink flow problems.

2. Do We Have Pigment Ink Refill Kits for the HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e or 8130e?

We don't sell a dedicated "kit" for this model because most users don't actually need one. The common method is to flip the cartridge over and drip ink directly into it. You can see how this is done in this YouTube demonstration (https://youtube.com/watch?v=N7Y1nk-D5cc).

For advanced users, we do offer transparent casings that allow you to transplant chips. This option is recommended only if you're comfortable with more technical modifications:

• Casing for chip transplant (https://tinyurl.com/yc2optw5)

• Video tutorial on chip transplanting (https://youtube.com/watch?v=2DJQLUeTBfA)

3. What Ink Should You Use?

We don't manufacture ink for specific cartridge models unless that cartridge requires a special formulation. Instead, we produce ink sets by brand (HP, Epson, Canon, etc.).

For HP printers:

• Some series, like HP 564 and HP 920, use dye ink for color cartridges and pigment ink for the large black cartridge (though the black can be converted to dye if you prefer).

• The HP 902 series originally came with pigment ink in all cartridges, but these can also be converted to dye ink.

If you want all-pigment ink, you can find compatible products directly on bchtechnologies.com (https://bchtechnologies.com).

For reference:

• HP Standard 600 ml Dye Set: link (https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-hp-kd600x-ch/)

• Epson Dye Set: link (https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-epson-kd600x-ce/)

• Canon Dye Set: link (https://bchtechnologies.com/standard-600-ml-4-color-refill-ink-for-all-printers-kd600x-cu/)

4. Should You Use Pigment Ink or Dye Ink?

You really can't go wrong with either, since HP printers can generally use both. The main differences are:

• Pigment ink is designed for sharper text, longer durability, and better water resistance. However, it clogs more easily, and once clogged, the damage is often permanent.

• Dye ink produces more vibrant colors, unclogs more easily, and is cheaper. Modern dye inks are much improved, so concerns about smudging or fading are minimal for everyday printing.

If you use dye ink in a printer designed for pigment, the machine will simply "over-clean" itself, which actually reduces the chance of clogging. Many print shops even use pigment ink in dye printers (like the Artisan 1430) for special applications, though this requires more frequent manual cleaning.

We recommend dye ink for most home and office use because it's more forgiving, less expensive, and easier to maintain.

For more detail, check these resources:

• Pigment vs. Dye Ink Comparison (https://support.bchtechnologies.com/hc/en-us/articles/200555919)

• Why Dye Ink Prints Look Better (https://support.bchtechnologies.com/hc/en-us/articles/200677489)

5. Is It Safe to Switch Ink Types or Mix Them?

Switching from dye to dye is safe. The risk comes when mixing pigment and dye inks. Because they use different chemical bases, mixing them can cause pigment particles to clump, leading to clogs.

Key guidelines:

• Use up as much of the old ink as possible before switching.

• Flush the system by printing multiple pages to clear out any residue.

• If you want to be extra cautious, BCH offers clear flushing solutions:

  • Universal Dye Base (https://bchtechnologies.com/universal-dye-ink-base/)

  • Universal Pigment Base (https://bchtechnologies.com/universal-pigment-ink-base/)

OEM inks tend to have very stable bases, which is why switching from OEM to third-party ink is usually safe. Problems are more likely when switching between two third-party inks with different bases. Once you find an ink you like, stick with it for best results.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we work on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before your printer is serviced once dropped off. Our work covers both complete printer repair and part-specific jobs, with clear instructions on next steps. That said, we know our rates are not always the most economical. For this reason, we encourage customers to also use online resources, including our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search function to find tutorials for your specific issue, or explore related videos YouTube recommends.

Thank you again for your patience and for giving us the opportunity to help. Your continued support means a lot to us.