Posted on 19th May 2015 @ 4:05:18 PM

At OctoInkjet we have been watching the Epson Workforce range with interest as Epson have adopted a new strategy for the handling of waste ink.

Previously waste pads were built into the printer design and only Pro range wide format printers had any form of what Epson would call "User replaceable/servicable" parts. Starting with the Workforce Pro 4000 series and lately some WF-3000 series models this facility has been expanded in the form of a "Maintenance Box".

While we've been focusing primarily on other printer models that don't have any waste ink solution, we've now been able to turn more resources towards making the process for Workforce model printers easier and cheaper.

Replacement Units

OEM replacements for the T6710 and T6711 maintenance boxes are not cheap with the average price ranging around the £18 GBP mark. While we do have the OEM replacement for the T6710, we've been also been able to source compatible replacements too:

• E6710 (compatible, replacing T6710)
• E6711 (compatible, replacing T6711)

Re-use/Recyle Option(s)

Given that the original maintenance box is quite literally a plastic container with a chip and some removable padding it's understandable that some customers would rather reduce the materials wasted and re-use as much as possible.

To facilitate this we've sourced and tested a couple of options.

T6710/T6711 Chip Resetter

The first is a chip resetter unit which allows end-user to reset both the original box chip but also compatible chips so that the box can be re-used. Most importantly is that our unit resets T6710, T6711 and the compatible solutions we offer (E6710, E6711) as well.

It's important to note that this solution only works if the chip is reset before the recorded level reaches 15% remaining (85% full) so regularly checking the levels and resetting early is required.

T6710 Auto Reset Chip (ARC)

We are revisiting these units after some time so they are not currently available for sale. Once testing has been completed we hope to make these available again as replacement chips and potentially pre-fitted as replacement units (with padding).

Padding

At present we have not sourced a reliable replacement padding solution so end-users will need to determine their own solution. Suggestions for DIY materials range from sanitary products to cat litter although we would recommend keeping a close eye on such materials, particularly any that expand as they absorb the waste ink.

Please note: We can't recommend any materials directly and any such replacement is entirely at your own risk.