Continuous ink system

Many business and professional grade printers incorporate a continuous ink system in their design to increase printing capacity.

Some aftermarket companies also build retrofit accessories to convert certain models of consumer-grade printers into continuous flow systems.

[2] This was seen as a welcome move by users especially small business owners who rely on bulk-printing solutions like internet cafes and small-scale print shops.

It should be also noted that every cartridge replacement is usually automatically followed by head-cleaning cycle of the printer to remove air bubbles from system, further reducing usable ink amount.

Typically, modifications to a product's functionality, such as installing an aftermarket continuous ink system, will void the manufacturer's warranty for defects.

Continuous ink system in an HP Business Inkjet 1200n. The ink is transported from tanks through the black flexible band, which is vertically rigid so it does not fall into the path of the printhead and cause a jam.
Close-up view of the above printer, showing the individual removable printheads and ink tanks for each color.
Disassembled view of the above printer. Metal needles insert into the ink tanks to collect ink. The liquid inlet is a notch cut into the side of the needle, with a spring-loaded sliding rubber cap (shown) that slides up over the notch when the tank is removed. This design retains moisture inside the ink supply tubing and prevents dry-out and clogging when ink tanks are either not installed, or are removed for replacement.