HP Deskjet 320 Solutions Guide - Page 155

Identifying the Print Cartridge Expiration Date Print quality problems may be caused by print cartridges that have passed their expiration date. There are two methods for determining whether a print cartridge is past its expiration date: 1. If the print cartridge is in the original packaging, read the 2. Determine the earliest and latest possible expiration dates "Use Before" date printed on the box. The date can also be from the code printed on the print cartridge. read from the plastic used to wrap the cartridge. If the print A. Determine the manufacturing date from the code cartridge is not in the original packaging, continue on to the printed on the print cartridge. In the example below, next step. the print cartridge was produced on January 22, 1995. B. Determine the earliest and latest possible expiration dates from the code printed on the print cartridge. - Earliest Possible Expiration Date = Manufacturing Date + Open Life Specification - Latest Possible Expiration Date = Manufacturing Date + Shelf Life (Sealed in its Container) YEAR MONTH DAY XX 50122-X AXXXXX5:0X1X2:2XX C. If you believe, based on these calculations, that the print cartridge has passed its shelf life expiration date - or, if open, its open life expiration date - replace the print cartridge. See table 6-11. Notes • Ink can evaporate through the nozzles, reducing the print cartridge life. Therefore, keep print cartridges sealed as long as you can. Then, once you have broken the seal, keep the cartridge either in the printer - so that it is capped by the service station at the right end of the mechanism - or in the storage container supplied with the optional Color Kit1. • For more tips on extending the print cartridge life, read "Maintaining Print Cartridges" in chapter 3. 1. The HP DeskJet Portable prints black only; the Color Kit is available for the HP DeskJet 310, 320 and 340 only. Problem Resolution 6-31