Epson ecotank L550 - Can I use pigment ink instead of dye?

[abgx1]

Hi, I own epson ecotank L550. Used like 95% for documents.


Is it possible to use some higher quality dye ink, or maybe pigment ink for better longevity of documents? Or do I have to stick with stock epson 664 ink?

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

The black ink of the 664 ink seet is a dye black, and these 664 inks have a poor longevity as you report.

You have these options - you can use a pigmented black ink instead if just document printing is your concern, you can use the Epson 102 black ink instead, or you switch to better performing dye inks of the ET7550 with the 105/106 inks or the ET8850 with the 114 inks - for all colors. The inksets of these printers have a much better longevity and you hve the choice - both inksets come with a pigment and a dye black ink. You can screw off the tops of the bottles with some force and swap the inks into the 664 bottles, or use use a syringe with a needle.

 

[abgx1]

Ok, here in Slovakia I can buy Epson 101 (which should be your 102?), 106 and Epson 112(which should be your 114?)

Refill system of Epson L550 consist of just like 1-1,5cm big hole... so I think it will be OK if I just cut the end of top with wirecutter or something, and theim simply pour it into printer...


So, can I just buy all 4 epson 106 and use them? And do I have to use them at the same time? Can I use 106 black, and 664 for cyan/magenta/yellow?

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

So, can I just buy all 4 epson 106 and use them? And do I have to use them at the same time? Can I use 106 black, and 664 for cyan/magenta/yellow?

Yes - no - yes, you can use them in mixed mode.
Product and model numbers vary between Epson's (and Canon's ) business regions which can create some confusion,
the 106 inks are dye inks, the pigment black for the ET-7750 is the 105 ink, or you use the 114 inks, that series comes with a pigment black and a dye black and dye CMY inks. Just look for the lower price, you can use either one - the 106 and 114 inks are very similar and the best dye inks you can get in respect to longevity.

You can screw off the top of the 106 or 114 bottles, with some force - more than on the 664 bottles, and you either swap the inks between the bottles or use a syringe and a needle for refill.

 

[abgx1]

Just wanted to say that now I am using 105 and 106 inks for like 2years and so far so good.


Anyway, I am quite surprised that daily used 9years old printer is still working without any problems. Just had to change ink pad once.