HP 727 Printhead Recovery: Designjet T920, T1500, T2500

Don't Replace Your Printheads: Recover Them

If your HP Designjet is reporting a printhead error or delivering poor print quality, the problem may not require a costly replacement. The HP 727 printhead is used across some of HP's most popular large-format printers, including the T920, T1500, T2500, T1600, T2600, and T3500 family. With the right procedure and tools, you can successfully recover many of these printer heads and return them to full working condition.

Before You Begin: What You Will Need

Make sure you have the following on hand before starting the recovery:

• A printhead recovery kit with auxiliary needle seals
• A Torx T10 screwdriver
• A syringe with ink (matched to each reservoir color)
• Nitrile gloves
• A clean, flat work surface

HP 727 Printhead Refill Procedure

Follow these steps carefully to maximize your chances of a successful recovery:

1. 1

   Install the auxiliary printhead feeder needle seals as directed. These seals minimize ink seepage during the refill process. Keep the copper nozzle face down throughout the entire procedure.

   
2. 2

   Remove the four Torx T10 screws from the top retaining plate and lift the plate away.

   
3. 3

   Remove the first reservoir and extract ink from the Grey ink cartridge. Refill the reservoir with exactly 12ml of ink. Do not overfill.

   
4. 4

   Repeat this process for each remaining reservoir, carefully matching the ink color.

   
5. 5

   When inserting the syringe needle, skew it slightly rather than inserting it perfectly straight. A perfectly straight insertion will create a seal and trap air inside; a slight angle allows air to escape. Do not pressurize the reservoir by pumping air or ink in with the needle sealed.

6. 6

   Monitor the printhead electrical contacts closely throughout the process. If ink seeps onto the contacts, clean them thoroughly before reinserting the printhead into the carriage.

7. 7

   If the printer does not accept the printhead immediately after refilling, allow it to sit for two hours, then reseat it and try again.

Common Issues During HP Designjet Printhead Recovery

Whether you are dealing with a clogged or starved HP Designjet T1500 printhead or recovering printer heads across the T920, T930, T1530, T2500, T2530, T1600, T2600, or T3500, the same principles apply. Here are the most common issues to watch for:

• Printhead not accepted after refill: Allow two hours of rest before reseating; the ink diaphragm needs time to re-inflate
• Ink seepage onto electrical contacts: Clean both the printhead contacts and the carriage contacts thoroughly; tacky surfaces indicate more cleaning is needed
• Poor print quality after recovery: Run a printhead alignment and nozzle check before drawing conclusions
• Persistent printhead errors: Check the drop detector sensor for ink overspray; an obscured sensor will prevent print system setup even with functional printer heads

Frequently Asked Questions

LPS Computer specializes in parts for HP Designjet plotters that HP no longer supports, including custom-manufactured replacement components built from LPS-owned injection molds.