Will my printer print black without color ink?

[pcpunk]

Hey guys, it's my understanding that many newer printers require color ink to also print black documents, and if there is no color ink they will not print black.  My question is, how do I know which printers require color to print a black only document?

This is probably in the wrong section but could not find another place for it.

Thanks, pcpunk

[Bob_Headrick]

HP and other printer manufacturers have different printer technologies for different needs.  For inkjet printers:

• Some have printheads built into the ink cartridges.  These printers can typically print with one or more of the colors completely empty, or even with color or black (but not both) cartridges removed. The Officejet 8040a is an example.  Printers like this will typically have two cartridges, a black and tri-color.

• Other printers have separate ink supplies and replaceable printheads.  An example would be the Officejet 6500.  The printhead in these printers can be replaced if they are damaged by running the printhead with colors out.  Some of these printers will allow printing with a color out, other will not.  If the printer is run without ink in one or more colors the printer may be damaged, but the user may be able to recover without having to send the printer for service.  These printers will typically have four or more ink cartridges, one for each color.

• Other printers have permanent printheads.  To run these without some ink in all the colors would risk causing damage to the printhead due to clogs, air ingested in the printhead or burned out printhead firing resistors. The Officejet 6830 is an example of this type of printer. For printers with fixed printheads this could require service to get the printer to print properly again when the ink is finally replaced.  

The document here describes how ink is used.  While the document is written for HP Inkjet printers the same principles apply to inkjet printers from other manufacturers.  

If you never print in color a laser printer would likely be a better choice.  If you occasionally print color but mostly black an IPH printer like those in the first category above may be a good choice.

[pcpunk]

Are the IPH Type typically, or always the ones with the Square Cartridges?  I use one of these primarily, with the one Black, and one Tri Colored Cartridges.  I am able to print without the color.

[Bob_Headrick · Accepted solution]

If the printer in an HP printer manufactured in the last dozen years or so and has two cartridges it is an IPH printer.  Recent versions of these will allow printing even with only a single cartridge installed.  All the HP IPH printers will allow printing if the color (or black) are empty.