<P> An ink cartridge or inkjet cartridge is a component of an inkjet printer that contains the ink that is deposited onto paper during printing . </P> <P> Each ink cartridge contains one or more ink reservoirs; certain producers also add electronic contacts and a chip that communicates with the printer . </P> <P> Most consumer inkjet printers, such as those made by Canon, HP, and Lexmark (but not Epson) use a thermal inkjet; inside each partition of the ink reservoir is a heating element with a tiny metal plate or resistor . In response to a signal given by the printer, a tiny current flows through the metal or resistor making it warm, and the ink in contact with the heated resistor is vaporized into a tiny steam bubble inside the nozzle . As a consequence, an ink droplet is forced out of the cartridge nozzle onto the paper . This process takes a fraction of a millisecond . </P> <P> The printing depends on the smooth flow of ink, which can be hindered if the ink begins to dry at the print head, as can happen when an ink level becomes low . Dried ink can be cleaned from a cartridge print head using isopropyl alcohol or water . Isopropyl alcohol will damage the printing head, IPA can dissolve the plastic at the connections and rubber gaskets . Tap water contains contaminants that may clog the print head, so distilled water and a lint - free cloth is recommended . </P>

What type of ink is used in hp inkjet printers