Device Creation

Initially, I began the project working on a Canon BJC 2100 (see More on BJC 2100 Attempt) but ultimately decided to change to the Hewlett Packard Office Jet 5700 for actual final product. I chose this printer primarily because it was provided to me free and was immediate. Additionally, this printer had software that functioned much better on modern computer systems. It was also more reliable because it was relatively new and much less used than the available BJC 2100 printers.

The top plastic cover was removed and two different roller mechanisms were removed. Additionally, a portion of the roller track labeled "B" in the below exploded-view diagram was removed so that there would be no rollers above the sample to potentially make contact.

Screws and a tensioned spring device (to apply constant pressure on the bottom rollers) were removed to lower the bottom roller track and increase the distance between the cartridge ink dispenser and the top face of the printing surface, indicated by the red circle below. After the device was lowered, the distance was approximately 1.5 mm. This figure was estimated running the printer head over the maximum number of paper sheets without depositing ink.

Additionally, the sponges that dab the ink cartridge for drips were removed. The device that sweeps across the idle cartridges immediately after insertion was also removed to avoid cell contamination.