Instructions for exchanging the chip at Canon PGI-550, CLI-551
To have a proper ink level control for refilled Canon PGI-550 XL as well as CLI-551 XL cartridges You can use alternative one time chips. The dimensions of the OEM chips and the alternative chips are the same, therefore the alternative chips can be used on the place of the original chip with some minor alterations of the cartridge.
The original chip is fixed onto the cartridge by 4 welding spots.
Cut off the welding spots on the upper side of the original chip and lift up the chip carefully. Usually the thin original chip is damaged during this as it is fixed additionally to the cartridge by hot glue on its back. The glue and some parts of the chip remain in the cavity in the Canon PGI-550, CLI-551 cartridge´s body.
Remove the remaining hot glue and chip´s parts. The centre bar in the cavity needs to be removed as it is necessary that the components on the back of the alternative chip fit in the cavity. Cur off the bar carefully. Clean the cavity and straighten remainings of the welding points to make sure that the alternative chip fits flat on the cartridge.
Fixing alternative chips by superglue
The one time chip can be fixed to the cartridge Canon PGI-550, CLI-551 by supberglue. Place a small drop of glue into each hole in the chip´s corners. Do not use the superglue on other parts of the chips as the glue can damage embedded components of the chip.
Press the chip in the right position and make sure it fits on the cartridge as flat as possible.
Fixing chips by adhasive strips Q-Dots
Another option to fix the alternative chips for Canon PGI-550, CLI-551 is to use adhesive strips Q-Dots. These soft pads allow You to position the chips several times and to replace used up chips by a new one easily. Place the adhesive pad into the cavity and press the chip on the pad in the right position. The soft texture of the Q-Dots levels the uneven surface of the chip´s back.
The original chips of Canon PGI-550, CLI-551 differ from the alternative chips by their thickness. Make sure that the alternative chips fit onto the cartridge as flat as possible.
If fixed by adhesive pad it may occur that the alternative chip turns out of position a bit. Put the chip intot the right position immediately before installing the cartridge into the printer.
The Canon PGI-550, CLI-551 cartridge with mounted chip can be used in the printer immediately and does provide proper ink level control.
5 auto reset chips for Canon PGI-550, CLI 551 cartridges
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