A Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) is a modern solution for inkjet printers that significantly reduces printing costs without sacrificing quality. In the past, users had to regularly buy expensive cartridges, but today CISS technology offers a more cost-effective, convenient, and eco-friendly alternative. To understand its advantages, it is worth taking a closer look at how it works and how it differs from the traditional cartridge system.
What Is CISS?
CISS is a specialized system consisting of large external ink reservoirs connected by flexible ink tubes to cartridges installed in the printer. Unlike standard cartridges, where ink is stored in a small internal container, CISS provides a continuous ink supply to the printhead while the printer is operating.
The main idea behind this system is to eliminate the need for frequent cartridge replacement. When the ink level in an external reservoir decreases, the user simply refills the required color without interrupting the printing process. This makes it possible to print large volumes of documents or photos with minimal time and cost. For each printer brand and model, a dedicated PRINTOUT system is available: https://printout24.com/
CISS Design
A typical CISS includes several key components:
- External ink reservoirs. These containers usually hold 70–150 ml of ink for each color (CMYK – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). They are typically made of transparent plastic so users can easily monitor ink levels.
- Ink tubes (silicone tubes). These connect the reservoirs to the cartridges and ensure stable ink flow using pressure balance and the siphon principle. The tubes move along with the printer carriage, allowing ink to continuously reach the printhead.
- Ink supply cartridges. These are modified cartridges (often made of transparent plastic) that act as the connection between the printer and the CISS. They contain a minimal amount of ink to stabilize pressure, while the main supply comes from the external reservoirs.
- Mounts and clips. Special holders are used to keep the ink tubes secure, preventing bending or damage as the carriage moves.
- Auto-reset chips. Most modern CISS systems use chips that imitate original printer cartridges. This prevents “ink empty” warnings and ensures uninterrupted printing without user intervention.
How CISS Works
The system is based on a simple but effective physical concept — the siphon effect. When the printer prints, the printhead draws ink from the cartridge, and the system automatically replenishes it through the tubes from the external reservoir.
Pressure in the system remains stable due to the design of the reservoirs, where part of the volume contains air. This allows ink to flow evenly without bubbles or pressure fluctuations, ensuring consistent print quality.
When the ink level drops, the user simply opens the cap, refills the required color, and continues printing — without replacing cartridges or interfering with the printer’s internal components.
CISS vs Traditional Cartridges
| Parameter | Traditional Cartridges | CISS |
|---|---|---|
| Printing cost | High due to limited ink volume | Up to dozens of times lower |
| Print volume | 150–300 pages | Up to 10,000 pages per ink set |
| Convenience | Frequent cartridge replacement | Only periodic ink refilling |
| Eco-friendliness | Lots of plastic waste | Minimal plastic waste |
| Print quality | High (original inks) | Same or even better with quality inks |
| Compatibility | Limited to each printer model | Works with most printers (with adaptation) |
Traditional cartridges often become a “consumable trap”: they must be purchased continuously, and the price of original supplies often exceeds the cost of the printer itself. CISS solves this problem by offering a simple solution with high capacity and minimal ongoing expenses.
Practical Benefits
- Cost savings. Printing with CISS is 10–15 times cheaper than printing with cartridges. This is especially beneficial for offices, copy centers, educational institutions, and home users who print frequently.
- Ease of use. No more interruptions due to empty cartridges — just refill the ink reservoir.
- Stable quality. With certified inks designed for a specific printer model, print quality is not inferior to original supplies.
- Eco-friendly solution. CISS reduces plastic waste because cartridges no longer need to be discarded after each use.
- Longer printhead lifespan. Continuous ink supply prevents nozzles from drying out and helps extend printer life.
A Continuous Ink Supply System is not only a way to save money, but also a practical technology that makes printing stable and reliable. It eliminates issues caused by frequent cartridge replacement, reduces printing costs, maintains high quality, and helps minimize environmental impact.
For those who regularly print documents, study materials, or photos, installing a CISS becomes a logical and practical decision that pays off quickly and provides maximum convenience.
CISS is not just an upgrade — it is a shift to a new level of efficiency, where each printed page costs less, printing becomes uninterrupted, and quality remains consistently high.
