The Effect of Freezing on Inkjet Cartridges
By David Harris
If you live someplace that experiences freezing winters, you may think twice before having inkjet cartridges shipped to your home. However, cold weather should not affect inkjet cartridges, even if the ink sits outside overnight.
Identification
Chemicals inside inkjet cartridges are used to suspend the pigment so it is spread evenly throughout inside. These same substances also stop the ink from freezing solid.
Thawing
If your inkjet cartridge does freeze from being left in cold weather, allow it to warm up before attempting to print with it. Once the ink returns to room temperature, it should be good to use.
Warning
While the ink will be completely fine, a frozen inkjet cartridge may affect other parts of the device. There are electronic components on the cartridge that interact with the printer and any condensation that appears while the cartridge defrosts may cause these electrodes to malfunction.
Writer Bio
David Harris is a writer living in Portland, Ore. He currently is the editor-in-chief of the online magazine Spectrum Culture. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College.