Proper technique for WD40 ribbon rejuvenation.

[diogenes10]

There was a thread sometime ago which I didnt print, and am now unable to find in which someone made a post about why/how wd40 rejuvenated a printer ribbon and had some comments about application/drying etc. If you happen to still be monitoring this thread, would you be kind enough to post that info again? Thanks.

"The best optimizer is between your ears."
M. Abrash

 

[diogenes10]

After more reflection and a variety of searches, found a copy of thread on google, window wizard's reply pasted in below.

WindowWizard

As was previously mentioned, WD40 will allow you to capture the ink that's in the edge of the ribbon and have it flow back into the center where the printhead works. To do this, carefully remove the cover to the print ribbon cartridge and spray WD-40 over the ribbon enough to get the ribbon damp. DO NOT SOAK the ribbon in WD-40. Leave the ribbon exposed to the air for 48 to 72 hours to allow the WD-40 to evaporate and dry.

What this does, is emulsify the ink and allow it to spread out over the width of the ribbon by capillary action. Then the evaporation and drying allows the oils and accelerant to be removed from the ribbon. (Obviously, some oil will remain.) Using this technique, I have been able to use the same ribbon, without reinking or replacement for at least 5 times. (Epson MX-80 printer.)