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A Continuous Ink System (CIS) also known as Continuous Flow System (CFS), Digital Image Prints System (DIPS) and bulk feed ink system, is a system for inkjet printers that allows ink to be fed continuously to a specially modified cartridge. In contrast to conventional cartridges, a CIS/CFS uses very large (about 100ml/color) ink tanks, which are connected with tubes to the print head nozzles. The tanks can be conveniently refilled from an ink bottle, negating the need for replacement cartridges.
History
The first known desktop printer bulk feed system was developed by http://www.nomorecarts.com in 1998 and later by MIS Associates, Inc. in 1999 for the Epson 640 printer. The first spongeless system was designed by InkRepublic in 2002 using an advanced spongeless damper with high quality tubing. InkRepublic is also the first pigment-based CIS provider. After this first success many more CFS systems were developed to cover most Epson and Canon printers. These options have allowed users to produce specialty prints at a fraction of the cost of purchasing special cartridges or using more expensive printing solutions.
The inkjet printer industry has viewed continuous flow systems as a threat to profits from sale of ink cartridges, while high volume users demand lower cost ink. The result has been an arms race - the manufacturers have changed ink formulae, smart chips, printer & cartridge models so frequently that the CIS suppliers have had difficulty keeping up. Recently CIS manufacturing has shifted from a "one of a kind - customization" cottage industry to higher volume mass market production as Chinese engineers realized the market potential. The result has been a significant reduction in pricing of a CIS. System prices have dropped from the $500 range to less than $100.
To avoid the need to remove the cartridge and reset the smart chip every time the chip thinks the cartridge has run out of ink, CIS often reverse engineer the smart chip and build a custom version that automatically resets itself. Software drivers for the printer may balk at these third party chips and workarounds are sometimes required.
One major feature of a CIS in addition to the savings from reduced demand for ink cartridges, is the ability to use special inks. For instance, it is often possible to purchase ink systems with inks types other than originally supplied with the printer, allowing the use of a.
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