I am creating a new thread, so this solution is not lost in the discussion of the adapters
When the Z3100 first was released, the separate spindles came without adapters. And the adapters weren't even available.
Some of us ordered a 3" adapter for a different spindle and printer --
C6090-60112
This adapter fits on the "fixed" end just fine. It has to be pushed on the removal part of the spindle and requires a little force. It is not a perfect fit -- but you can get it on OK.
This adapter is just *slightly* smaller. It fits less tightly on the cores.
I've found that there is variation in cores. For most paper cores the correct or standard adapter works fine.
For some cores that are smaller in diameter, like the Hahnemuhle Photo Rag, the C6090-60112 is perfect. The very slight difference in size makes all the difference when you push it on and pull it off.
Using this other adapter is certainly easier and preferable to the methods described in the other thread -- taking springs off the standard adapter, using pliers and broom sticks, etc
For other cores (I believe Ink Jet Arts Ceramic is an example) the C6090-60112 would be too lose, and you want to use the standard adapter.
One final tip for those in the US. Do NOT order parts on the phone from HP. The HP parts center, for parts like this (not for ink) is in a Central American nation. And they are basically incompetent due to poor training. This has nothing to do with their nationality. It has everything to do with the fact that HP dumped the parts ordering in a nation where they probably pay the staff next to nothing, and then, to save more money, provide no training -- even on something as simple as charging a credit card, as explained below.
In the case of HP, on two different occasions they refused to process an order because they said my credit card was declined. Well, that happened because the staff ran the preapproval two or three times for some small amount, like one dollar. Credit card companies are familiar with someone running a preapproval once for one dollar to prove the card is legitimate. Then the vendor runs the card a second time for the actual amount. But when a card is hit two or three times in a row for one dollar, the credit card companies and their automated computers assume that it is fraud, and they block the second or third preapproval. So then the card is reported as declined, when in fact the fault was with the staff in the HP parts center who tried to hit the card for a lousy one dollar two or three times in a row. And one other time they charged me for an item that never shipped. In fact, they said the item didn't even exist -- yet they charged me for it!
Ever since then, when I order parts like an adapter, I only do it on line -- on the internet. Then the HP automated system does it correctly, and charges my card once, and the order goes through.
I never thought I'd actually prefer computer automation over human interaction, but HP certainly taught me that lesson.
