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Ink cartridges and how we use them

by: AndrewJames
Total views: 33 | Word Count: 575

An inkjet cartridge is the replaceable component of an inkjet printer that contains the ink used when printing. The ink cartridge can also contain the print head itself. Every ink cartridge is made up from one or more partitioned ink reservoirs and some producers also insert electronic contacts and a chip that transmits information to the printer.

The printing depends on the smooth flow of ink, which can be hindered if the ink begins to dry at the print head, as can happen when an ink level becomes low. Dried ink can be cleaned from a cartridge print head by rubbing gently with isopropyl alcohol on a swab or folded paper towel.

In most cases, ink cartridges are very expensive. Many people prefer to use compatible ink cartridges, made by a company other than the printer manufacturer. These cartridges can sometimes match the quality, but with possible savings. Another alternative involves some modifications to allow the use of continuous ink systems that use external ink tanks. Some people even choose to use aftermarket inks. They can refill their own ink cartridge, buy aftermarket remanufactured brands, or even take them to a local refiller to refill them.

The costs of replacing ink cartridges, compared to the price of a brand new printer, amaze many of the customers. Leading printer manufacturers like Hewlett Packard, Lexmark, Dell, Canon, Epson and Brother often loose money by selling cheap printers. They must recover these losses and make a profit by selling very expensive cartridges over the life span of the printer. Because companies producing aftermarket ink cartridges take away a part of their profit, major printer manufacturers have taken action against them. Some manufacturers even took legal action.

Many consumers opt to have their cartridges refilled or purchased remanufactured cartridges from third parties to save money over buying new cartridges. This is much cheaper (as you need only buy the ink and some other small raw materials), and a whole industry has grown up around this idea. There are several qualities and types of refilling, some of them being safe and successful, while other types can ruin the printer and/or give bad quality prints. Options include taking empty cartridges to "refillers" or "remanufacturers" who pump in new ink, and buying store-branded ink.

Another option is for the consumer to refill the cartridges. Instructions for most cartridges are available on the web, as well as sources who sell "bulk ink" in pints, quarts, and even gallons. This can be extremely cost effective if the consumer is a heavy user of cartridges. One pint (473 ml) is sufficient ink to fill approximately 15 to 17 large cartridges of a typical 27 ml capacity. At the price of an original cartridge, you can buy at least one pint of ink.

Generally speaking, Brother, Canon, Dell, HP, and Lexmark cartridges are not difficult to refill (sometimes a syringe and ink are enough), while Epson cartridges usually require the additional purchase of a chip resetter to reset the counter chip inherent in the Epson cartridges. However, since it involves handling ink, the refill process can be inherently messy until some experience has been acquired.

Laser/toner cartridges sold as "compatible" are usually re-filled cartridges, although many third-party newly manufactured cartridges exist. Inkjet cartridges sold as "compatible" are newly manufactured cartridges. Inkjet cartridges sold as "remanufactured" are cartridges that have been used at least once by a consumer and then refilled by a third party. Note that used cartridges might not work as expected.

About the Author

Andrew James can supply a great deal of informative information about ink cartridges as well as articles about other topics to do with printing supplies including inkjet cartridges

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