Ink cartridges are essential for any printing job. Yet, there is barely an individual who knows the fundamentals of this equipment. Without knowing the details, you can never buy a quality product. And if the product’s quality is not ensured, you might not get desired printing results.
So, to ease your troubles, here is everything you should know about ink cartridges.
Where can you use an ink cartridge?
An ink cartridge is a container used in inkjet printers to hold ink. Depending on the cartridge type, the ink can be poured onto paper scribbling words through various processes.
Well, you might doubt whether the ink cartridge can be used in non-inkjet printers or not. Let us tell you that non-inkjet printers, like laser printers, dot-matrix printers, 3D printers, etc., do not use ink cartridges.
Instead, laser printers use toner cartridges. Dot Matrix printers include ribbon cartridges that comprise a cassette and an ink-soaked fabric. So, if you buy an ink cartridge, it can only be used in an inkjet cartridge.
Types of ink cartridges
As per the design of inkjet printers, two types of cartridges are available. They are based on the source of manufacturing. The types are- thermal and piezoelectric.
Thermal ink cartridges
Most inkjet printers for consumers work with this mechanism. Inside the reservoir, you can find a heating item with a tiny resistor. When the printer sends a signal to the cartridge, a small stream flows through the plate or resistor, warming the resistor.
The ink adjacent to it is vaporised into a small steam bubble inside the nozzle. Thus, ink droplets are forced out of the nozzle onto the paper.
Piezoelectric ink cartridges
Instead of heating elements, a piezoelectric crystal is used inside these cartridges. Most of the Epson printers come with it. When current is used, the crystal transforms its design or size.
It increases the pressure inside the channel through which ink passes. And thus, it forces ink from the cartridge nozzle.
Based on the source of manufacturing, the types are-
OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer cartridges:
Known as branded or genuine cartridges, OEM cartridges are the most expensive among all types of cartridges. Anyways, they produce high-quality prints that last long.
With the brand attached to them, these cartridges are designed to be used in their printers only.
For example, HP designs cartridges for their printers.
They are tailored to specific manufacturers’ printers’ nature and other aspects. So, no risk of damage to printers is assured. They work perfectly well and come with a warranty.
Compatible Cartridges
Designed by third-party manufacturers, these cartridges do not carry brand names like HP, Canon, etc. The price of these cartridges is lower than OEM cartridges and can fit many types of printers.
If you have lots of print jobs to do, you can opt for them. They are cost-effective and work quickly.
The print quality may not be as good as what OEM cartridges produce. All printers cannot work with such compatible cartridges. So, you have to buy it carefully.
Also, some of them never fit the printers properly. As a result, the risk of damages remains.
Remanufactured Cartridges:
They are recycled cartridges. They can be new units designed from old cartridge mechanisms. Or, they can be old, empty cartridges cleaned and refilled with ink.
They are built with original cartridges. So, they can work well with your printers, unlike compatible cartridges.
It is the most eco-friendly and cheapest option among all cartridge types. But, to ensure quality, you should buy remanufactured cartridges with a brand’s guarantee.
Why is It Important to buy quality ink cartridges?
Good quality ink cartridges can improve and retain the print quality of your printer. It prevents smudging, runs smoothly and dries quickly. Also, it reduces the risks of damage in ink cartridges.
So, for improved printing quality, the longevity of the printer and overall a better printing experience, you must buy high-quality ink cartridges for your printer.
How to check the ink levels in cartridges?
In every way, don’t forget to turn on the printer. Installing printer software is also essential in most ways. If you check it in Windows, you can do it in two ways.
One is from the notification bar icon
1. Right-click on the printer icon at the bottom right corner of the windows screen.
2. Select “properties” or “preferences” from the menu.
The other way is through the control panel
1. Click on the Windows key and search the control panel.
2. Under the “hardware and sound” option, click on “view devices and printers.”
3. Double-click on the printer that you want to check ink.
4. You can see ink levels in the “status” section.
If you check on macOS, the steps are as follows:
1. Click on the Apple icon at the screen’s top left side and look for the “system preferences” option.
2. Click on that option and find the “Printers & Scanners, Print & Scan, or Print & Fax icon.”
3. Select the printer and click the “options and supply” button on the right.
You can also check the ink level on the printer’s LCD screen. The steps are:
1. Find the “menu” or “home” option.
2. Look for the right navigation key to check the status, reports, or settings.
How to Spot a genuine cartridge?
The brand name attached to the cartridge ensures its authenticity as a genuine cartridge. The cartridge may not be genuine if:
– The vendor asks for a too cheap price.
– The cartridge comes with questionable packaging, including a faded logo, leaked ink, visible damage on the product, etc.
– Security seals look different than what is expected.
Important facts that you should not miss
Not all cartridges are for you
While buying an ink cartridge, you may want to go for your favourite brand or look for an expensive one. But are they suitable for your needs? Ask yourself.
Some cartridges are for printing photographs only
Although most cartridges are used for printing documents, photos and many other things, some are only dedicated to printing photographs.
Consider the expiry dates
The expiry dates written on the ink cartridges are mostly not exact. Many times, they work well even after the expiry dates are over. However, to reduce confusion, it is better to buy from a renowned company or rely on experts’ advice.
Online stores offer affordable cartridges
Often, you can find cartridges online at a lower cost than in physical stores. Also, you can get various offers and discounts frequently.
To sum up
It is highly important to know the details beforehand while buying an ink cartridge. Ink cartridges are of different types and include various parts. Learning about them helps you understand the mechanism of these cartridges. Thus, you can buy the right product for you. Are all your questions answered here, and ready to buy an ink cartridge? Check out the wide collections at L&T-SuFin. Choose the best from an array of options.