If you are working on a computer, chances are always high for you to use a printer quite often, no matter whether it is home or office. Depending upon the number of times a printer shall be in use, you might feel the need of buying ink cartridges quite often. While this need cannot be ignored, the upscale revelation prices of these cartridges can make you fall back on your selection. Nevertheless, it is still worthy to buy what you select, as doing so ensures best quality as well as high compatibility with the printer model.
Ensuring that you get the right cartridge, even though costly, definitely proves to be cost-effective in the long run when you use it efficiently. It also perhaps makes all the difference to your printing frequency. Therefore, it is vital to choose the right ink cartridge for ensuring the printer’s longer lifespan, its working efficiency, and printing quality. Here are the factors to consider for reaching up to the right cartridge.
Type of Printer: Determine It!
First, you need to find out whether your printer needs an ink or toner cartridge. Ink cartridges are usually a part of inkjet printers and have liquid ink. On the other hand, toner cartridges are a part of laser printers and contain fine powder rather than liquid ink for getting charged magnetically. The biggest difference between the two is in terms of longevity. Of the two, an ink cartridge lasts for up to 500 pages, while toner cartridges last up to 2000 pages, depending on heavily the printing job is carried out. Therefore, if the cartridge gets over soon, it is perhaps an ink cartridge and that you will again need one such kind.
Similarly, you should know the printer series such BJ or Fax, its brand such as Compaq or Dell, and model number. This is because most printers are designed to work with only the cartridges of their own brand.
The Ink Type: Find It!
It is vital to know the type of ink that gels with your ink cartridge. Broadly, two types of ink are used: Pigment-based and dye-based. The latter type is very stable and applies vibrant colors to print. However, it has two main limitations namely, blurred output and slow drying ink. On the other hand, pigment-based inks dry more quickly, which means they ensure clearer prints. These waterproof inks are often preferred for photo printing and are available in CMYK cartridges for printing colorful photographs. After knowing these facts, one can understand that not knowing the difference can prove to be a costly affair later.
Refills: Stay Away but Buy If…
If you think that a home refill kit shall work, then you really need to think twice. Although they are not flawed models, they work well only if they are manufactured or refilled by qualified companies having the right industrial grade equipment to do so. This means refilling at home might be a 50-50 situation, especially if you are a naïve regarding the refilling task.
Consider such a kit only for a very old printer whose cartridges are not easily available. Moreover, you can look for factory refilled cartridges that are true cost savers.
