Looking for a new printer that you wish to buy is not difficult. You can easily spot a number of retailers selling printers and other computer peripherals in your local supermarket. The difficult bit is to find which one works best for you. The numerous brands available in the market make your choice difficult as it is. The different types of models available under each brand make a difficult job, a complex one. Each model of printers will have its own characteristics. Each one will be sleek and cost effective – not to mention, compact as well. Then, how do you possibly segregate accomplishments like:
- Prints X times faster than the contemporary models or,
- Uses X percent less of ink
- Provides Y percent less power consumption
Such claims can be very hard to corroborate. In most instances, you will probably only be able to achieve this, by purchasing several new printers. That, in itself, would denote that the claims of most of the printers you bought were erroneous.
By contrast, looking for a printer cartridge or a laser cartridge is much simpler and easier. You can probably purchase your laser printer cartridge at the local supermarket too. Thus, it offers ease and cost effectiveness. Moreover, you do not need to be lost at sea in thinking about which printer cartridge you need to buy. You will know beforehand which one or two models you need to select. The fact that printer manufacturers produce their own ink cartridges lies behind this. Ink cartridges made by one manufacturer will be incompatible with a different printer. Yet, have you ever thought about the several types of printer inks or cartridges available in the market? Usually, this thought will never cross your mind because you know the type of laser printer cartridge you need. Hence, it might be useful to know about those silent mechanisms that make printing easy, without raising a brouhaha.
Each printer contains apertures for holding ink cartridges, used for printing. Each ink cartridge contains one or more reservoirs of ink. Each printer will have space for a black ink cartridge and a coloured one, comprising the three primary colours. Generally, inkjet printers use ink cartridges, while laser printers use toners. Toners denote a powdery substance that clings to the paper (or fuses with it) during the printing process.
Inkjet printers, on the other hand, use ink cartridges, filled with either pigment-based or dye-based liquid inks. Dye-based inks tend to seep through the paper even though they offer a range of brighter colours. This is why several people prefer pigment-based inks as they bond better with the paper. Of late, manufacturers have come up with waterproof ink. This ink does not smudge or bleed when exposed to water, unlike other liquid inks.
An increased awareness of the environment and the need to conserve resources has led to many innovations in the computer industry. With a growing section of consumers demanding eco-friendly products, manufacturers have come up with green products. In all types of printer inks, solid inks are the most environment friendly inks. They also provide another alternative to liquid inks. Solid inks come in blocks of coloured and waxy substances. These inks are made almost entirely of vegetable oils. Hence, they melt during the printing process, when meeting the paper. Solid inks produce lesser waste than traditional liquid ink cartridges. Additionally, they provide more vibrant colours and high quality prints.
Your knowledge of printer cartridges might pertain to the ones you have in your printer. However, several different kinds are available – ranging from cheap ink cartridges to the more high-end varieties. Some of the most common types of printer cartridges are:
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Cartridges: The manufacturers of your printer produce OEM cartridges. These are the most expensive of all cartridges. However, they provide a high quality of print and a high page yield. Moreover, these cartridges also come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
- Compatible Cartridges: Created by third party manufacturers, these cartridges provide an economical alternative to OEM cartridges. These cartridges can work in a specific printer, even though they are non-brand cartridges – aimed for generic use. The print quality is lesser than that provided by OEM cartridges. However, in most cases, the difference between the two would be apparent only to the connoisseurs of the printing world. Further, you must only purchase these from genuine and trustworthy manufacturers to avoid damaging your printer.
- Refill Cartridges: These cartridges represent the new wave of environment friendly products. Usually, users discard empty cartridges, thereby contributing to a larger amount of e-waste. Refill cartridges however, only require refilling the cartridge with ink. You have the option of doing this yourself or availing of professional services.
- Remanufactured Cartridges: You might have heard that manufacturers add new parts to used cartridges. These ‘renovated’ cartridges are remanufactured cartridges. Remanufactured cartridges are cheaper alternatives to OEM cartridges. Above all though, they are environment friendly and cost effective too.
Based in Sutherland Shire, Sydney, Ink Post Australia is your one-stop shop for all your printing requirements. Since 1999, we have been one of the leading suppliers of printer cartridges for all major brands of printers in Australia. In fact, we stock cartridges, ribbons and tapes for nearly all kinds of printers. Therefore, if your printer is an older model (considered obsolete), don’t worry. The chances are that we have cartridges or ribbons to keep your printer operational. Besides, we are an online retailer of printer cartridges and accessories. Hence, you do not even need to visit us for replenishing your printer supplies. Simply login and purchase printer cartridges online – as easy as printing and as quick too!