Replacement printer cartridges can be tricky things to buy for your daily home office. There are hundreds of cartridges available, and they come from tons of different manufacturers with a wide variety of printer types. Check out this must-have guide to the types of cartridges in your printer, and make the right choice for your needs.
Different Types of Cartridges
When selecting a cartridge for your printer, the first thing to consider is whether you need ink or toner. Ink cartridges are used in inkjet printers and are the most common. They use liquid ink to create color which dries once laid on paper. Toner is a dry powder made of plastic particles burned onto the medium. Laser printers and most copiers use toner cartridges. They tend to be more expensive. With all printers, there are four types of cartridges:
● OEM cartridges
● Compatible new cartridges
● Remanufactured cartridges
● Cartridge refills
Let’s look at each in detail.
OEM Ink and Toner Cartridges
The first of our types of cartridges are OEM which stands for original equipment manufacturer. OEM refers to cartridges made by the company that created your printer. These are specifically made for your device which means they are high quality and dependable. They have a lower failure rate and consistently deliver the results you want and expect. Often, they may be warranted or guaranteed.
The downside of these is that they generally cost a great deal more than other options.
Compatible New Ink and Toner Cartridges
Third-party manufacturers create compatible ink and toner cartridges for standard brand machines. They are usually far lower in price than OEM cartridges.
These cartridges can be problematic. Often production companies cut corners by using cheaper materials to build these products. Purchasing compatible cartridges requires research in order to avoid printing issues and potential damage.
Remanufactured Ink and Toner Cartridges
When you buy an OEM cartridge, you’ll often see a cartridge recycling program advertised alongside it. A mailing label is also provided for you to ship the empty cartridge back. Save the information and take advantage of these recycling programs. Returned cartridges are opened, inspected, repaired if necessary, then refilled, tested, and sold.
Check out our advanced recycling services here.
Refilled Ink and Toner Cartridges
The cheapest kind of cartridge is a refillable cartridge. They’re also the lowest quality. Refillable cartridges are made so that ink and toner can be purchased separately and reused. Careful with this method. Improper refills and installs can create issues with your computer. You get what you pay for with these. The most important thing to remember when making your choice is to examine your needs for printing before you go with this option.
The process of finding the right cartridge can be overwhelming. Call Vegas Ink and Toner to get our advice and expert opinion on specific products.
