Types of Printer Cartridges

Buying new printer cartridges should be as simple as logging onto a website or walking into your local print supplies store and picking your preferred cartridge, installing it and using it immediately. Unfortunately, printer cartridges are subject to confusing technological jargons. For instance, most people understand the difference between toner cartridges and ink cartridges; toner cartridges are used in laser printers, and ink cartridges are used in inkjet printers. However, there is a wide range of complex product codes that make finding the right printer cartridge difficult. Moreover, printer cartridges are classified in different ways according to who manufactured them and how they were manufactured. Here is an explanation of the different printer cartridge types to help you make an informed decision.

OEM

OEM printer cartridges are manufactured by the companies that originally manufactured the printer. As such, they are of high quality and are guaranteed to fit the printer model they were designed for. They offer the highest print quality and have the lowest failure rate. However, their originality and quality output come at a cost; they are quite expensive. Nonetheless, people who value quality work and precision should settle for OEM printer cartridges.

Compatible

Compatible printer cartridges are generic cartridges that are designed to work with certain printers but at a fraction of the OEM cartridge cost. They are manufactured by third parties and are branded new when purchased. However, since some OEM manufacturers patent their designs, it can be difficult to find exact compatible replicas. Meaning that compatible cartridges may not always fit as well as OEM cartridges. Moreover, their print quality is good and manageable but not as quality as the original printer cartridges. Compatible cartridges are ideal choices for money-conscious buyers who do not need utmost print quality, durability, and accuracy.

Remanufactured

Remanufactured cartridges differ from compatible cartridges in that; compatible cartridges are made from scratch while remanufactured cartridges are renovations of old cartridges. Remanufactured printer cartridges are environmentally friendly and affordable printing solutions. Though people are skeptical about the quality of remanufactured cartridges, they are equally good. Note that, they are either refurbished by the OEM or third party who replace defective parts and refill them.

Refill

Cartridge refills are common because they are cheap. Refilling entails the used ink without changing or replacing any part of the cartridge. Moreover, they are environmentally friendly because nothing is wasted and old parts are not discarded. Professional refills offer good print quality and help you save money.

Summary

Before buying printer cartridges, you must understand the different available types and how they relate to your printer. Cartridges are designed to fit specified printers or group of printers. As such, they are available in single or combines colors depending on their device use. However, the most important factor that you must consider is its compatibility with your printing machine. Sometimes, replacing a cartridge can cost almost as much as your printer when it was new so, it is advisable to shop around for the best online deals.