Ink Cartridges page 21

The working of an ink cartridge

The ink cartridge forms the power of your printer, the part as a result of which the print actually appears on paper. It is a removable part of the printer and often available in different sizes and colours. An ink cartridge contains reservoirs with ink and contacts to communicate with the printer. These contact points are used to exchange information about ink levels and whether the cartridge can work with the printer. When information is exchanged about the file to be printed, the nozzles ensure that the ink appears on the paper in the correct quantity. More ink is used for quality photos than for documents with black ink. Some printers only work with the brand's own ink cartridges, while others can also work with private labels.

Various types of cartridges

There are various cartridges on the market, each working with a different technique. Besides the technique, a distinction can also be made in the division of colours. As well as the standard black pattern, there is a three-colour cartridge, but there are also five separate patterns for the colours. When it comes to ink cartridges, we distinguish between two types.

• Print head: Ink cartridges with a print head transfer the print via the head to the paper and are therefore completely replaced. These cartridges are usually attached to the printer and should be clicked into the contact system.
• Ink tank: cartridges with an ink tank are clicked into the printer to the print head and are used to pass the ink to the print head. The cartridges can be either refilled or completely replaced. It is possible to place it internally as well as externally from the printer.

Choice for high quality and capacity

When purchasing an ink cartridge, it is important to consider whether the printer can handle the make, type and size of the cartridge. Quality is the main priority and it is therefore recommended that you buy ink from your printer brand, such as Epson and Canon. In addition to quality, capacity also plays a decisive role. When you do a lot of printing or want a cartridge to last longer, it is recommended to purchase a cartridge with more capacity. A multipack is also a cost-saving solution for buying a large amount of ink in one go.