Inkjet and Toner

All inkjet systems have a means for holding the ink supply in reserve, a means for moving the ink from the reserve to the printhead and a method for very precisely positioning carefully measured amounts of ink onto the paper.Â

All of the systems are essentially open systems that have a way for air to enter the ink reservoir in direct proportion to the amount of ink that has moved out through the printhead. Because the systems are open, the ink must be held (i.e. not allowed to flow) until there is a need to put some of it onto the paper.

Various methods are used to hold back the flow of ink until electrical pulses cause the ink to leave the printhead. One of the most common ways that manufacturers use is to have a sponge-like material in the ink reservoir to provide a resistance to the ink’s flow. This is necessary to prevent the ink from spontaneously moving through the printhead.

Some HP cartridges (i.e. 51626A) use a system that consists of an automatic venting system at the bottom of the cartridge. It is normally closed by a snorkel-like ball. As ink leaves the cartridge, the air pressure inside becomes less than the ambient air pressure outside. The ball then changes position, briefly opening the vent until the pressure has equalized again.

The printhead has a number of very small openings that allow the ink to pass through to form characters or graphics. The very small openings in the printhead hold ink until an electronic signal causes the ink to move onto the paper. The other method currently being used is the piezoelectronic method. It utilizes the principal that certain crystals can be made to expand or contract when subjected to an electric field. The movement of the crystal is utilized in a way that allows a precise amount of ink in a selected printhead opening to be put down on the paper. Epson and others use this method.

Another variation in inkjet systems is the ink cartridge versus the print cartridge. The ink cartridge only acts as the ink reservoir. When the cartridge is put into place’ it’s exit hole docks with a receptor that carries the ink through a channel or tubing to the printhead.

The print cartridge on the other hand is the complete ink delivery system. It’s upper portion is the ink reservoir and the lower portion contains the printhead. The print cartridge has a distinct advantage in that a blocked or damaged printhead that can’t be fixed can be corrected by replacing the cartridge. On the other hand, a system that uses ink cartridges and has the same problem, must have the printer serviced.

The INKJET PRINTER is cheap to acquire, has low maintenance, great dependability and produces a great copy. The biggest expense is going to be your supplies, paper and ink.

There are three things that determine your finished printed product: the printer itself, ink, and paper.

Number one, the printer, some models are better at doing certain jobs, just like people. But almost all the new inkjet printers coming out are good. The newest models are great. They’re dependable, quiet, fast and getting cheaper all the time.

Number two, is the INK. Here, if you’re wise, you can cut this cost by refilling your own cartridges or buying low cost compatable cartridges that work like the new ones.

Number three is the paper, which has a good deal to do with your finished product. You can save here too, if you learn to match the right paper with the job at hand.

We won’t deal with the machine itself because most of the major manufacturers are turning out a great product. You just have to try to match the machine model with the job you do the most: plain printing, graphics, photos, etc.

But the INK is another story. Every time you replace your INK cartridge, you’re going to spend an average of $30-40, depending on the make or model, if you pay retail.

The MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY IMPROVEMENT ACT. It basically says that the manufacturer of the printer you are using CANNOT VOID THE WARRANTY of your printer because you use a cartridge or refill kit made by someone else.

All our inks are made to OEM standards and are designed to perform as good as the original ink.