Three issues to consider when it comes to compatible printer cartridges

Posted by Kath on July 14, 2011 under Office Supplies | Be the First to Comment

At first glance, it would seem that compatible cartridges are the answer to the prayers of every office supply manager. After all, they are a cheaper option to the original branded printer cartridges, thereby helping to keep office expenses as low as possible. However, they are not the perfect solution in every case, with a number of issues calling into question the suitability of compatible cartridges with some printer models.

There are, of course, clear advantages to the compatible cartridge and, in many situations it is the perfect solution to the office expenses problem. Whether for a printer, photocopier or fax, ink cartridges need to be in plentiful supply, and replenished regularly. However, in some cases only HP ink cartridges can be used in HP printers, and Epson toner cartridges used in Epson photocopiers.

With that in mind, here are three key reasons why a compatible cartridge may not be as compatible with a particular printer as one might have thought.

Standards of the Compatible Cartridge

Unfortunately, not every compatible cartridge manufacturer does a good job. While many strive to meet the highest standards they can, there are some that are interested more in cutting corners to ensure larger profits. The result is a lower quality product that produces poor printing over a short life span, meaning a less than satisfactory rating in terms of value for money.

While the cartridge may use ink that is not of a sufficient quality, there is also a possibility that low grade cartridges will actually cause serious damage to the printer itself. This is because, though compatible cartridges are designed to be interchangeable, they may fail to properly fit either electronically or physically, and the printer can suffer the consequences. Also, depending on which country one is in, the printer warranty may be void in the case of damage caused by unbranded cartridges.

However, while there are some manufacturers of these compatible versions that are willing to bypass industry standards, many more ensure that standards are adhered to. Finding a reliable supplier can require some trial and error, but ultimately, will save office costs once they are found.

Electronic Compatibility

Ensuring that the compatible cartridge actually fits into the particular printer is only part of the problem. There is also the matter of electronic compatibility, with a number of differing electronic features and capabilities between different brands of printer. There are two main technology types in use in the industry, namely continuous inkjet and drop on demand technology.

Continuous inkjet, which is also known as simply CIJ, is generally used in commercial models but drop on demand, or DOD, is most commonly used in a typical office printer. This also has two types, with the most common being thermal DOD, and piezoelectric DOD used in some Epson models but not very widely. Whatever the type of technology a printer uses, the ink cartridge needs to correspond to it in order to work. This is because the electronic chip and strip that is found on the end of the cartridge is the mode of communication between the cartridge and the printer itself.

Incorporated Printer Heads

A third issue that must be considered is whether the office printer in question has a fixed printer head or makes use of disposable printer heads. A fixed printer head means that the head is built into the machine; while the alternative means that the head is disposed of and replaced every time the ink cartridge is changed.

In the case of the latter, this is usually the reason for the high price of the original cartridge, and makes it difficult to find compatible printer cartridges from an independent manufacturer. However, if the printer in the office was expensive, it is likely because the printer head is in the machine, making it more likely to find a compatible option that really does work.

While the printer is arguably most in need of regular cartridge changes, fax machines also need their replacement fax ink cartridges and photocopiers their replacement toner cartridges. To that degree, there will always be an array of replacement cartridges needed in an office, keeping office supply managers very busy.

And, for the time being at least, HP ink cartridges and other makes may still be preferred over compatible cartridges for technical rather than cost reasons.