My House of Ink

Printer ink information and reviews

Archive for the 'Ink Information' Category

Dye-Sublimation Printers

Author: InkyAndTheBrain
January 30, 2009
dye-sublimation-printer

Amongst printers, there are several different types that utilize different methods to print, and one type, the dye-sublimation printer, uses a unique printer ribbon that layers colors one at a time.  Often called Dye-sub printers for short, these printers produce the highest quality images, but aren’t as well suited for standard text.  When these printers emerged they were limited to high-end print shops, but now they’re more commonly found in the homes of average consumers.  Though these printers cost more than your standard toner printer, they’re ideal for producing high quality images.

In addition, printer ribbons, which are the disposable ‘ink cartridges’ of Dye-sub printers, are just as affordable as regular ink and toner cartridges.

Finding the Right Ink Cartridge

Author: InkyAndTheBrain
January 30, 2009
HP printer

Let’s face it, with the dozens of different printer brands, and the hundreds of different printer models, finding the right ink cartridge at a retail store is like finding a needle in a haystack.  The best place to shop for ink cartridges is online, but finding the exact model of the ink cartridge needed can be a chore.  Each printer requires a specific cartridge model, and the best way to find the cartridge needed for your printer is to consult the manual.  If you don’t have the manual, you can also note the model of your printer (often printed on the back) and do an online search.  For example, if you have an HP printer, look underneath it for the model number, then do a search on that model and locate the HP toner cartridges or ink cartridges you need in a simple search.   If you continue to have trouble, try calling the manufacturer of the printer (use this as a last resort). 

Once you’ve found the ink cartridge you need, finding it online is simple.  Locate a website that sells ink or toner, type in the exact cartridge needed, and check the results!  For some popular printers, you can find ink cartridges at retail stores, but locating what you need amongst all the others tends to be a pain.

Pollution from Toner and Ink Cartridges

Author: InkyAndTheBrain
November 18, 2008
recycle toner

Every year millions of printer cartridges are thrown into the trash causing harmful pollution to the environment however they are disposed.  In order to help the environment, it is important to donate used ink and toner cartridges to recycling agencies.  These cartridges can then be repaired and resold to consumers for additional use.  Remanufactured cartridges save money, create jobs, conserve energy, and offer no real disadvantages. 

To find out where you can recycle your ink and toner cartridges locally, search online or contact your local recycling plant.

Ink Conservation Tip

Author: InkyAndTheBrain
November 3, 2008
canon-low-ink

Common amongst all printers is to receive a system warning on your computer that your printer is low on ink and needs a new cartridge.  When you receive this warning, despite what your computer says, do not replace the ink cartridge until you notice a real decrease in print quality.  The printer is designed to monitor the ink levels and often is incorrect about the amount of ink available.  Waiting until you notice a decrease in actual print quality will save you quite a bit of money on ink. 

Printer ink is quite expensive, but depending on the manufacturer of the printer, you can receive a better deal.  Canon printer ink , as well as ink from other well known brands such as Lexmark and HP tends to be less expensive.

Replacing Inkjet Cartridges

Author: InkyAndTheBrain
November 3, 2008

inkjet cartridgeReplacing your printer ink can seem like a difficult process, but with a little information, it is simple enough for anyone to do it.  First you will want to figure out what kind of inkjet cartridge your printer uses, and also the brand of your printer.  There will be a combination of letters or numbers on the printer cartridge, such as 2500c, or 850i, this is the type of inkjet cartridge your printer uses, write this down first.  The brand of your printer should be listed somewhere on it, common brands include HP, Canon, and Lexmark, write this down second. 

Now at your local computer or office supply store, first look for the brand or manufacturer of the printer cartridge, this will be the same as your printer.  Once you locate this, find the inkjet cartridge type, this should be the same number as the one listed on your printer.  If you have trouble finding it, ask a clerk. 

When you return home, simply follow the directions on the inkjet cartridge package to replace the old one.

October 10, 2008
Canon ink cartridges

Replacing ink cartridges can often cost more than the printer did in the first place. Whether you’re replacing Canon ink cartridges, Epson, or Brother, here are a few tips to make your dollar last longer.

• Buy your ink online, at Web sites such as Discount Ink Cartridges. Even though some sites may charge shipping costs, you will still be avoiding the markup at your neighborhood big box store.
• Look for refurbished ink. These are recycled ink cartridges that have been refilled with new ink, and cost less than a brand new cartridge does.
• Purchase a refill kit. You can fill up those old cartridges at home, and most kits have enough for about eight to 10 refills.

Recycling ink cartridges

Author: InkyAndTheBrain
October 10, 2008
printer ink

Where does printer ink go when it dies? If you’re conscientious of the world around you, it goes into the recycling. Ink cartridges can be returned to most manufacturers or to a retail outlet, where they’re transported to a recycling center.And what happens at that point? The cartridges are either deemed reusable, or they’re de-manufactured, and the various parts are used to make other products. Recycling your old printer ink is extremely important. According to a study, more than 500 million ink jet cartridges 70 million laser cartridges are sold every year in the United States. And every year, 400 million of those cartridges make their way into a landfill. That’s 200 billion pounds of old plastic clogging up the landfills, waiting 1,000 years to decompose.

So before you toss that cartridge into the trash, just think about where it could end up, and take it to a store instead.

How Ink Cartridges Work

Author: InkyAndTheBrain
July 1, 2008
printer ink

Most consumer inkjet printers, such as Canon, HP, and Lexmark use a thermal inkjet; inside each partition of the ink reservoir is a heating element with a tiny metal plate or resistor. In response to a signal given by the printer, a tiny current flows through the metal or resistor making it warm up, and the ink immediately surrounding the heated plate is vaporized into a tiny air bubble inside the nozzle. As a consequence, the total volume of the ink exceeds that of the nozzle. An ink droplet is forced out of the cartridge nozzle onto the paper. This process takes a matter of milliseconds.

The printing depends on the smooth flow of ink, which can be hindered if the ink begins to dry at the print head, as can happen when an ink level becomes low; dried ink can be cleaned, from a cartridge print head, by gentle rubbing with isopropyl alcohol on a swab or folded paper towel.

The printer ink also acts as a coolant to protect the metal-plate heating elements: when the ink supply is depleted, and printing is attempted, the heating elements in thermal cartridges often burn out, permanently damaging the print head. When the ink first begins to run thin, the cartridge should be refilled or replaced, to avoid over-heating damage to the print-head.

brother ink cartridges

Author: InkyAndTheBrain
May 30, 2008
Brother ink cartridges

Running a printing business is no joke, especially when my printers ran out of ink all at the same time.  That would really cost a lot! When I came around this online store, I was stunned with the affordability of its printing supplies that are way comparable to other stores out there.

Considering that the major brand of printer inks they carry includes replacements for Epson ink cartridges and HP ink cartridges and of course the brand that I use in my business which are Brother ink cartridges, just to name a few, I wouldn’t look anywhere else! This store definitely gave the best solution on all my printing needs.

Save on Printer InkAre you getting tired of the high cost of printing? You’re not alone. Many consumers are up in arms. For example, they believe paying $22 per ounce for printer ink and $150 to $300 (or more) for a toner cartridge is way too much. Most of the major printer manufacturers have adopted the same marketing model as the razor blade, TiVo and cell phone industry. Simply stated, they sell you the printer for cost or less in order to sell you printer ink and toner cartridges at huge markups.

In many instances, they charge seven to ten times what it costs to manufacture these products. In addition, these major companies spend thousands of dollars trying to convince you to purchase only their products. They strongly criticize printer ink and toner cartridges offered by third party companies. However, did you know that many of these major companies are now selling their own recycled cartridges? And you’re still paying full retail price for them! As someone once said, to get a real education, read the fine print on the label. With the advent of online marketing, consumer have more choices than ever.

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