Know Your Printer Cartridge – A Basic Guide

If you are a business owner, you will agree that the printer cartridge is a very important part of your business operations. Depending upon the frequency of your printing needs, your expenses are affected by cartridge replacements and purchases. Unfortunately, the knowledge associated with such an important commodity of business is usually very little. Here is a little information about printing cartridge that everyone who uses it ought to know.

The difference between a toner cartridge and ink cartridge

These are the two most extensively used types of printer cartridges. The ink cartridge stores ink in different chambers. Each chamber has a sponge that soaks in one single color. The ink comes out in different shades depending on the number of chambers.  When you key in a print command in your computer, the ink is shot out through the printer head to print each letter. An ink cartridge can be refilled by using a cylinder that contains the required color of the ink.

A toner cartridge, on the other hand, is usually used in laser printers. The toner is actually a fine powder that is electromagnetically sensitive. This is stored in a chamber called the hopper. When the print command is given, electromagnetic charges in the shape of the letter to be printed are created on the drum. The toner is attracted to this charge and melted using a fuser, which in turn leaves an imprint on the paper. Even the toner cartridge can be refilled by pouring the powder into the hopper.

Maintaining cartridges

If you making sure that your printer cartridges stay intact for longer, you could reduce the costs of repeated replacements. The most recurring problem with printer cartridges is that they dry up when not in use. To get a dried cartridge to a functioning state, all you have to do is soak the bottom of the cartridge in warm water for 2 minutes and air dry it.

The next issue is the clogging of ink on the printer head. If you find your prints blotched or soiled, it indicates excessive ink accumulation in the printer head. While cleaning it, make sure that you never touch the printer head with your finger tips. All you have to do is place the printer head down on a moist cloth and dab it till the excess ink is removed and the ink beings to flow normally.

The print cartridge carriage assembly also needs some cleaning regularly. You need to wipe of all the dust with a dry cloth on a regular basis. You can even run an automatic clean up command if your system supports it. If none of these steps improve the quality of printing, you don't have a choice but to replace the assembly.

Recycling the cartridges

Recycling the cartridges is a great idea for those who want to do their bit to save the environment. All you have to do is use the cartridge till it is completely empty. You can then call the manufacturer and have the empty cartridge shipped for refilling. In case the manufacturer does not respond, you can approach NGOs that are actually dedicated to recycling and reusing printer cartridges. With a little bit of basic knowledge, you can save on a lot of operational costs.

If you are into printing business, it is important to know all the details about the printers and the cartridges that you are investing in. Click here and find out more.