Different Types of Printer Cartridges

If you have a printer in your home or office, purchasing ink cartridges is something you cannot avoid. Just as how there are many different printers for you to choose from in the market, there are also many varieties of printer cartridges available.

There are three main types of printer cartridges - the original cartridges (also known as original equipment manufacturer or OEM cartridges), compatible cartridges, and remanufactured cartridges. Each of these has its own advantages and unique features, and will suit different requirements.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Cartridges

Many printer manufacturers also produce cartridges that are known as Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM cartridges. These cartridges have the brand attached to them, and are usually designed to work specifically with their printers. For example, HP offers their own branded cartridges for their own printers.

OEM cartridges, sometimes also referred to as branded or genuine cartridges, tend to be the most expensive of all the other types of cartridges offered. However, they produce very high quality prints that are long lasting.

Also, as they are tailored for the manufacturers’ printers, you can rest assured that these cartridges will work perfectly and will not damage the printer in any way. These cartridges often come with a warranty, and are guaranteed to work with the specific printer model.

Compatible Cartridges

Compatible cartridges are produced by third party manufacturers, and will not carry the brand name of any leading printer manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Epson or Brothers. These cartridges are much cheaper than OEM cartridges, and are generally suitable for many types of printers.

This can be a cost-effective option, especially if you or your company does a lot of print jobs and runs through cartridges extremely quickly. However, there are a few cons in using compatible cartridges. Firstly, the quality may not be the same as original cartridges. Secondly, not all printers can function with compatible cartridges, so you need to check carefully before purchasing. And thirdly, some compatible cartridges may not fit properly and may cause damage to the printer’s components.

Remanufactured Cartridges

Remanufactured cartridges are basically recycled cartridges. These could be new units built from old cartridge mechanisms, or just old, empty cartridges that are professionally cleaned out and refilled with new ink. Because these are made with original cartridges, they will be able to work with your printer without any problems.

Remanufactured cartridges may be the cheapest option among all three types of cartridges, and also an eco-friendly option. However, you should always aim to get remanufactured cartridges that come with a manufacturer’s guarantee, as the quality may vary.

Genuine ink and toner cartridges in Melbourne

For peace of mind and best results, it is recommended that you use genuine OEM cartridges whenever possible.

At Inks and Toners, we stock a wide range of genuine ink and toner cartridges from leading brands including Canon, Epson, Brother and HP.

If you need assistance in choosing the right cartridge for your printer, please contact our team via Live Chat or call 1300 855 112.