We all want a product that suits our needs. The issue is not more about the final product because ink and toner cartridges print.
The issue is more of which one can serve you better.
In today’s piece, we take you through these two commonly used techniques in printing. We review them, so you can easily decide on the one to consider.
What’s the Difference between Ink and Toner?
Ink
Inkjet printers use ink. This is the liquid substance used in printing. It comes in are two forms: pigment-based and dye-based. Most inkjet printers are designed to use dye-based variety. Apart from being cheaper, they print more vibrant photos. Dye-based ink is not waterproof, though. They end up fading away, but after 25 years.
Pigment ink is somehow expensive, and its final finish is not so vibrant. The good is that it lasts far longer; up to 200 years. It’s waterproof and will not fade when it gets in contact with water. Furthermore, it’s resistant to UV rays. Pigment-based ink is best for printing permanent prints like certificates. Ink is enclosed and sold in an ink cartridge.
Toner
Then we have laser printers which use toners. Toner is in powder form. It doesn’t stain as the ink does, but you still need to handle it with care. Toner is available in various colors, just like ink. Monochrome laser printers use black toner.
Similarly, laser color printers use a combination of four toners. These are Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. The combination is known as CMYK. When these different toners are mixed in different ratios, they can produce any color. Think of any color, and you can have it!
Toner is contained in a cartridge, now referred to as a toner cartridge. Most cartridges come with an extra part called the drum unit. It plays a role in fusing the toner onto the paper. Some printers have an independent drum. Their cartridges don’t have to come with another drum unit, but just the toner inside. These toners are less expensive. Toner cartridges that come with the drum unit are more expensive. This is because manufacturers incur more costs to make the drum. The good thing with these is that you will never have to worry about the drum. Every time you buy a toner cartridge, it will come with its drum.
For those printers with an inbuilt drum, you will also need to replace the drum once in a while. Most drums would print three to four rounds of toners.
Now that you understand the ink and toner, let’s see which one suits you better. The following section highlights their difference in performance and cost. That way, you would be able to pick what works for you.
Toner and Ink Cartridges Differences: Which One Is Better?
Longevity
Ink cartridges do not last long. They will dry up if you leave them for a while without printing. If you use ink cartridges, you will have to print at least weekly. Sometimes, the head gets blocked, and it will malfunction. In contrast, toner toners do not dry up even when not used for a while. They may degrade, though.
Both ink and toners need to be appropriately handled. Here are some of the ways to get the best out of them.
To ensure the longevity of ink cartridges:
- Keep them upright
- Keep them sealed until when you want to start using them
- Keep the temperatures cool
- Avoid direct light
To ensure the longevity of toner cartridges:
- Keep them horizontally
- Do not open until when you want to use
- Keep them away from moisture
- Keep in consistent temperatures
Buy laser printers if you don’t print regularly. That’s a rule of thumb.
Cost
Laser printers are more expensive, but the running cost is low. In contrast, inkjet printers are cheap, but their ink cartridges are costly.
It would be advisable to invest in a good laser printer if possible. That way, you can reduce the cost of printing. If you print large volumes, ink cartridges would cost you a lot. Printers with independent drums further lower the cost of cartridges.
Printing Speed
Printers using toner cartridges print a lot faster than those using ink cartridges. If you have volumes to print, you will need a laser printer.
If you plan to print low volumes, inkjet might work for you. The printer itself is cheap.
When to Replace Ink or Toner cartridge
Some printers will notify you when to replace ink or toner cartridges. For those that don’t notify, there are some signs to observe. When it’s almost depleted, the print quality decreases. After a while, you will find uneven prints. For inkjet, streaky prints don’t mean the ink is exhausted. It usually happens because the printing head is dirty or when cartridges are clogged.
While working with ink cartridges, you will have to replace them regularly. Ink cartridges are small and were never meant for printing large volumes. If you are using them, it’s better to stock replacement cartridges just in case you deplete them.
Toners cartridges last longer. Having one replacement cartridge would be helpful. That way, you would be able to continue printing as you order another.
Replacing ink and toner cartridges is not any complicated. The process differs from printer to printer. You can refer to the user manual for instructions if you’ve never replaced it before.
Difference between Original, Remanufactured, and Compatible Toner Cartridges
Ink and toner cartridges are either original, remanufactured or compatible. It’s usually indicated in the product packaging.
Original Toner Cartridges are the ones manufactured by the printer company. They are more expensive than Remanufactured and Compatible Cartridges. Printer manufacturers usually charge more as they incur more production costs. They price the printer low and hike that of cartridges. Working with brand cartridges raises the cost of printing.
Remanufactured Toner Cartridges are those that have been used and returned to the market. Ink or toners is usually depleted in the cartridge. Once consumed, the other parts can be reused. The cartridges could even be refilled and sold again. Those are called Remanufactured cartridges. They cost lower than the original cartridges.
Then we have Compatible Toner Cartridges. These are third-party products. They are manufactured by companies that only specialize in compatible toner cartridges. Compatible toner cartridges are similar to the original toner cartridges in functionality. They have the same parts as the original toner cartridges.
Why buy Compatible Toner Cartridges
They are cheap
Compatible toner cartridges cost less than half of the original toner cartridges. They are ideal for you if you want to cut the cost of printing.
Same Make and Functionality
Compatible toner cartridges are not different from original ones. They function the same way.
Printer manufacturers, however, warn against using third-party products. They may mention that these products could harm your product. Those allegations are mostly marketing techniques. It’s profitable to sell cartridges. That is why printer manufacturers want to dominate the cartridge market.
Conclusion
Once you have your printer, you will have to decide where to buy your toner cartridges. Compatible toner cartridges will help you make more profits. You only have to pick your supplier carefully. You need one that does not compromise on the quality of their cartridges.
We have been in the Compatible Cartridge manufacturing sector for a long while. Our products pass through tests before they are released to the market. We also offer wholesale pricing. If you are looking for these products, we would be happy to supply them to you. Please feel free to contact us.