You’d need to make a ton of decisions in the world of printing. Some of them should be made before acquiring a printer. If you decide to go for laser printing, you will be working with toner. Inkjet printer users will have ink as their primary supply.
And the question is, what is the difference in their usage, and cost?
We review that in today’s piece.
Main Difference Between Ink and Toner
The main difference between printer ink and toner is the printing mode. Ink is liquid, and toner is powder. Ink is sprayed on the paper while printing, while toner is melted onto the paper. Inkjet printers are designed to use ink, and laser printers print using toner. ;
Let’s examine both of them.
Ink
Printer ink can be either dye-based or pigment-based. The former (dye-based) are the most common, thanks to their low production cost. This type is also known for the production of vibrant and lively photos.
Dye-based ink is not waterproof, and that is one considerable downside. This means that prints using dye-based inks are prone to smudging. This kind does not last as long as pigment-based. It will fade away after about 25 years. That is not a big issue, as this period is long enough for ordinary prints.
It is recommended to use pigment-based ink for critical prints. This one can last up to 200 years. It is ideal for printing certificates, title deeds, and information to be kept in archives. Photographers also have a preference for pigment-based ink. They want something that can last as much as it’s needed. This type lasts longer as it’s resistant to UV rays and water. You will also realize that pigment ink dries ways faster than dye-based.
This is an essential piece of information for those using inkjet printers. Be sure to check the product information before buying a product. Pick one that meets your current printing needs.
Tonique
Toner is the alternative to ink, but the two are not interchangeable. You only buy toner if you are using a laser printer. Toner is available in powder, ready to be melted to the paper. It happens at specific temperatures. Whereas toner doesn’t stain as the ink does, it can still mess up your office. Toner powder can quickly get airborne if the cartridge falls.
Toner powder exists in four colors to suit the laser printing process. These are Black, Jaune, Cyan, and Magenta.
Monochrome printers use black toner only. The other printers which print colored documents need four toner colors. The four colors, in different ratios, can produce any other color shades. It can produce millions of colors.
Toner works with specific melting points. The toner will melt onto the paper when subjected to the right temperature.
Just like ink, toner is stored and sold in containers called cartridges. They come in different shapes and lengths depending on the printer’s make.
Ink cartridges contain ink only, but some toner cartridges will have an inbuilt drum unit. This is an element of laser printing that aids in imaging. Some printers, however, contain independent drum units. Cartridges for these printers will only have the toner inside. Toner cartridges that come with the drum are more expensive. This is due to the extra production cost of the drum unit. If you buy an independent drum unit, you will use it with about four rounds of toner cartridges.
If possible, always strive to buy printers with independent drum units. It will cost you more, but you will incur less cost for toner cartridges.
Which One Is Better: Toner Or Ink?
Toner Pros
1. ;Fast Printing Speed
Laser printing offers higher printing speeds, thanks to toner, which makes it possible. Lower-level laser printers produce up to 20 pages per minute. Inkjet printers on the same level only print five pages per minute. There are commercial laser printers that can produce over 75 pages per minute. This is way faster than inkjet printers which can hardly exceed 40 pages in a minute.
2. ;They are Durable
Laser printers are more durable than inkjet printers. Your laser printers offer more pages than inkjet printers in the long run. This is when the cost of the printer is kept constant. Laser printers will rarely break down.
3. ;Print Quality
Laser printing work with high-level precision. It will transfer images and texts with precise resolution. You will get sharper and clearer images that you’d hardly get with an inkjet printer. Inkjet printers will only compete with laser printers while working with photo-grade inkjets. These are more expensive. You will pay more to get the same quality when using an inkjet printer.
4. ;Toner Rarely Go Bad
Toner has a long shelf life. It can go past two years even after buying. Inkjet printers should be used regularly; otherwise, the ink will dry up. You’d rather consider a laser printer if you’re buying a printer for home use. This is more so when you are printing irregularly.
Toner Cons
1. ;Refilling Toner Cartridges Locally Is Not Viable
You will need to replace the cartridge every time you deplete the toner. Locally refilling it will hardly work well. It will often lead to faint prints. This is different with ink. Some inkjet printers will allow you to pour ink into external tanks. The process is hassle-free.
2. ;Toner is Expensive
;Managing a laser printer is cheaper than inkjets which allows refilling with ink. Buying ink is cheaper than a toner cartridge.
Laser printers typically cost more than inkjets. This is, however, compensated by the fact that laser printers last longer than inkjets.
Printer Ink Pros
1. ;Ink is Cheap
Printer ink is cheaper than toner, especially when your printer has external cartridges. Ink cartridges are also way more affordable compared with toner.
2. ;Ink Cartridges Can Be Replaced Easily
Ink cartridges are usually smaller and cheap. You will need low upfront fees to power up your printer. En revanche, toner cartridges are often large and expensive. You will usually need to raise more funds to afford them.
Printer Ink Cons
1. ;Lower Page Yield
Ink cartridges offer a significantly low yield compared with toner cartridges. You will have to regularly get replacements, especially when you have a lot to print. Only go for inkjet printers if you do not have a high workload. If you buy a commercial printer, you’d rather stick to a laser printer. ; ;
2. ;Ink Can Dry Up, and Ink Cartridges Could Clog
The biggest hurdle with ink is frustrating clogs and ink drying up. It would help to use your printer regularly for ink not to dry up. Some inkjet printers, however, have head cleaners that prevent toner clogging. ;
Conclusion
The decision whether to use toner or ink should be made before buying your printer. You’d need to stick to ink for inkjet printers. The rest (laser printers) will work with toner. Critically think about it before making that decision. Working with laser printers is the best bet, especially for commercial printing.
Where you buy your products also matters. You don’t want a product that will fail you in the middle of your printing. You also don’t want to be overcharged. That is where we come in as Ikalor.com. We offer the best deals on ink and toner cartridges. Talk to us aujourd'hui.