| An inkjet cartridge is a replaceable component of | | | | inkjet printers). |
| an inkjet printer that contains the ink that is | | | | Typically, inkjet cartridges are very expensive |
| spread on paper during printing and sometimes | | | | compared to the printer itself. Many people, |
| the print-head itself. Each inkjet cartridge contains | | | | therefore, use compatible inkjet cartridges (also |
| one or more partitioned ink tanks (reservoirs), | | | | called "generic" - those made by a company other |
| electronic contacts and a chip that communicates | | | | than the OEM printer manufacturer) that give |
| with the printer. | | | | comparable quality, but with considerable savings. |
| Inside each partition of the inkjet cartridge tank | | | | Another alternative involves modifications that |
| (reservoir), is a tiny metal plate. In response to a | | | | allow the use of continuous ink systems that use |
| signal given by the inkjet printer, a tiny current | | | | external ink tanks. Some people choose to use |
| flows through the metal causing it to warm up. | | | | inexpensive ink, knowing that, in the long term, it |
| The ink immediately surrounding the heated plate | | | | may damage the printer. However, the cost |
| is vaporised. As a consequence, the total volume | | | | savings of 4 or 5 refilled inkjet cartridges may |
| of the ink exceeds that of the inkjet cartridge. An | | | | well be sufficient to pay for a new inkjet printer. |
| ink droplet falls out of the cartridge onto the | | | | If the printer lasts more than that, they have |
| paper. This process takes place in a matter of | | | | obtained the same result (economically speaking) |
| milliseconds which equals to near 6,000 times per | | | | at a lower cost than using original supplies. |
| second. | | | | Consumers are often surprised at the price of |
| Usually, two separate inkjet cartridges are | | | | replacing their inkjet cartridges, especially when |
| inserted into an inkjet printer: one containing black | | | | compared with that of purchasing a brand new |
| ink and one with each of the three primary colors | | | | inkjet printer. The major printer manufacturers, |
| (cyan, magenta and yellow). Alternatively, each | | | | Hewlett Packard, Lexmark, Dell, Canon, Epson and |
| primary color may have a dedicated inkjet | | | | Brother, often break even or lose money selling |
| cartridge. Some inkjet cartridges are specifically | | | | printers and expect to recoup their losses by |
| designed for printing photographs. All printer | | | | selling inkjet cartridges over the life span of the |
| suppliers produce their own type of inkjet | | | | printer. Since much of the printer manufacturers' |
| cartridges. Inkjet cartridges for different printers | | | | profits are made up of inkjet cartridges and toner |
| may be incompatible - either physically or | | | | sales, these companies have taken various actions |
| electrically. Since replacement inkjet cartridges | | | | to limit the options of consumers in using |
| from the original manufacturer of the printer are | | | | aftermarket inkjet cartridges. |
| often very expensive, some other manufacturers | | | | However, many consumers have purchased |
| produce "compatible" inkjet cartridges as cheaper | | | | remanufactured cartridges from alternative |
| alternatives. Some inkjet cartridges have | | | | companies to save money over buying new |
| incorporated the printer head (most Hewlett | | | | inkjet cartridges. This is a much better use of |
| Packard inkjet printers use this system). Usually, | | | | resources, much cheaper, and a whole industry |
| they are more expensive, but the printers are | | | | has grown up around this idea. Remanufacturing |
| cheaper. Others don't include the print head, but | | | | of inkjet cartridges and other printer supplies also |
| they are more economical and the inkjet printers | | | | reduces the amount of plastic that goes in the |
| are more expensive (for example, most Epson | | | | landfill and keeps the Earth a cleaner place. |