| We get asked this question a lot by customers | | | | The remanufacturing process consists of sourcing |
| who own an HP or Lexmark printer, especially | | | | empty cartridges that are suitable for |
| ones who have previously owned an Epson or | | | | remanufacturing. The majority of these are |
| Canon printer. So why do the majority of HP and | | | | bought from brokers and the cost of which |
| Lexmark compatibles ink cartridges cost more? | | | | varies tremendously, depending on the availability |
| Well, it's basically down to the design of the ink | | | | of the particular cartridge (new cartridges to the |
| cartridges these brands of printer use. Most HP | | | | market are generally more expensive because |
| and Lexmark printers use a cartridge where the | | | | there are less in circulation). Once the cartridges |
| print head (the device that puts ink the on the | | | | are received each one is carefully inspected for |
| paper) is incorporated into the cartridge and | | | | any signs of damage. Cartridges that pass visual |
| cannot be removed. This means each time a new | | | | inspection are then thoroughly cleaned using |
| cartridge is installed in the printer the print head is | | | | state-of-the art equipment and then electronically |
| also replaced. | | | | tested to ensure the electronic circuitry on the |
| Replacing the print head at each time the ink runs | | | | cartridge is functioning. The next stage of the |
| out has a number of advantages in terms of the | | | | process is refilling, this is done using premium |
| quality and reliability of the print produced. The | | | | quality ink and highly accurate manufacturing |
| downside however, is that a print head is | | | | equipment. On completion of the filling process the |
| expensive to manufacture, it is a highly | | | | cartridge is again inspected visually, electronically |
| engineered electrical device which requires high | | | | and under pressure controlled conditions to ensure |
| levels of expertise and technically advanced | | | | the unit is suitably sealed (so that it doesn't leak). |
| machinery to produce. You will not find third party | | | | The final stage is packaging, this involves placing |
| companies offering print head cartridges cheaper | | | | the product in a uniquely designed box which is |
| than the branded products, because they are | | | | clearly labelled with all relevant product codes. The |
| unable to manufacture them at a low enough | | | | box will also contain a freepost bag to return the |
| price that would draw the consumer away the | | | | cartridge to the recycler when it has been used in |
| branded OEM product. Another downside to | | | | order for it to be recycled again. |
| having a throwaway print head of every cartridge | | | | As you can see this is not a process that can be |
| is that its not very environmentally friendly in | | | | done "while you wait". Due to the amount of time |
| terms of the energy it takes to produce it. | | | | and equipment needed to recycle ink cartridges |
| Although HP and Lexmark do recycle the | | | | the end product can be a little bit more expensive |
| materials used in their ink cartridges. | | | | compared to third party compatibles for Epson |
| So what are compatible HP & Lexmark | | | | and Canon printers. |
| cartridges? Compatible HP & Lexmark cartridges | | | | So why are Epson and Canon compatible |
| are remanufactured. This means the cartridges | | | | cartridges cheaper? The reason for this is that |
| have been recycled in an environmentally friendly | | | | the majority do not contain a print head and are |
| way ready to be used again. So they just refill | | | | therefore, simply ink tanks. These can be |
| them with ink? No, remanufacturing and refilling | | | | manufactured (in China mostly) in a very cost |
| are entirely different things. Remanufacturing is a | | | | effective way and the end product can be |
| much lengthier and thorough process; as a result | | | | retailed at a much cheaper price compared to the |
| it produces a much more reliable recycled ink | | | | equivalent OEM branded product. |
| cartridge. | | | | |