 Buying inkjet replacement cartridges has become as confounding as buying a new mattress. This article, provided by Richard W. Malis, M.D., helps us understand the mysteries of inkjet cartridges.
1. What is an OEM cartridge?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Usually OEM products
are made by one company and then the manufacturer's name (such as
HP, Epson, Canon, etc) is put on the product. These are the "name
brand" products you find at most computer stores. They are
usually expensive, but are generally of good quality.
2. What is a re-manufactured cartridge?
A re-manufactured cartridge is a cartridge that has been disassembled
and its worn parts replaced. The print heads are tested for damage
and defects. If the cartridge parts are okay, then it is refilled
with ink and is tested in the factory to guarantee print quality.
It is basically the recycling of an empty cartridge to meet or exceed
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications of quality
and reliability. Re-manufacturing is considered more comprehensive
than recharging or refilling, and is typically the cheapest alternative
to refilling cartridges yourself. Your printer's print head cleaning
utility (described in your printer's operating manual) should always
be run 1-2 times after inserting a re-manufactured cartridge.
3. What is a compatible (or generic) cartridge?
Compatible (also referred to as generic) cartridges are made to
meet or exceed OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications
of quality and reliability. Manufactured 100% brand new, with all
new parts, they are an economical alternative to name-brand cartridges.
(Editor’s note: Check
out LabelGear.com for a great selection of high quality, compatible
inkjet cartridges)
4. What is an ink refill kit?
An ink refill kit consists of ink bottles, syringes, and an air
balance clip. Refilling is simply the process of injecting ink from
the bottles into your existing cartridge. The air balance clip is
used to balance the air inside your cartridge, assuring that ink
will flow from the cartridge head immediately upon printing. Your
printer's print head cleaning utility (described in your printer's
operating manual) should always be run 1-2 times after inserting
a refilled cartridge. This is perhaps the most economical approach
to printing, but does take some time and effort.
5. Will refilling my cartridge (or using re-manufactured cartridges)
void the warranty on my printer?
NO! This is a common misconception. Companies have threatened in
the past to void printer warranties when cartridges are refilled.
Legislation has since prohibited voiding warranties for this reason.
For more information, search the web for information about the Magnuson-Moss
Warranty Improvement Act.
If you have any questions or comments about this article, please
drop us a line at editor@surething.com. |
