How Long Can Printer Ink Be Kept?
All leading brand cartridge manufacturers include expiration dates on their printer ink cartridges. The questions are: “why do they do so?”, and “How do you extend your cartridge life to keep you printing for as long as possible?”.
Firstly, manufacturers put expiration dates on printer ink cartridges because, unfortunately, liquid ink is subject to deterioration over time even when sealed inside its original packaging.One of the advantages of laser cartridges is that they contain toner, which is a dry plastic powder that cannot dry out. Toner cartridges have a virtually indefinite shelf-life. Ink, on the other hand, may dry out or pigment may separate from the carrier fluid and settle inside the cartridge.
Cartridge shelf life is the estimated length of time a cartridge will keep, in its sealed package, before it begins to deteriorate. The shelf life set for original OEM printer ink cartridges is usually 24 months from the date of manufacture. Shelf-life estimates are established after rigorous testing by the manufacturers. OEM cartridge manufacturers tend to be conservative when establishing expiration dates. They rather err on the side of caution than damage their brand name by giving an end user a bad experience. Third-party manufacturers are less sensitive to customer complaints and the shelf life for compatible cartridges is usually set at 36 months.
Are Printer Ink Expiration Dates Reliable?
A sealed cartridge doesn’t last forever, but most are designed to last for at least two years from the date of manufacture. Expiration dates are provided on printer ink cartridges to encourage end users to use the cartridges before they begin to deteriorate. A cartridge that has been subject to substantial deterioration will display poor print quality or even cause clogging or print head damage. While manufacturers take reasonable steps to protect the end user of their products, expiration dates should be viewed as a guideline.
Manufacturers have no control over the replacement consumables they manufacture once they leave the factory. A number of external factors, which affect the condition of the printer ink cartridge, make it virtually impossible for the manufacturer to guarantee how long the consumable in a replacement unit will remain useable. Transport and storage temperatures on the journey from the factory to the end user’s printer or multifunctional device have a major impact on the rate of deterioration of a printer ink cartridge. How the cartridges are stored also makes a difference. Printer ink cartridges should always be stored in an upright position as storing them upside down or on their sides makes them more prone to deterioration. Using a reputable company, that understands these factors, for your print consumables, will eliminate the risk of buying units that have deteriorated.
Optimum Storage
For the longest possible lifespan, cartridges should be stored in a dark, dry location. The temperature should be maintained at between 15°C to 25°C. Extremes of either heat or cold will speed up the deterioration of cartridges until the unit produces poor print quality or, in the worst case, becomes unusable. Taking cartridges out of their packaging will immediately cause an acceleration in the drying out process, so it’s best to open the packaging just before using it.
Getting the Most Out of Printer Ink Cartridges
Printer ink cartridges come from the factory in vacuum-sealed bags, usually with tape over sensitive components to keep them in ‘as manufactured’ condition. This also prevents the print nozzles from drying and crusting over, keeping the print head moist.
How do you keep your printer ink cartridges from deteriorating once you have opened them? There are some precautions one can take to keep them in the best possible working condition. Keep the cartridge nozzle-side up in an airtight plastic container along with a damp cloth or paper towel. If the unit came with protective tape or clip, replace both before storing. Keep the cartridge in a cool, dark place and keep the paper towel or cloth damp. If your cartridge is stored properly, it might still be useable after the expiration date. It is also good practice to make at least one print every couple of weeks after installing a printer ink cartridge to keep the cartridge and print head primed and moist.
Read more abour What You Need to Know About Printer Ink Solutions here.
Speak to the Professionals
At Raydian, we provide a vast range of printer ink cartridges that covers most brands and models. Engage with us for professional advice on anything to do with consumables and printing and make an informed decision. We offer delivery directly to you, reduce your risk of sitting with redundant stock, and offer a high-quality, stringently tested product range of OEM and compatible products. Talk to us today.