What is Considered Printer Ink?
In terms of cost and utility, inkjet print technology, using printer ink contained in cartridges or tanks, is best suited to the needs of home and home office users. There are several printer technologies on the market that employ fundamentally different ways to produce a print on paper or whatever substrate is required. The consumable substances used by the various processes are often referred to as “printer ink” but many of them do not fit the dictionary definition of ink at all.
The Oxford dictionary defines ink as a “coloured liquid for writing, drawing and printing.” In terms of this definition, laser toner would not qualify as ink, and neither would the blocks of pigmented solid wax used in “thermal wax” printers, for instance.
Inkjet ink easily qualifies as ink as it is a coloured fluid used for printing. The range of different printer inks used to produce documents each has its pros and cons. Understanding the benefits and disadvantages of each type of printer ink will help you make the right choice for your specific environment.
Liquid Printer Ink
Liquid printer ink, with water-like viscosity, is used by inkjet printers to produce text and images on a substrate, usually paper. This print consumable fits the definition of printer ink. Tiny droplets of printer ink are sprayed onto the print surface, in an extremely accurate manner, where it either soaks into the surface or the liquid evaporates, leaving the pigment behind, depending on the ink type being used.
Printer Ink is a Major Industry
The printer ink industry is significant, catering to the vast number of printers in use globally. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) rely on the sale of replacement consumables to generate profits throughout the printers’ lifespan. By employing shrewd marketing tactics and producing high-quality products, OEMs often persuade end users to opt for their authentic replacement cartridges. These consumables are designed and produced by the printer manufacturer itself. For instance, an owner of a DeskJet printer is likely to prefer using genuine HP ink cartridges.
OEM Cartridges versus Compatibles
Given the substantial number of printers in use, leading printer manufacturers present a lucrative market for third-party manufacturers that specialise in producing compatible consumables for other manufacturers’ devices. Unlike OEMs, third-party manufacturers do not produce printers, but instead, they offer alternative options to original equipment manufacturer cartridges. They typically create compatible or generic cartridges for leading brand printers by copying the original units and marketing them at a lower cost. Since they do not incur research and development expenses, third-party manufacturers can sell their cartridges at a lower price point than the OEMs.
New Compatibles – Not the Only Option
When it comes to alternatives to genuine printer ink cartridges, there are various options available on the market. Compatibles are a type of new replacement consumables, but there are also remanufactured and refilled cartridges.
Remanufactured cartridges are empty OEM ink cartridges that have reached their end of life and are collected for recycling. These cartridges are cleaned, repaired, and refurbished by third-party manufacturers before being refilled with ink and repackaged for sale. Some leading brand manufacturers also remanufacture consumables as part of their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
However, some alternatives are not remanufactured, but rather empty OEM cartridges that are given a basic cleaning and refilled. It is worth noting that refilled cartridges are generally not recommended.
OEM or Aftermarket Printer Ink?
If your budget allows it, it’s recommended to use genuine OEM cartridges. These cartridges are specifically designed and developed by the printer manufacturer to work within a printing system and undergo thorough testing before they are made available in the market. Leading brands are also known to be extremely brand-protective, ensuring that their consumables meet the highest standards.
There are many inferior products on offer that produce low print yields and poor-quality prints. It can be difficult to determine which compatibles are trustworthy. If your primary concern is cost, a good quality compatible may be a viable option.
Buy From a Company with an Unquestionable Track Record
At Raydian, we offer a wide range of quality ink cartridges from HP and other leading brands, as well as compatible cartridges that come with a comprehensive warranty. We are certified to stock and supply consumables from all the popular brands. Our priority at Raydian is to provide our customers with high-quality and cost-effective products, which is why we primarily recommend original consumables. However, if you are cost-sensitive, we also stock a wide range of competitively priced, high-quality compatible cartridges. To learn more about our range and pricing, please contact us today.