What is a printer cartridge

Printers are called external peripheral devices that, after being connected to a computer (flash drive installation), output text or graphic information to a hard (paper) carrier. Dyes that are used for the application of images are stored in special cartridges.

What is a printer cartridge

Important! Most manufacturers org. technicians recommend users to buy cartridges with dyes of the same production as the devices themselves. However, practice shows that the use of original ink cassettes is much more expensive than buying "consumables" from third-party manufacturers.

Purpose, description of functions

A print cartridge serves as an ink drive for transferring images to paper. Previously, there was only one “consumable” in the printing devices, in which there was a black paint. Modern models can be equipped with several cassettes at once, in which there are inks of different colors.

Important! Color inkjet cartridges use only three colors. If you constantly use shades in which one or another color dominates, consumption will be uneven. To avoid such a problem, it is necessary to choose cassettes that can be refilled during use.

In addition, the cassettes can be used in multifunctional multifunction devices. Since the MFP combines the functions of a printer, scanner and fax machine, the ink consumption in them is much higher, so the cartridges need to be changed much more often.

On each package to the cartridge there is an inscription indicating its resource - the number of pages to print which is enough ink. But it often turns out that this number is too low.

Kinds

There is a huge selection of replaceable cassettes for printers and multifunction printers, which differ according to the printing method. There are three main types of cassettes:

1. Matrix. Created on the same principle as typewriters. The case does not understand, calculated on 1 or 4 colors. Despite the fact that matrix devices are practically not in demand, matrix cartridges are still popular. With their help, you can provide mass and inexpensive printing of text information.
2. Inkjet. There are two types of consumables: with the painting head and without it. The second option is more profitable to maintain, as it is much cheaper. Inkjet models are easy to install, refuel.
3. Laser. Differ in the high speed of the press and big resources. However, it is almost impossible to refuel a cassette to a laser printer.

Important! Original cartridges come with your printer or MFP.

Appearance looks like

The appearance of the ink cassette will depend on the type of equipment for which it is intended. Depending on the printing technology depends on the design, appearance, dimensions.

A set of consumables for matrix printers has an intricate design, consisting of:

• housing performing a protective function;
• ink ribbons made from a fabric impregnated with special ink;
• mechanism for pulling the tape inside the cartridge;
• handles to help tighten the ribbon in case of sagging;
• ink sponge on a fabric tape.

Important! The tape can be monochrome or multi-color.

Products for inkjet models of printers are containers for storing ink, which includes the following elements:

• cover with a hole;
• paint tanks;
• sponges for retention and absorption of dyes;
• toner head;
• plates for connecting to a computer;
• piezoelectric plate for ejecting paint.

Cartridges for laser devices consist of several separate mechanisms and a variety of removable parts. Conventionally, they can be divided into the following components:

• toner:
• housing;
• image transferring node.

Important! Most of the details of the mechanism for printing laser method can be replaced or restored.

The use of printers with a string method of printing involves the constant operation of the device. If the equipment is idle for a long time, the paint in it can dry. This feature does not apply to laser and matrix devices.