In business, at school, and in your home, the printer has become a key member of your electronic team. Modern printers also serve as copiers, scanners, or even fax machines, permitting you to perform numerous tasks for art or business without numerous peripheral devices. Unfortunately, your printer requires some special considerations when it's time for a cartridge refill. Bringing your empty cartridge is an easy way to get a replacement, but what if you don't have it with you?

Toner or Ink?

When shopping for replacement cartridges, the first thing you must keep in mind are the differences between ink and toner. All printers require one or the other to function, but are incompatible with the the remaining type.

• Ink is used primarily with inkjet printers, while toners are used with laser printers.

• Toner cartridges contain a fine carbon powder mix, whereas ink cartridges are liquid.

• As a general rule, toner lasts longer than ink, but has a more limited shelf life.

Both types are available in cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Some printer cartridges may contain all colours, with or without black, although most modern cartridges contain a single colour. The reason for this change came from the need to replace partially full cartridges if one colour was used faster.

Not all Cartridges are Created Equal

The second important thing to pay attention to is your printer model. While it's logical for an HP OfficeJet Pro to use different cartridges than an Epson Stylus IIE, you may be surprised to find that two models of HP OfficeJet Pro may also use different cartridges. In many cases, this difference is due to the way cartridges must be shaped to fit into the printer, and even a similarly shaped cartridge may contain incompatible components.

Recycling and Refilling

In many cases, you have the option of getting your cartridge refilled. This procedure is cheaper than purchasing a new cartridge, although your used ink or toner cartridge may have components which are worn out and are in need of replacement. In some cases, you may even purchase kits to refill the cartridges yourself.

Ink and toner cartridge recycling has become increasingly popular worldwide, and may consist of either full recycling of materials or refurbishing salvageable cartridges. Refurbishing, also known as remanufacturing, is when your donated used cartridge is examined and worn out components are replaced before being refilled, repackaged, and resold. This solution is not only environmentally beneficial, it also means cheaper replacements for your printer.

Full recycling is less energy-efficient than refurbishing, with similar results. Depending upon where you take your cartridge, you may or may not be given some compensation. Paid recycling programs rarely accept cartridges that have previously been recycled, do not bear the printer brand name, or are generic brands.

Ordering Cartridges

In the modern digital age, it is often easiest to order your cartridges and have them delivered straight to your home or office. Online services often provide quick delivery and larger selections than stores, making them a viable option if you know what products you need. Always be sure to speak to a service representative if you are unsure what will work with your printer. Many of these companies also have physical stores where you may purchase your cartridges or have them delivered.

One such company, Adelaide Ink Plus, sells both original and refurbished cartridges while also offering installation and repair services for more than just your printer. In addition to OEM original cartridges, they also carry compatible and refurbished cartridges. Contact them today to learn more about printer cartridges or to place an order.