There’s been a lot written about the negative impact inkjet cartridges have on our environment in the UK. While our landfills are bursting with waste, many feel that the throwaway mentality of inkjet cartridge manufacturers and sellers has encouraged waste and pollution. Well, one industry giant is listening. Here’s some information from Tonik on how one company is making a difference.

If you are trying to find an inkjet printer in the UK, there will be a lot of things to take into account; one will be the expense of inkjet cartridges. Over time, the cost of ink cartridges might go beyond the expense of the printer again and again. There are two basic technologies for inkjet printer ink cartridges which can change their general price. Below is some info on fixed head and disposable head printing procedures.

Inkjet Cartridges - Fixed Head

Fixed head printing techniques employ print heads that are fixed inside the printer. Fixed print heads are durable and are designed to last the life of the printer. Due to the fact that the print head must be very durable, it’s usually better constructed and yields better print quality. The major disadvantage of fixed head printers would be that when your print head suffers damage, you’ll probably have to buy another printer. Fixed head printers are more accurate in depositing ink on the paper Fixed head types are typically used more with the higher costing printers and plotters used in trade applications.

Inkjet Cartridges - Disposable Head Printing

Disposable head printing practices implement print heads which are put into the cartridge itself, instead of the printer, assuming that if the cartridge is substituted, the print head is also changed. This type of cartridge is more pricey however. When this print head has to be changed, it’s a simple and less costly matter to just put in a new cartridge, which includes a new print head. Many company analyst believe the disposable print head came into existence because of third-party post- market printer cartridges, in light of the fact that third-party dealers are not equipped to produce built-in print heads.

Inkjet Cartridges - How Should You Handle This Then?

There is a resolution that is between the aforementioned solutions: a cartridge that employs a disposable print head used with a disposable ink tank. The tank can be exchanged as is necessary, however the print head is is more sturdy and doesn’t need changing as much, maybe following every 10 or 12 ink tank exchanges. If the print head is damaged, it may be replaced by itself, saving more of the ink that is left in the ink tank. Referred to as “think tanks,” these types of cartridges integrate separate ink tanks for different colours of ink.

Once you are knowledgeable concerning the composition and machinery of the designs of inkjet cartridges available in the UK, you will be more able to make an educated choice as to what you will need for your printer.

Inkjet cartridges can be successfully recycled, as HP has proven. It’s hoped that companies in the UK and elsewhere will use HP as a model to devise their own successful and cost-effective programs. For more information on cartridges from HP and other top manufacturers, consult the experts at Tonik.