Knowing Whether To Buy Generic Or Name Brand Printer Ink

2010-07-10

In today's world, advancements in technology move at such a rapid speed that it is easy to feel that many of the gadgets we buy are practically disposable. This is nowhere more apparent than in the world of computers and peripherals where upgrades and next generation gadgets replace old models that practically become throwaways. But this does not have to be the rule. For all the basic needs and requirements of the average computer owner, something as simple as good maintenance will keep your older peripherals in high functioning mode for many years. Particularly, anyone who produces high volume output from his printer can vouch for this: buying third party printer ink cartridges might often look like the more appealing option, but the decision to be frugal does not pan out. So, before you refill your printer with generic printer ink, be aware that you might be shortening the life span and full potential of your investment.

One repeated and nefarious issue that accompanies generic printer ink is that of clogged nozzles in the print head. Most likely, you will have to endure the dreaded pattern of blank banded streaks on your pictures and text documents. The cause of this nuisance is typically the formula of the third-party inks, which includes a low-grade plastic. Brand name printer inks on the other hand are comprised of higher quality filler such as polypropylene, which enhances fluidity through the nozzles. Aside from producing unusable output, the clogging itself leads to the necessity of cleaning the print head. You will have to buy a special irrigation kit in order to free up the congestion, and even then, this additional effort will not guarantee consistent results.

Another reason to invest in dedicated printer ink cartridges is simply to guarantee the longevity of your output pieces. Lab tests prove that color bleed is elevated and durability is decreased when using third-party ink. If you're looking to produce images and documents that will stand the test of time, you're cheating yourself by not buying brand name refills.

Finally, if these aren't reasons enough to opt for proprietary inks, off-brand cartridges are often cheaply constructed and can literally fall apart inside your printer. So, in addition to cleaning up (or becoming resigned to live with) the stains, the printer might actually break and start to malfunction.

Ultimately, think of your printer as a cherished car. In a perfect world, you want to fill its tank with premium. Though third-party refills may seem enticing as an economical option, if want to get the most out of your investment, dedicated inks will prove themselves to be worth their weight in gold.