Software Options For Getting More From Ink Cartridges

2011-12-22

While the cost of ink cartridges exceeds $8,000 per gallon, the cost of buying a new printer often outweighs the cost of buying replacement ink cartridges. With the steep prices of ink, which aren't likely to fall anytime soon, the desire to conserve ink is commonplace. Printer manufacturers are including various features within their printers that allow better ink savings. Because many individuals are unaware of the software options in new printer technology, here are several tips for getting more from inkjet cartridges.

Stop or reduce printer cleaning cycles

Inkjet printers are engineered with the ability to perform cartridge head cleaning and cleaning of other internal components. Many printers will not perform any cleaning tasks unless instructed to do so through the utility software, while other printer utilities are configured to auto-clean by default. During the cleaning cycle, ink accumulates on various components in the printer during times when no printing is taking place. In addition to ensuring the printer doesn't clean automatically, printer cleaning should only take place if there are problems such as distortion or lines in the printed documents or images.

Use "draft mode" or "economy mode"

All printers include a setting that can be changed to print in a lower resolution, which uses fewer colors. Using the economy setting can drastically decrease the amount of ink being used when printing simple documents that don't require high resolution and vivid colors. The economy mode setting can be toggled within the computer by using the software utility provided with the printer; however, many current inkjet printers have a "fast" setting that is the same as the economy or draft mode setting. Significant cost savings can be realized using this feature as a large majority of print jobs include low-quality text and few images.

Calibrate the printer properly

Many printers that consume large amounts of ink in a short period of time have not been properly calibrated using the available new printer technology. Calibration is the process of aligning the nozzles of the ink cartridges to fit "flush" with the paper and other cartridges. Failure to calibrate the printer can result in fuzzy lines and incomplete images, among many other problems. Printer calibration can be accessed through the utility software on computer, or the printer should have the option built into the hardware. Oftentimes, the calibration features can be found in the "maintenance" menu of the printer software.

Calibrate the printer properly

There are several software applications available that can help reduce the amount of refills or replacement ink cartridges needed when printing. The software regulates and limits the amount of ink being output by the printer, resulting in ink cartridges that last longer.