The Meniscus And How It Affects Printer Ink Cartridges

2010-06-25

When purchasing a printer ink, most companies include a function called meniscus control. A liquid meniscus occurs when, in this case ink, takes up space in a vessel, an ink cartridge. The curved surface, either concave or convex, forms due to the liquid attraction to the container's molecules is much higher than the attraction to other liquid molecules. Just as liquid meniscus formation can skew the exact amount of liquid in a container; it certainly has its influences on printer ink cartridges quality.

Several companies that manufacture printer ink cartridges actively seek ways to minimize liquid meniscus formation. If an ink cartridge lacks meniscus control, printer ink control is not stable and is very erratic. Without this technology, printing appears smeared and very low quality. Having a control over the output of ink changes the meniscus, causing undesirable effects. In order to change the quality of high powered ejection, the meniscus must be controlled.

The meniscus is controlled by changing the outputs mechanically. Electrodes attached to both ends of the ink cartridge send information to the system about meniscus formation. With this information, the system can change the settings of printer ink cartridge, allowing the opening to expand and contract based on meniscus formation. With the adaptation of mechanics, the printer can ensure that high power ejection can still be utilized without regard to the meniscus.

Having automated meniscus control can be rather expensive. However, the cost surely overcomes the cost of buying more ink. Meniscus control can save money based on simply lowering the amount of replacements needed in a single setting. There are plenty of companies that utilize meniscus control, or simply lack it. Each technology has its own limitations and advantages.

Most businesses are going to be interested in meniscus control, whereas the average homeowner is not. Businesses that reply on mass production also rely on their printer, inks, and cartridges. Every last drop of ink counts, and every drop wasted, wastes money that otherwise could have been profit. It is up to the individual corporation to decide whether automated meniscus control is a benefit to the company.

Homeowners can certainly take advantage of meniscus control, but it is unlikely that a homeowner will see any monetary benefits from switching to these cartridges. The average homeowner will not need business and professional like printing capabilities with day to day printing and use.

When looking to buy a printer cartridge, it is useful to chart out advantages and limitations to both inks that have automated meniscus control, and those that do not. Map out cost effectiveness and rates of replenishments as both of these factors will aid in purchasing decisions. As meniscus control can save hundreds of dollars to some purchasers, it is not needed for everyone.