Why Some Printers Have Separate Color Ink Cartridges

2011-08-30

Some printers are sold at a low price or even given away along with the purchase of a new computer, however, the consumer soon discovers it requires multiple ink cartridges, usually one for black ink and another three for color printer ink. It's enough to make a bargain seem like more of a huge expense.

While having to buy extra ink cartridges can seem expensive, having separate color printer ink can actually save money as well as allow for the best possible print out. Inkjet printers are the most popular for everyday household printers, and most of them use a four color printing process using black along with the colors cyan (blue), magenta (red) and yellow. Inkjet printers are designed to have the colors cooperate with one another. If black ink is low the other three colors will combine in order to make the black ink last longer.

Some printers combine all three colors in one cartridge, but in these cases color printer ink cartridges may need replacing even though only one color is depleted. Separate ink cartridges for the different colors means each color can be used completely before that cartridge is replaced. Even when colored ink is combined in one cartridge, manufacturers will separate each color in its own reservoir. During the printing process the image being printed is built one tiny droplet at a time using the different colors in order to get a quality printout, so having the placement right is very important.

Printing with color printer ink and ink cartridges also seems expensive because printer manufacturers are making up for selling the printer at a loss. Ink cartridges will normally only work with specified models, but when considering the expense it should be noted that the printer heads are actual built into the ink cartridges. If cartridges were not manufactured this way many may forget about replacing print heads, and the printer itself may not last as long. This is also the reasoning behind the manufacturer's suggestion that ink cartridges be replaced rather than refilled with ink. Refilling replaces the color printer ink, but not the print heads. Many manufacturers go as far as voiding the warranty when their suggestions regarding ink cartridges are not followed.

While inkjet printers remain the most popular and lowest in initial printer cost, those who do not need to print in color may want to make the investment in a black and white laser printer. These printers use a larger black toner cartridge that will yield more printed pages in the long run. But for those who do use color, inkjet printers are a better value than they seem.