Inkjet printers contain detachable cartridges, which are where the ink is stored and dispensed from. This is the "inkjet cartridge" and, in addition to the ink it also usually functions as the printing head.



There are both one color and multi-color reservoir cartridges depending on which model and/or manufacturer's printer is in question. Frequently manufacturers build in electronic contacts and microchips that tell the printer how the cartridge is performing.

Prior to printing anything, the ink level must be ascertained. If it is too low, ink may dry on the printing head and lead to sub-par prints. The ink must have a smooth flow in order to produce high quality prints.

To proper way to clean the dried ink from the printing head is to gently rub the head with isopropyl alcohol on a swab or paper towel.

New, original manufacturer's replacement inkjet cartridges are quite pricey so as consumers sought ways to save an entire industry was formed to serve just that need.

The costs of replacing ink cartridges, compared to the price of a brand new printer, amaze many consumers. Leading printer manufacturers like Hewlett Packard, Lexmark, Dell, Canon, Epson and Brother often lose money by selling cheap printers expecting to make their true profits selling the inkjet cartridges, known as consumables.

They must recover these losses and make a profit by selling very costly cartridges over the life span of the printer. Because companies producing aftermarket ink cartridges take away much of their profit, major printer manufacturers have taken action against them. Some manufacturers even took legal action.

The manufacturers lost that monopoly and now are trying new means for forcing consumers to buy only from them.

Now, many consumers are delighted by the savings they enjoy, when buying refilled or re-manufactured inkjet cartridges at a fraction of the cost charged by the manufacturing companies.

This reduces their cost significantly (typically 50% or more) and can get them quality every bit as good as the original cartridges. Additionally it is far more ecologically sound as hundreds of millions of these cartridges needlessly end up in landfills every year.

There are billions spent each year now on refilled and remanufactured inkjet cartridges. The trick is to be sure that a reputable source providing guarantees is the source of any refilled or remanufactured inkjet cartridges. Buying "unknown and unproven" cartridges with no guarantee is sure to lead to sub par prints or worse.

Doing it right requires training and experience and substantial technological backup. So, be sure your source has those qualifications.

Never settle for less than a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

Mostly, Brother, Canon, Dell, HP, and Lexmark cartridges can be refilled, with at worst a microchip re-set.

You CAN have it all. You can do all the printing you want - get high quality prints and photos - while being ecologically prudent, and best of all, save big money. Happy Printing!