Printers are external peripheral devices that, after connecting to a computer (installing a flash drive), output text or graphic information onto solid (paper) media. Dyes that are used for printing images are stored in special cartridges.
What is a printer cartridge
The content of the article
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What is a printer cartridge
- Purpose, description of functions
- Kinds
- Appearance how it looks
Important! Most manufacturers org. technicians recommend that users purchase dye cartridges of the same manufacture as the devices themselves. However, practice shows that the use of original ink cassettes is much more expensive than the purchase of "consumables" from third-party manufacturers.
Purpose, description of functions
The printer cartridge acts as an ink storage device for transferring images to paper. Previously, there was only one “consumable” in printing devices, in which there was black ink. Modern models can be equipped with several cartridges at once, which contain ink of different colors.
Important! Color cartridges for inkjet printers use only three colors. If you constantly use shades in which this or that color dominates, the consumption will occur unevenly. To avoid such a problem, it is necessary to choose cartridges that can be refilled during use.
In addition, cassettes can be used in multifunction devices of the MFP. Since the MFP combines the functions of a printer, scanner, and fax machine, the ink consumption is much higher in them, so cartridges need to be replaced more often.
On each packaging for the cartridge there is an inscription indicating its resource - the number of pages for printing which is enough ink. But often it turns out that the indicated number is too underestimated.
Kinds
There is a huge selection of removable cartridges for printers and MFPs, which are distinguished according to the printing method. There are three main types of cassettes:
- Dot matrix. Created on the same principle as typewriters. The case does not disassemble, designed for 1 or 4 colors. Despite the fact that matrix devices are practically not in demand, matrix cartridges are still popular. With their help, it is possible to provide mass and inexpensive printing of text information.
- Inkjet. There are two types of consumables: with a coloring head and without it. The second option is more profitable to maintain, as it costs much less. Inkjet models are easy to install, refuel.
- Laser They are distinguished by high printing speed and large resources. However, it is almost impossible to refill the cartridge to the laser printer.
Important! Original cartridges come with a printer or MFP.
Appearance how it looks
The appearance of the ink cartridge will depend on the type of equipment for which it is intended. Depending on the printing technology depends on the design, appearance, dimensions.
The consumables for dot matrix printers have an intricate design consisting of:
- a housing that performs a protective function;
- a ribbon made of fabric that is saturated with special ink;
- a mechanism for pulling the tape inside the cartridge itself;
- handles to help tighten the tape in case of sagging;
- a sponge applying ink to a fabric tape.
Important! The tape can be monochrome or multicolor.
Products for inkjet printer models are ink storage tanks, which includes such elements:
- cover with a hole;
- paint tanks;
- sponges to hold and absorb dyes;
- toner-applied heads;
- plates for connecting to a computer;
- piezoelectric plate for ejecting paint.
Cartridges for laser devices consist of several separate mechanisms and many removable parts. Conventionally, they can be divided into such components:
- toner:
- housing;
- image-transporting node.
Important! Most parts of the laser printing mechanism can be replaced or repaired.
The use of printers with a string printing method implies the continuous operation of the device. If the equipment is idle for a long time, the paint in it may dry. For laser and matrix devices, this feature does not apply.
