Businesses and private users print huge volumes of documents and images every day. However, consumables, in particular cartridges, for such devices cost a lot of money.
In this regard, many users choose cheaper alternatives – compatible or remanufactured cartridges. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding such consumables. Let’s figure out which of them are true and which are just a marketing gimmick of original cartridge manufacturers.
The main differences between cartridge types
Before we move on to debunking myths, let’s understand the terminology and define the main types of cartridges:
- Original cartridges. Manufactured by the printer manufacturer or under its license. They are distinguished by high quality, official compatibility, but also an inflated price.
- Compatible cartridges. Independent analogs of original cartridges, created by other manufacturers. Compatible with printers and MFPs, structurally identical to the originals.
- Remanufactured (remanufactured) cartridges. Used original cartridges that have undergone professional maintenance and restoration for reuse.
Now let’s dispel the most common myths about printer cartridges.
Myth 1. Compatible cartridges are of poor quality and fail quickly
This is one of the most persistent myths, actively fueled by marketers of large equipment manufacturers. In fact, the quality of modern compatible cartridges is almost as good as the original analogues.
Compatible cartridges are manufactured using the same technologies and standards as OEM. The same materials and components are used. The cartridge design completely copies the original. The only difference is the price, which is 30-50% lower than the price of original consumables.
The average resource of a compatible cartridge is 1.5-2 thousand prints for inkjet models and 5-10 thousand for laser models. This is completely comparable to the performance of original cartridges of the same class.
Of course, there are also low-quality counterfeits on the market that are passed off as compatible cartridges. But when buying products from trusted manufacturers, you can be sure of the reliability and durability of such consumables.
Myth 2. Compatible cartridges damage the printer
Another myth voiced by some equipment manufacturers. Allegedly, the use of third-party consumables harms the printer and causes its premature failure. In fact, this is not true.
A cartridge is an independent device that is not structurally connected to the printer in any way. A high-quality compatible cartridge is no different from the original and cannot damage the equipment.
Problems with a printer or MFP when using third-party consumables occur extremely rarely. And in most cases, this is not a consequence of cartridge incompatibility, but user errors or a banal defect in the consumable itself.
So you can safely use high-quality compatible cartridges without fear of damaging the printer. The main thing is to buy products from trusted manufacturers, and not cheap counterfeits of dubious quality.
Myth 3. Remanufactured cartridges are unreliable and fail quickly
Indeed, some unscrupulous manufacturers simply resell old cartridges without servicing them. Such consumables often fail at the most inopportune moment.
However, high-quality remanufactured cartridges are quite reliable and can have a resource 2 times greater than that of a new compatible analogue.
When remanufacturing, the cartridge undergoes a full diagnostics and replacement of all worn-out elements. All components are cleaned and updated, worn-out parts and rubber seals are replaced. After that, the cartridge undergoes multi-stage testing.
Thus, a high-quality remanufactured consumable becomes almost like new. Its resource and reliability are often higher than those of budget new cartridges.
Myth 4. Compatible cartridges provide lower print quality
Even 10-15 years ago, this was indeed a problem for non-original consumables. However, modern cartridge production technologies make it possible to achieve very high print quality, comparable to original models.
Yes, the image and text quality on cheap compatible cartridges still leaves much to be desired. But in general, high-quality modern analogs have already come very close to the original consumables in this parameter.
As for remanufactured cartridges, with high-quality maintenance and the use of high-quality ink/toner, they provide almost the same print quality as new OEM cartridges. So there is no need to worry about deterioration in image quality.
Myth 5. Manufacturers copy only popular expensive original cartridges
In fact, the range of compatible cartridges on the market is very wide. For almost any printer or MFP model, you can choose 1-3 analogs from different manufacturers. Both cheap consumables for budget models and “top” cartridges for expensive multifunctional devices are copied.
Moreover, the choice among compatible cartridges for a particular printer model is often wider than among original consumables from the manufacturer of the equipment. So, choosing a high-quality analog for your device will not be difficult.
Myth 6. Compatible cartridges are refilled with low-quality ink/toner
One of the main arguments against using compatible cartridges is often the allegedly low-quality, “dirty” ink and toner used to refill them. They say that they quickly contaminate and spoil the print head/drum.
In fact, modern manufacturers of compatible consumables for mass models use high-quality pigment and water-soluble inks similar to those used in original cartridges.
As for toner, its composition is almost identical to branded samples. Manufacturers carefully select optimal formulas, conduct numerous tests and trials before releasing the cartridge into mass production.
Serious problems can only arise when using compatible models in professional equipment, or when mixing compatible and original toner or ink.
Myth 7. Refilled cartridges pose a health hazard
Indeed, toner is far from the most useful substance for inhalation. However, with a professional approach to refilling, the process is fully debugged and possible harm is minimized.
High-quality ink and toner used to refill compatible cartridges are as safe as original ones.
Modern water-soluble water-based inks are odorless at all, since they do not contain volatile organic substances.
So using high-quality ink for refilling is completely safe for the health of users.
Myth 8. Print quality of remanufactured cartridges
As noted earlier, one of the common misconceptions is the opinion that remanufactured cartridges provide lower print quality. Let’s figure out if this is true.
Print quality depends on several main factors:
Cartridge design. Determines the uniformity and accuracy of ink application to the media.
Ink/toner formula. Affects saturation, contrast and color rendition.
Purity and wear of the print head or photo drum. Affects the clarity and sharpness of images.
If the remanufactured cartridge is made with high quality, using original or high-quality compatible ink/toner, and the printer’s print head is in good condition, you can count on excellent print quality.
In fact, many companies achieve even higher quality on remanufactured cartridges by customizing ink and using high-precision nozzles/rollers.
Myth 9. Warranty and service for compatible cartridges
Another common misconception is the lack of warranty and service for compatible printer consumables.
In fact, all major manufacturers provide a full warranty for their products from 6 months to 1 year. This period is slightly less than for original cartridges.
In addition, in the event of a problem with a compatible cartridge, the manufacturer provides all the necessary warranty procedures:
Free diagnostics and troubleshooting
Replacement of a defective consumable with a new one for free
Refund for a low-quality product
Many manufacturers also provide post-warranty service for their products on a paid basis. In general, the conditions are not much different from those for original cartridges.
Conclusions
To summarize, we can confidently state that most myths about original and compatible cartridges have no real basis. These are largely marketing ploys by equipment manufacturers seeking to present alternative consumables in an unfavorable light.
In fact, modern high-quality compatible and remanufactured cartridges are practically in no way inferior to original analogs in the mass segment. Except for the lower price, which allows you to save significantly on printing in offices and at home.
So do not be afraid or embarrassed to use alternative consumables in your printers and MFPs. The main thing is to buy products from trusted manufacturers, and not cheap fakes. This will allow you to get high quality printing at a reasonable price!