Everything you need to know about ink cartridges

1. What are OEM Ink Cartridges?
2. What are Remanufactured Ink Cartridges?
3. Will using an InknToner UK compatible cartridge affect my printer’s warranty?
4. Why does the compatible cartridge I have bought look different from the original?
5. Why am I not getting the page yield that was stated on the cartridge?
6. What is 5% coverage?
7. Why does my printer say my compatible cartridge is empty after installation?
8. Will using compatible inks change my print quality?
9. I haven’t used my printer in a while and the printouts are streaky or a colour is missing what do I do?
10. How long do inks last if I store them for future use?
11. Does Remanufacturing help the environment?
12. What is the difference between ink and toner?
13. Can I refill my ink cartridges myself?
14. How do I know when my cartridge needs replacing?
15. Why does my printer not recognize the new cartridge?
16. Is it safe to use compatible or remanufactured cartridges in all printers?
17. Can I recycle my used cartridges?
18. Why do some cartridges have chips or smart technology?
19. Can I mix OEM and compatible cartridges in the same printer?
20. What should I do if ink leaks inside my printer?
21. Are XL cartridges better than standard ones?
22. Why are OEM cartridges more expensive?
23. Can cold or heat affect my ink cartridges?
24. What does “compatible” cartridge really mean?
25. How do I perform a printer reset?
26. Why do colors look different from screen to print?
27. Are remanufactured cartridges safe for photo printing?
28. Do I need to replace all cartridges when one is empty?
29. How can I extend the life of my ink cartridge?
30. Do compatible toner cartridges work for color laser printers?

1. What are OEM Ink Cartridges?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which refers to ink cartridges that came with the printer you have bought, or replacement cartridges that are made by the original manufacturer of your printer.

2. What are Remanufactured Ink Cartridges?

Remanufactured usually refers to ink cartridges that are recycled after a single use. The cartridge is then tested to see if it is in good working order and then sold for a much lower price than OEM cartridges.

3. Will using an InknToner UK non genuine original cartridge affect my printer’s warranty?

No, using non genuine original cartridges will not void your printer’s warranty. All of our cartridges will match or exceed the performance of OEM cartridges. In addition, they will be at a significantly lower price, giving you the best value possible.

4. Why does the non genuine original cartridge I have bought look different from the genuine original?

Due to patent issues non genuine original cartridges will often look slightly different from their OEM counterparts. However, the basic outline of our products will be very similar and are guaranteed to fit and work like a genuine original cartridge.

5. Why am I not getting the page yield that was stated on the cartridge?

Most printers nowadays do not physically measure the amount of ink or toner left within a cartridge instead they count the number of pages being printed and assume a page coverage of 5%. If you on average print more than 5% coverage you will see that the cartridge will not reach the stated page yield.

6. What is 5% coverage?

This is an industry average used for yield measurement. Page coverage is only meant to give you a guide to the maximum number of pages an ink cartridge will print out NOT the exact number it will print meaning if whatever you print exceeds the 5% coverage your ink will run out faster.

7. Why does my printer say my non genuine original cartridge is empty after installation?

Your printer may say this as it recognises you are not using their respective OEM cartridges. This is not actually the case as it is just a tactic those companies use to get you to buy their more expensive branded cartridges. Most of the time, solving this issue only requires a simple “printer reset”. You can check out the troubleshoot page on our site to find out more.

8. Will using non original inks change my print quality?

The quality of print will not change in most cases, as we strive to use the best quality ink possible, the only difference between them would be the price!

9. I haven’t used my printer in a while and the printouts are streaky or a colour is missing what do I do?

When this occurs, you usually need to perform a cleaning cycle using the software that was issued with your printer. This is because the print head in your printer is probably blocked. Please refer to your printer user manual for guidance on this.

10. How long do inks last if I store them for future use?

It very much depends on the product as this can range from 3 months to 2 years. However, you can increase the life of a stored cartridge by storing them correctly. Make sure they are stored in an upright position and in a cool and dry place.

11. Does Remanufacturing help the environment?

Every year more than 300 million plastic cartridges end up being thrown away and ends up collecting in landfills in the UK and across the world. While we cannot completely stop this, we can help to lessen the amount that it occurs. Every cartridge that is remanufactured is one less cartridge that needs to be produced. Saving it from entering the waste stream, and draining the planet’s natural resources.

12. What is the difference between ink and toner?

Ink is a liquid used in inkjet printers, while toner is a fine powder used in laser printers. Ink is ideal for high-resolution images and color printing, whereas toner is more cost-effective for high-volume text printing.

13. Can I refill my ink cartridges myself?

While it’s possible to refill some cartridges yourself using refill kits, it can be messy and may lead to inconsistent print quality. Professionally remanufactured cartridges are a safer and more reliable option.

14. How do I know when my cartridge needs replacing?

Most printers will show a warning message or low-ink alert when your cartridge is running low. You might also notice faded prints, streaks, or missing colors which can be a sign that it’s time to replace the cartridge.

15. Why does my printer not recognize the new cartridge?

This can happen due to outdated firmware or chip recognition issues. Try removing and reinstalling the cartridge, turning the printer off and on, or checking our troubleshooting page for firmware update guidance.

16. Is it safe to use compatible or remanufactured cartridges in all printers?

Yes, reputable compatible and remanufactured cartridges are tested to work in specific printer models and should not cause any harm. Always make sure you're purchasing from a trusted supplier like InknToner UK.

17. Can I recycle my used cartridges?

Absolutely. Many suppliers, including InknToner UK, offer recycling programs. You can return your used cartridges for proper recycling, helping reduce landfill waste and supporting environmental sustainability.

18. Why do some cartridges have chips or smart technology?

Chips help the printer monitor ink levels, usage, and sometimes prevent the use of third-party cartridges. Our compatible cartridges are equipped with updated chips to ensure full compatibility and functionality.

19. Can I mix OEM and compatible cartridges in the same printer?

Yes, in most cases you can mix OEM and compatible cartridges without any issue. Your printer will still function as long as all cartridges are recognized and installed correctly.

20. What should I do if ink leaks inside my printer?

Turn off and unplug your printer immediately. Clean the area with a soft, lint-free cloth and consult your printer’s manual. Avoid using harsh chemicals. If the issue persists, you may need professional servicing.

21. Are XL cartridges better than standard ones?

XL cartridges contain more ink and offer a higher page yield, often at a better cost-per-page. They are ideal for frequent printers who want to reduce cartridge replacement frequency.

22. Why are OEM cartridges more expensive?

OEM cartridges are made by the original printer manufacturer and priced to cover research, development, and branding costs. Compatible and remanufactured cartridges offer a more affordable alternative without compromising print quality.

23. Can cold or heat affect my ink cartridges?

Yes, extreme temperatures can damage ink cartridges. Heat can cause ink to dry out or leak, while cold can thicken the ink or cause expansion. Always store cartridges in a cool, dry environment.

24. What does “compatible” cartridge really mean?

A compatible cartridge is a new cartridge made by a third-party manufacturer to fit and function like the OEM version. It offers similar print quality at a lower price.

25. How do I perform a printer reset?

Printer resets vary by model. Generally, turn off the printer, unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and restart. For specific reset instructions, check your printer manual or our troubleshooting page.

26. Why do colors look different from screen to print?

Monitors use RGB color while printers use CMYK. Variations in brightness, paper type, and printer calibration can also affect final color output. For accurate results, consider using printer color profiles.

27. Are remanufactured cartridges safe for photo printing?

Yes, high-quality remanufactured cartridges can produce excellent photo prints. Make sure you are using cartridges designed for photo printing and that your printer is set to the correct photo settings.

28. Do I need to replace all cartridges when one is empty?

No, you only need to replace the cartridge that is empty. However, some printers won’t operate if even one cartridge is empty. Check your printer settings or manual for more information.

29. How can I extend the life of my ink cartridge?

Print regularly to prevent ink from drying, use draft mode for non-essential prints, and avoid turning the printer on and off too frequently to reduce ink-wasting maintenance cycles.

30. Do compatible toner cartridges work for color laser printers?

Yes, high-quality compatible toner cartridges are designed for both mono and color laser printers and can provide results that rival OEM cartridges at a lower cost.