- An inkjet cartridge is a small rectangular container that holds ink for use in an inkjet printer. The cartridge is a disposable part that is inserted in the printer. It is replaced or refilled after the ink has been used. The cartridge typically includes one or more ink reservoirs, each containing different colored ink.
- Each model of inkjet cartridge is designed to work with a specific model printer. Cartridges are not interchangeable between brands. Printers typically hold two cartridges at a time. One cartridge contains black ink, and the other cartridge holds three primary colors, enabling the printer to print in full color. Some cartridges contain other combinations of ink, such as those designed to print higher quality black and white or color photographs.
- Inkjet cartridges are typically designed to operate on a thermal inkjet or a piezoelectric inkjets system. In the thermal inkjet system each ink reservoir contains a tiny metal heating element. The printer gives a signal that sends a current through the metal, which generates heat and works to make the ink flow onto the paper. In the piezoelectric inkjets system a crystal is used instead of a heating element. When a current is sent the crystal changes shape, and pushes the ink out onto the paper. The piezoelectric inkjet is more efficient in the ink usage and produces a higher quality image.
- Initially ink cartridges were treated as disposable items. With the high volume of computer use, the small plastic cartridges were quickly piling up in landfills. They are also expensive. Companies began manufacturing kits to allow consumers to refill their ink cartridges, and other companies offered services to refill cartridges. Some printers warn against refilling cartridges, claiming refilled cartridges might harm the machine. Cartridges are designed in such a way that only a limited number of home refills are possible. Today rebates are offered for used cartridges, which encourages recycling.
- One of the first computer printers for the home user was the dot matrix printer that produced jagged type and art. Laser jet printers were available in the mid 1980s, which produced clear type and images. In 1976 inkjet printers were invented, but it wasn't until the late 1980s that models were released for the home consumer. As new inkjet models were introduced, new ink cartridge models were designed.
Comments
look4writing said
on 12/20/2009 Very good article, informative 5* L4w