These days, there’s a myriad of different printers and ink cartridges on the market. Thanks to rapid advancements in technology, these cartridges produce higher quality documents than ever before. Whether you’re printing for personal or professional purposes, you want to choose the option that best suits your needs. Here, the experts of Alpha Laser Richmond Corp. in Staten Island, NY, discuss three versions of one of your printer’s most critical components.

3 Main Types of Ink Cartridges

1. Original

Original ink cartridges come with your printer when you purchase it. These high-quality pieces are manufactured under the same brand as your printer and are often incompatible with other models. They are also among the most expensive options.

2. Recycled

Recycled or remanufactured cartridges are essentially used cartridges refilled with fresh ink. Recycled cartridges are not only more eco-friendly than original cartridges, but they’re also significantly less expensive.

3. Compatible

Unlike brand-name ink cartridges, compatible cartridges are made by third-party companies. They are intended for use in a wide variety of printer models. While compatible cartridges are less expensive than original models, some are lower in quality due to their one-size-fits-most approach.

Regardless of what type you buy, your ink cartridge will most likely come with two different kinds of ink: pigment-based and dye-based. Pigment-based ink dries quickly and is better suited for small printing jobs. Dye-based ink takes longer to dry, but it comes out more vibrant. This ink type is superior for large-scale printing projects.

For a broad selection of original, compatible, and recycled ink cartridges, look no further than Alpha Laser Richmond Corp. of Staten Island. If you’re not sure which variety you should buy, these knowledgeable professionals will be happy to help. Learn more by calling (718) 317-1263, or you can visit the printer and ink shop on Facebook.