Ink Cartridges - Paths of Development

While not near as sophisticated as the ink cartridges currently in use these black available only printing heads were amazing. The resolution was so high that many typesetting functions could be done with these simple low cost printers. And even if the quality was still not high enough to be substituted for offset printing, it could still be used to create low cost proofs.

Competition between companies selling computer printers and the needed ink cartridges for them intensified through the 1990s. The focus of that competition was printing resolution with the ultimate goal being able to produce invisible to the eye process color printing. This competition divided the development of ink cartridges into two distinct technical processes. Major computer printer manufacturers, Canon, Hewlett Packard and Lexmark developed and (and still use) ink cartridges dependent upon thermal design. Thermal inkjets send a tiny current into a resistance creating a millisecond of heat across a tiny opening where aqueous solution ink is in place. The heat creates a bubble, which in turn pops onto the paper. Thousands of these tiny ink dots are structured to create letters or graphics. Prior to development of this simple mechanism high resolution printing required laser technology at a cost 50 times higher than inkjets. Epson, in an effort to set itself a part from other printer manufacturers developed an ink dispensing system that differs greatly from that used on thermal inkjet ink cartridges. That is the use of fixed head piezoelectric crystals for ink delivery control. As the printing head is not disposed of when ink cartridges are replaced Epson ink cartridges are generally a little lower in cost that those from other major manufacturers. Obviously each of the various printer manufacturers is convinced that their system of printing is the best. In fact, there is a balance to be considered as thermal inkjet cartridges each come with a fresh new unclogged printing head but piezoelectric printers allow a higher quality of printing. Whether your computer printer is a popular inkjet model such as an Epson or Lexmark, or a colour laser printer from Konica Minolta, you will find all the supplies you need to keep it smoothly printing are available at tremendously low prices from Cartridge SOS. Cartridge SOS sells ink cartridges and toner for every model printer made. With their super quick online ink cartridge search system there is never a need to endlessly browse to find the cartridge you need. A safe secure online checkout will have your supplies en route to you in minutes.

Should you find you require a little personal sales assistance, a quick call to Cartridge SOS on 020 7731 1144 will be answered by expert staff.

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