How To Compare And Evaluate Printer Cartridge Suppliers

August 7, 2008 – 7:30 pm

by Frank Bolsom

It has always been difficult to compare printer cartridge suppliers. They all used different methods of testing their cartridges, and the specifications from one couldn’t be compared with another.

In recent years this situation has changed. Requirements for tests of monochrome inkjet cartridges put in place by the International Standards Organization (ISO) were adopted by most of the companies that supply ink in the summer of 2004.

The ISO is recognized for developing standards for many different industries to offer a standardized, unbiased way of comparing or rating products.

With the ISO standards for printer cartridges, it give the consumer a reliable way of comparing brands and manufacturers of ink. The reported yield from their cartridges are all determined using the same methods, so the numbers are directly comparable.

The standardization by the ISO specified these points:

- The test prints must use the printer’s default settings

- The tests are performed under strict temperature controls

- An average consumer should be able to find any printer or cartridge being tested.

- In order to assure that tests are valid, nine cartridges of each type must be tested.

- Since a certain printer could unfairly affect test results, three cartridges have to be tested with three different printers.

When considering which ink supplier you want to offer your business to, think about reliability, overall quality, and delivery in addition to numbers produced by testing.

Keeping notes on your own printing results is another way to decide which ink suppliers prove themselves to be deserving of your purchase.

About the Author:

If you’re planning to refill your Epson ink cartridges, you may need Epson chip resetter software to make them work. Get more information about this and other tips for saving money on your printing costs on the Inketeria.com website.

Tags: Computers And Technology