From News Desk
Tank-based printers have reshaped home and small business printing. They’re known for their low running costs and reduced environmental impact, but there are some key considerations to keep in mind before investing.
Pros
Lower Cost per Page
These printers use refillable ink tanks instead of disposable cartridges, allowing you to print thousands of pages at a significantly lower cost.
Environmentally Friendly
Fewer plastic cartridges mean less waste. Refilling with bulk ink reduces packaging waste and shipping emissions.
Ideal for High-Volume Printing
With yields up to 7,500 black and 6,000 colour pages per refill, tank printers are well-suited for frequent use in homes, offices and craft setups.
Specialty Ink Compatibility
Many models can be converted for sublimation printing and select printers are compatible with edible inks especially when paired with certified inks.
Cons
Maintenance Box Replacement
Ink flushed during cleaning cycles collects in a waste pad or maintenance box, which must be replaced periodically – an often overlooked cost.
Built-In Page Counters
Some printers include page limits that trigger service warnings or disable the printer after a set count, regardless of actual condition.
Misleading Ink Promises
Marketing claims like “up to two years of ink” assume light usage. Regular photo or colour printing consumes ink much faster.
Printhead Clogging
Infrequent use can cause ink to dry in the nozzles, leading to clogging. Tank printers perform best with regular weekly use.
Limited Convertibility
Some tanks are ideal for sublimation, but other models often use closed systems. Only certain printers support edible ink – always check before converting.
Consumable Printheads
Some models use printheads considered consumable and may need to be replaced over time.
Final Thoughts
One should weigh all pros and cons before purchasing tank printers.
Source – InkProducts
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