MANAGED PRINT SERVICES | 4 MIN READ
As a marketing professional in the copier and printing industry, I have found that there are many people who get mixed up with the difference between toner and ink cartridges. Many people also think that ink is used in all printers and that toner is exclusive to copiers, but that's actually not the case. This article will define the differences between each.
This one is tough to define in under 100 words, but I'm going to take my best shot at it. If you want to learn more about this topic...
READ: How Much Does A Printer Really Cost?
What is the Difference Between Toner and Ink Cartridges?
Ink cartridges use liquid ink, filled in a single-unit container (aka cartridge). Like a pen, when the ink runs out, you can get it refilled for about half the cost at a big box retailer, or you can throw it out (hopefully recycle) and purchase a new one.
Toner cartridges use laser technology to melt toner dust onto a page in order to create an image. Toner dust is very refined plastic that is used for printing. Toner cartridges come in two types: complete units that are disposed after each use, and refillable units that can have replacement toner added to the same cartridge for multiple uses.
Costs per page can vary depending on the quality of the ink or toner being used, as well as the expected yield (amount of prints) that can be produced at 5% coverage. When page yield is compared, inkjet is almost always more expensive than toner, and local printer dealers are able to offer even lower prices on toner products than big box retailers.
The details of this and other factors are covered in my blog, titled "How Much Does A Printer Really Cost?" You can also choose one of the links below, contact us, or subscribe to this blog directly to learn even more about office technology.
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