Article last updated March 7, 2023
Compatible and remanufactured printer cartridges have been a good choice for a number of years because they offer the same print quality as original brand cartridges at a lower price. Even though they have been successful in the printing business for a long time, many customers still don't know about these great options for printing. In this short article, we will explain the differences between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cartridges, remanufactured cartridges, and compatible cartridges so you can get the best deal.
What are OEM ink cartridges for printers?
OEM cartridges are made by the company that makes your printer. These are the cartridges that come with your printer. They are often called "OEMs" (original equipment manufacturer). Due to the costs of research and development, OEM cartridges can be quite a bit more expensive than aftermarket cartridges. They are known to be very reliable, and if your printer is new or unusual, they may be your only choice.
What are remanufactured ink cartridges?
A remanufactured cartridge is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cartridge that has been cleaned, fixed, and refilled with ink or toner by a company other than the one that makes your printer. After being used once, these cartridges are recycled, bought by a manufacturer, and put through a long process to be used again. Remanufactured cartridges use the same shell as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cartridges, so they look similar to OEM cartridges.
First, the cartridge is taken apart, cleaned, and put through a quality test. Worn or broken parts inside the cartridge are replaced, and then the cartridge is put back together and filled with ink or toner. Remanufactured cartridges have the same number of pages as OEM cartridges, so you can print the same number of pages for less money.
Why is there a difference? To put it simply, they do not need as many new parts to make a finished product that works. The manufacturing costs stay low because the original shell and most of the original internal parts are used. Remanufactured cartridges are also good for the environment because they keep one cartridge from going to a landfill.
How about compatible ink cartridges?
A compatible cartridge is a brand-new printer cartridge that was made by a company other than the one that made your printer. These cartridges have never been used before, and they are made differently from the OEM cartridge they are based on. Even if they look different, they are made to fit perfectly in your machine and print the same number of pages as the OEM cartridge, no matter how they are built. It's like buying a generic version of a brand-name product.
Compatible cartridge manufacturers can keep prices low because they don't have to worry about the same research and development costs or firmware updates that OEM manufacturers do. These savings are then passed on to the customer.
Can I count on it to work as well as an OEM printer cartridge?
Yes, if you buy from a reputable manufacturer, you can expect the same reliability as with an OEM cartridge. In the aftermarket printer cartridge business, there is a lot of competition, which means that quality and reliability can vary. You'll need to do some research to find a trustworthy provider.
A good manufacturer will always have a lot of good reviews and a strong guarantee on their products. The best choice is Inkjets.com. We have been selling thousands of our own inkjets.com brand aftermarket cartridges for close to twenty years, and we cover almost every printer model on the market. Customers always give our cartridges high marks, and best of all, they all come with the best lifetime guarantee in the business.
Make sure you visit InkJets.com for the best prices on compatible and remanufactured ink cartridges.
