What’s the difference between an Ink and Toner Cartridge?

It is important to know and understand what toner cartridge you are supposed to order for your printer or copier. The consequences for using the wrong toner cartridge could at best hinder your printing or coping process to not work. And could at worst damage your printer or copier. Before we even begin to discuss the differences between an Ink and Toner Cartridge; lets define them, their usability as well as their placements.

Ink cartridge

Ink cartridge or inkjet cartridges are unit items of a printer that carries the ink that is going to get settled on the paper during the printing process. All ink cartridges have one or more ink tanks. Some ink cartridge companies also add computerized circuitry or electronic chips that communicate with the inkjet printer to automate proper printing functionality. The ink inside an ink cartridge can be based on dyes or pigments, depending on the cartridge you have.

Dye and Pigmented ink

They are cheaper than pigment ink cartridges and are appreciated for their ability to produce vibrant, true colour prints and photos. Dye inks are not waterproof and can be sensitive. Pigment ink provides a sharper finish and quicker drying time than dye-based ink. It is appreciated by professional photographers and graphic designers for its ability to print archival quality images and texts. Pigmented ink is also better resistant to water and UV rays than dye ink, and is resistant to fading for up to 200 years.

Toner cartridge 

Toner cartridges can also be called laser toners. A toner cartridge is the usable element of a laser printer or photocopier. A toner cartridge carries toner powder. Toner powder is a clear, thin and dry mixture of plastic elements with black or other coloring synthetics that model and produce the image on the paper. Toner is a dry powder substance that does not stain like ink cartridges, but can be complicated if handled incorrectly.