It is often asked. What is the difference between the makes of ink and why do I need a certain sort for my printer?

Epson ink cartridges
are different from many of the ‘big brand names’ such as Hewlett-Packard, Lexmark and Canon, because they use a different technology for the actual application of the ink to the paper.

Using what is called a ‘piezoelectric’ method, rather than the ‘thermal’ process turns out similar final printing results, but the piezoelectric method is also shared by most professional and commercial printers as being able to more accurately make minor distinctions in the colour by using different inks, unavailable in the other methods.

An ink cartridge for use in the ‘thermal’ type of printer has entirely different functions within its ‘shell’ from that of the cartridges using the ‘piezoelectric’ method in a similar looking ‘shell’. In essence, the ‘thermal’ type of ink cartridge creates steam by electricity which forces the tiny droplets of ink through nozzles which transfer to the paper all within their own little micro world.

Similarly the Epson ink cartridges
It is essential therefore to use inks developed and specialised your own printer’s needs as well as that of the paper you wish to use, for instance, different photograph paper is used for different things and each type of paper is designed to accept, in the very best fashion, the ink presented to it.

Most inks for inkjet printers are based on a mixture of water, glycol and some pigment or dye. These inks are pretty difficult to control on the paper itself so the paper has to be correct to counteract these difficulties. However, it is possible to use inks that can be used on a number of different types of media paper, depending upon your use of the machine.

So, as with other firms, Epson ink cartridges are a result of large scientific study and research, presenting a very large catalogue of ‘inks for all occasions’ so to speak. You can find a large range that will suite your particular printer and paper. Remember the difference between your Epson technology and others and you will find the right ink cartridge for you.