Epson compatible ink cartridges can give the same quality results as Epson original cartridges. However, you need to follow a few rules when using compatible cartridges and how to change ink cartridges in your Epson printer. This guide is to show you how to use Epson compatible ink cartridges and get the most out of them and ultimately save you time and money.
Epson compatible cartridges give the best results when used as a set with no original Epson ink cartridges in the printer at the same time. If an error occurs when fitting the cartridges it is best to remove all cartridges from the printer, switch the printer off, switch back on then refit the cartridges, compatible only. Then run the cleaning program.
Why do Compatible Epson Ink Cartridges Produce More Pages?
The reason our compatible Epson ink cartridges do more printing than Epson original ink cartridges is quite simple. Firstly our compatible Epson inks contain more ink, sometimes up to twice as much therefore it's obvious that you will get up to twice as much printing, however what is not so obvious but very important is the smart chip.
The smart chip is what tells the printer how much printing is available left in the cartridge, this is measured by the page. Epson Original ink cartridges are set to produce a certain amount of pages. i.e. lets say 500, after this the cartridges will show empty, there may still be ink in the cartridges but it has reached its page print quantity and it will not print any more.
In our Compatible Epson ink cartridges the chip is set to print until the cartridge is dry, therefore getting maximum print quantity from each and every cartridge, so it’s a treble advantage, more ink, more printing and less than a third of the price.
Epson Ink Change
The latest Epson printers now have individual ink cartridges, most have 4 ink cartridges, but the more advanced photo printers that also have photo cartridges may have six or more individual inks. This is cost effective when you are printing a lot of one colour.
In the past, Epson printers contained only two cartridges, a black and a tri-colour cartridge (some contained up to 5 colours in one cartridge block). This meant that when one colour was used up the cartridge was spent and stopped printing, even though there may have been plenty of ink of the other colours left in the cartridge.
This is not now the case with individual ink cartridges, you only need to change ink when one colour is used then it can be replaced individually and nothing is wasted.
You will find however that when one colour is depleted that the Epson printer stops working until it is replaced. The ink level monitor will tell you which ink cartridge to change.
How to change an ink cartridge in your Epson printer is easy:
- Simply lift up the lid and then hold the stop button down, the carriage will move backwards and forwards until it is in a position where you can unclip the holder to gain access to the Epson ink cartridges.
- Take your finger off the stop button, unclip the holder lid.
- Then remove the spent printer cartridge, pressing the plastic clip down on the side of the cartridge.
- Take the new ink cartridge out of the wrapping and remove all clips and seals, taking care to remove the vacuum seal on the side of the cartridge which allows the ink to flow, you would be surprised how many people fail to do this and then cannot understand why the cartridge wont print.
- Replace the lid.
One important thing to remember when fitting Epson Inkjet cartridges the chip is actually on the cartridge itself and is delicate so do not touch it when fitting in the printer as this could cause it to fail and the cartridge will be unusable.
Just one last thing to remember, there are much cheaper compatible or generic Epson printer ink cartridges available. These will give the same print quality as originals, but it important to remember these are developed to be used together to obtain the best results. This is because the ink and also the smart chips are formulated to run together and mixing them with Epson original ink cartridges could mean the microchips will clash or the ink may not quite blend in the same way as was intended to give best results.
If one of your cartridges has run out and you need to print that one important document there is a way to get the last drop of ink before you have to replace your Epson ink cartridge. Take the cartridge out, and tap it on a flat surface (preferably on some kitchen paper!!). This may bring the final bit of ink to the nozzle from the the ink tank inside the cartridge.
Although it is advisable never to let the ink cartridge run out of ink completely. This will leave air in the nozzles and possibly create a blockage when a replacement ink cartridge is fitted.
Is using aftermarket inks in Epson printers illegal?
Definitely not! You are not breaching any laws when using compatible ink cartridges in Epson printers. You are perfectly entitled to use any aftermarket inks that fit your Epson printer.
This is not a genuine Epson product
On occasions the printer may display the message 'This is not a genuine Epson product'. Do you wish to continue, click on the yes icon on the screen to continue.'
Cleaning Cycle
Always ensure your run the cleaning cycle every time you change your cartridges. This applies whether you use compatible ink cartridges or originals. But don't do it too many times as this will possibly clog your Epson printer's print header. So an Epson ink change must always be done with care.
But always bear in mind that every time you run a cleaning cycle you will use ink in the process. And running the cleaning cycle too man times can clog the print nozzles.
Guaranteed Quality Printing
Ink Cartridge Epson guarantee that our Epson compatible cartridges will not damage you Epson printer if used in conjunction with the printer model they are designed to fit. They will also produce equal quality print results and page quantity.