FAQ's Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Ink Express, Wolverhampton Frequently asked questions page. Our team have sat down and came up with a short list of some of the most commonly asked questions we get from our customers regarding inkjet printing in general and more importantly with regards to the products we sell.
As we sell such a large range of inkjet printing solutions such as compatible inkjet cartridges, original inkjet cartridges, remanufactured ink cartridges, continuous ink systems, refillable ink cartridges we get a lot of questions.
Below you will find some of our most commonly asked questions.
What is the difference between genuine, compatible and remanufactured inkjet cartridges?
Original
An original ink cartridge is the branded product of the printer manufacturer. Therefore, if you have a Hewlett Packard printer, the original ink cartridge will be manufactured by Hewlett Packard. As you would expect the printer manufacturer will always encourage consumers to buy their own branded product. Original ink cartridges used in conjunction with original papers can often give the best possible results for high quality photographic prints.
Compatible
A compatible ink cartridge is a new cartridge (not refilled) produced by a third party manufacturer. They are predominately sold under 'own label' branding and they have no connection with the original ink cartridge manufacturer. Our compatible ink cartridges are manufactured to the highest standards (ISO9001), which often exceed the original product. All our compatible ink cartridges are fully guaranteed and if you are not completely satisfied with their performance you get your money back. (conditions may apply)
Remanufactured
A remanufactured ink cartridge is a previously used cartridge, which has been reprocessed (cleaned, refilled and electronically tested) by a third party manufacturer. By buying a remanufactured ink cartridge you are helping reduce the number of cartridges that are disposed in UK landfill sites. Our remanufactured ink cartridges are often cheaper much than the original ink cartridges and are fully guaranteed. If you are not completely satisfied with their performance you get your money back.(conditions may apply)
What is the difference between genuine, compatible and remanufactured toner cartridges?
Original
An original toner cartridge is the branded product of the printer manufacturer. Therefore, if you have a Canon printer, the original toner cartridge will be manufactured by Canon. As you would expect the printer manufacturer will always encourage consumers to buy their own branded product.
Compatible
A compatible toner cartridge is is not produced by the printer manufacturer but by a third party supplier. A compatible toner cartridge is manufactured to give the same high print standard and page capacity as an original cartridge. We regard these as a compatible product, because they are compatible with the printer model but please note they will contain parts that have been remanufactured.
What is a continuous ink supply system?
A continuous ink system or CISS are designed to work with inkjet printers (normally EPSON) they are basically an ink cartridge set that is joined to a large external tank of ink that sits outside of the inkjet printer. The external bulk ink tanks are linked or joined to the inkjet cartridges inside the printer via silicone or PVC rubber tubing. The ink is then fed to the printer as it is required.
Continuous Ink Supply Systems (CISS) are a speciality product which Ink Express ltd has sold and developed for over 8 years. We believe we are one of the most advanced and knowledgable sellers of continuous ink systems or bulk ink systems in the UK.
A continuous ink supply system (CISS) offers the lowest possible inkjet printing for home or business use, typically an ink system holds 400-600ml of ink which on average is equivilant to 55-80 ink cartridges so they are not only a great money saving method of printing but also have the smallest carbon footprint as no inkjet cartridges are used or disposed of in landfill.
Ink Express continuous ink system range can be found here
Further information can be found here
What are refillable ink cartridges?
Ink Express offer refillable ink cartridges for a wide range of EPSON, Canon and Hewlett Packard inkjet printers. Refillable ink cartridges are designed specifically to be easily refilled by the user at home. Ink is purchased ink 100ml bottles and the user simply tops the ink cartridge up with ink when required.
A very cost effective and environmentally friendly method of inkjet printing.
Our range of EPSON refillable inkjet cartridges can be found here
What are the differences with inkjet photographic papers?
Matte Coated Inkjet Photo Paper
These papers give a flat, matte printed finish they use a clay coating to prevent colours from bleeding. This ensure sharp printing on photographs aswell as text. Colours are kept bright and vibrant compared to plain uncoated paper as the ink does not bleed into the paper. Matte coated inkjet photo papers are generally cheaper than gloss due to the manufacturing process. Here at Ink Express we tend to sell our matte coated photo paper range in packs of 100 sheets with varying weights from 120gsm to 210gsm
Ink Express Supersharp Matte Paper range can be found here
Gloss Coated Inkjet Photo Paper
Gloss coated photographic papers are the most common choice for users, the glossy, shiney printalbe surface offers a lab style printed result at home. Gloss coated photo papers use a resin to coat the paper this prevents the ink from bleeding into the paper and keeps the ink close to the surface. Here at Ink Express we stock a range of weights and sizes just click here
Pearl Coated Inkjet Photo Paper
Pearl is a semi gloss finish and is sold as many different names depending on the company or manufacturer. Semi-gloss, oyster, pearl and lustre are the all basically the same finish. Here at Ink Express one of our top selling photographic papers is our Nanoporous Pro Smooth Pearl Photo Paper which can be found here
What is GSM?
GSM or grams per square metre is a measurement of how heavy a paper is, the higher the number the heavier and generally thicker the paper is. 80GSM is the standard weight for most plain uncoated office paper. Ink Express photo paper range starts at 120GSM up to 270GSM
What paper sizes can I print on to?
This all really depends on the printer you own. Most inkjet printers are A4 so can print onto papers A4 in size (297x210mm) this is an industry standard size. Common digital printing paper sizes are 6x4 inch, 7x5 inch, A4, A3 and A3+