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Pigment Ink vs Dye Ink

Pigment Ink vs Dye Ink: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide

When it comes to printing, the type of ink you choose can have a significant impact on the final results. Pigment and dye ink are two of the most commonly used types of ink, and while they may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct properties and characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the difference between pigment and dye ink in detail, and help you determine which type of ink is best suited for your printing needs.

Pigment Ink

Pigment ink is a type of ink that is made up of small solid particles of color that are suspended in a liquid. This type of ink is known for its long-lasting and fade-resistant properties, making it a popular choice for printing documents and images that need to last a long time.

Advantages of using pigment ink

One of the main advantages of using pigment ink is color accuracy. Pigment ink provides accurate and vibrant colors that do not fade over time, making it an ideal choice for printing documents and images that need to retain their color quality for years to come.

Another advantage of pigment ink is its water resistance. This type of ink is water-resistant, making it ideal for printing documents and images that need to be protected from moisture. This is particularly important for prints that will be exposed to the elements, such as outdoor posters or signs.

Disadvantages of using pigment ink

While there are many advantages to using pigment ink, there are also some disadvantages to consider. One of the main disadvantages is cost. Pigment ink can be more expensive than dye ink, making it a less attractive option for those who are on a tight budget.

Another potential drawback of pigment ink is clogging. This type of ink can clog up the printhead of some printers, leading to reduced print quality. This is particularly true for printers that are not designed specifically for use with pigment ink.

Dye Ink

Dye ink, on the other hand, is made up of liquid color that is dissolved in a solvent. Unlike pigment ink, dye ink is not as durable and is more prone to fading over time. However, it is less expensive than pigment ink and is suitable for printing high-quality images and documents that need to be vibrant and colorful.

Advantages of using dye ink

One of the main advantages of using dye ink is cost. As mentioned earlier, dye ink is typically less expensive than pigment ink, making it an attractive option for those who are on a tight budget.

Another advantage of dye ink is its ability to produce rich, vibrant colors. This type of ink is ideal for printing images and documents that need to be eye-catching and full of life.

Disadvantages of using dye ink

While there are many advantages to using dye ink, there are also some disadvantages to consider. One of the main disadvantages is its lack of longevity. Dye ink is more prone to fading over time, making it less suitable for printing documents and images that need to last a long time.

Another potential drawback of dye ink is its lack of water resistance. This type of ink is not water-resistant, making it less suitable for printing documents and images that need to be protected from moisture.

Pigment Ink and Dye Ink 683x1024 - Pigment Ink vs Dye Ink: A Comprehensive Comparison GuideComparison of Pigment and Dye Ink

Now that we have explored the advantages and disadvantages of both pigment and dye ink, let’s take a closer look at how they compare in terms of color accuracy, water resistance, fading resistance, and longevity.

Color Accuracy

When it comes to color accuracy, pigment ink is the clear winner. This type of ink provides accurate and vibrant colors that do not fade over time, making it ideal for printing documents and images that need to retain their color quality for years to come. On the other hand, while dye ink is capable of producing rich, vibrant colors, it is more prone to fading over time, which can affect the overall color accuracy of the print.

Water Resistance

In terms of water resistance, pigment ink is the better choice. This type of ink is water-resistant, making it ideal for printing documents and images that need to be protected from moisture. Dye ink, on the other hand, is not water-resistant, making it less suitable for printing documents and images that need to be protected from moisture.

Fading Resistance

When it comes to fading resistance, pigment ink is the clear winner. This type of ink is known for its long-lasting and fade-resistant properties, making it ideal for printing documents and images that need to last a long time. On the other hand, dye ink is more prone to fading over time, which can affect the overall quality of the print.

Longevity

In terms of longevity, pigment ink is the better choice. This type of ink is known for its long-lasting properties, making it ideal for printing documents and images that need to last a long time. On the other hand, dye ink is more prone to fading over time, which can affect the overall longevity of the print.

Which Ink Should You Choose?

So, which type of ink is best for you? The answer to this question will depend on your specific needs and the type of printing you will be doing. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between pigment and dye ink:

Factors to consider

Budget: If cost is a concern, dye ink may be the better choice as it is typically less expensive than pigment ink.
Color quality: If you need accurate and vibrant colors that do not fade over time, pigment ink may be the better choice.
Water resistance: If you need water-resistant prints, pigment ink may be the better choice.
Longevity: If you need prints that will last a long time, pigment ink may be the better choice.

Recommendations based on specific needs

For printing documents and images that need to retain their color quality for years to come, pigment ink is the better choice.
For printing images and documents that need to be eye-catching and full of life, dye ink may be the better choice.
For printing documents and images that will be exposed to the elements, such as outdoor posters or signs, pigment ink may be the better choice.
For printing documents and images that are not intended to last a long time, dye ink may be the better choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pigment and dye ink are two of the most commonly used types of ink for printing, and each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. When choosing between the two, consider factors such as budget, color quality, water resistance, and longevity to determine which type of ink is best suited for your specific needs. Regardless of which type of ink you choose, it is important to use high-quality ink in order to achieve the best possible results from your printing efforts.

By Billings Ink and Tonerink refill billingsMarch 20, 2023March 20, 2023
Page Yield

Maximizing Printer Efficiency: Understanding Page Yield

Have you ever wondered how to get the most out of your printer cartridges? Understanding page yield is the key to maximizing your printer’s efficiency and getting the most value for your money.

Introduction:

Printing is an essential part of many businesses and households, but the cost of ink and toner cartridges can add up quickly. To get the most out of your cartridges, it’s important to understand page yield. Page yield refers to the number of pages that a printer cartridge can produce before it needs to be replaced. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of printer yield, how it’s measured, and how to maximize your printer’s efficiency.

What is page yield?

Page yield is the estimated number of pages that a printer cartridge can produce before it needs to be replaced. It is typically measured using a standard set of testing protocols developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ISO/IEC 24711 standard is used for testing yield for inkjet printers, while the ISO/IEC 19752 standard is used for testing yield for toner cartridges.

How is page yield calculated?

Page yield is calculated based on a number of factors, including the type of printer, the print mode used, the type of paper being used, and the density of the printed content. Manufacturers test their cartridges using standardized methods to determine the average number of pages that a cartridge can produce before it runs out of ink or toner.

How can you maximize page yield?

There are several ways to maximize the yield of your printer cartridges. One of the most effective ways is to choose the right print settings. Using the draft mode or setting the printer to print in grayscale can help reduce the amount of ink or toner used, which can extend the life of your cartridges.

Another way to maximize yield is to choose high-yield cartridges. High-yield cartridges contain more ink or toner than standard cartridges, which means they can produce more pages before needing to be replaced. While high-yield cartridges may be more expensive upfront, they can ultimately save you money in the long run by reducing the frequency of cartridge replacements.

Regular maintenance of your printer can also help maximize yield. Keeping your printer clean and well-maintained can prevent clogs and other issues that can waste ink or toner.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, understanding page yield is key to maximizing your printer’s efficiency and getting the most value for your money. Page yield is determined by a number of factors and is typically measured using standardized testing methods. By choosing the right print settings, using high-yield cartridges, and maintaining your printer, you can extend the life of your cartridges and reduce the frequency of replacements. Taking these steps can ultimately save you money and improve your printing experience.

By Billings Ink and Tonerink refill billingsMarch 6, 2023March 7, 2023
difference between ink and toner

What is the difference between ink and toner?

If you have ever wondered about the difference between ink and toner, you’re not alone. Both ink and toner are essential components of printers and copiers, but they function differently. Understanding the differences between ink and toner can help you choose the right printer or copier for your needs and avoid expensive mistakes.

When it comes to printing documents or photos, we rely on either ink or toner to get the job done. But what exactly is the difference between ink and toner? Why do some printers use ink, while others use toner? And which one is better? In this article, we’ll explore the basics of ink and toner, how they work, and the differences between them.

What is ink?

Ink is a liquid substance that is used in inkjet printers. Inkjet printers work by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto paper, creating images and text. Ink is made up of a combination of water, dyes or pigments, and chemicals that help it adhere to paper. The type of ink used in inkjet printers can vary depending on the printer manufacturer and the application.

What is toner?

Toner, on the other hand, is a powder used in laser printers and copiers. Laser printers work by using a laser to create an electrostatic image on a drum, which is then coated with toner powder. The toner is attracted to the areas of the drum that have been charged by the laser, and then transferred to paper, where it is fused to the paper by heat.

What are the differences between ink and toner?

The main difference between ink and toner is the type of printer that uses them. Ink is used in inkjet printers, while toner is used in laser printers and copiers. Inkjet printers tend to be better for printing photos and graphics because they can produce high-quality images with rich colors and details. Laser printers, on the other hand, are better for printing large volumes of text documents quickly and efficiently.

Another key difference between ink and toner is the cost. Ink cartridges tend to be less expensive than toner cartridges, but they may need to be replaced more frequently. Toner cartridges, on the other hand, are more expensive but can last longer and print more pages before needing to be replaced.

Ink and toner also differ in their environmental impact. Ink cartridges are typically easier to recycle than toner cartridges, which can contain hazardous materials. Additionally, inkjet printers tend to use less energy than laser printers, which can be a factor for environmentally conscious consumers.

Conclusion:

In summary, the difference between ink and toner comes down to the type of printer that uses them, the cost, and their environmental impact. Ink is used in inkjet printers and is better for printing photos and graphics, while toner is used in laser printers and copiers and is better for printing large volumes of text documents. Ink cartridges tend to be less expensive but may need to be replaced more frequently, while toner cartridges are more expensive but can last longer. When choosing between ink and toner, it’s important to consider your printing needs and budget, as well as the impact on the environment.

By Billings Ink and TonerInk and TonerFebruary 28, 2023February 28, 2023
Best Printers

Top 10 Best Printers 2019 Review

There are a ton of different printers out there on the market for sale.

Finding the perfect printer for you has a lot to do with your individual needs and so the answer could be hard to ascertain. There are so many different machines with so many different specs, all using various technologies that affect their performance. Trying to narrow it down to just one printer when faced with literally thousands of choices can be quite a job.

Thankfully, we decided to take on that task for you and narrow down the range of the best all around, all in one printer. It is always a good idea to have one printer that does it all, even if it has functions that you don’t think you need at the moment.

Having a single machine to handle all your needs from printing to scanning to copying to (yes even) faxing is not a bad thing.

With that in mind, we are going to go over 10 of the best brand names out there that deliver a great multi-function printer. Some of their features may be more or less important for your needs and in the end, this should arm you with the information to make the right decision.

HP Envy 4520

HP Envy 4520 300x225 - Top 10 Best Printers 2019 Review
HP Envy 4520

This is one of the best printers on the market today that utilizes smart technology. It is ideal for personal use as well as business use, and while you cannot send and receive a fax with it, you will enjoy very easy to use scanning, copying, and printing. Here are some of the best features of this unit:

  1. Easy setup. We think this is a must when it comes to picking a printer. If it’s not easy to set up and integrate with your current system, it can be a nightmare. The user interface is easy and accommodating and you don’t need to be a technical wizard to get this one up and running.
  2. WiFi direct. This is a great feature which means you do not need to join any WiFi network directly. All you need to do is connect your various devices to the printer.
  3. Borderless photo printing. If you are the type of person who prints a lot of pics, you will enjoy the fact that you can print your photos all the way to the border rather than having to have blank space around the edges.
  4. Duplex system. You can print to both sides of the paper which saves paper in the long run.
  5. Touch screen. This unit has a great touch screen that is very simple and intuitive to use.

The HP Envy 4520 has a lot of handy features and not many cons to accompany the pros. It can be a bit slow and sluggish with print time on occasion and you may be slightly annoyed by the popup ads, however, those can actually be turned off through the control panel. Other than that, this printer just plain gets the job done.

Canon Office and Business MX922

This printer gets the nod as one of our all-time favorites. In addition to performing the usual functions of printing, scanning, copying, it also sends and receives faxes. Not only that it looks great and you would be proud to have this unit sitting on your desk at home or in the office. Here are some of the features:

  1. Cloud compatible. Not all printers offer this technology and if it’s something that you use, this is probably the printer for you. You can even share printing ability with other users if you choose to. This is a great feature to have and a ‘must’ for some people.
  2. Duplex printing. This is set to automatic when your unit arrives, so if you don’t want it to print on both sides you will have to change it, but overall it’s a great feature to have.
  3. Wireless. When they say wireless, they mean it. No cables to have to run behind your desk etc. Easy setup and you are ready to rock.
  4. Faxing is very easy and a nice feature to have for those occasions where you need it.

Not much bad to say about this printer. Set up is super easy and the print quality is excellent. The technology used with this printer is very intuitive and there is not much else on the market that gives you more bang for your buck.

Epson Expression Home XP-330

This is a compact model by Epson, but don’t be fooled by the size; it really packs a punch. Completely wireless and multifunctional, this printer also comes with an inexpensive price tag! It has some great features and a lot of good things going for it, so keep in mind that even though it is less expensive, there is a reason why it is being listed here:

  1. Instant dry ink. Well, not really, but this is the way they term the feature that allows the ink to dry right away so that you don’t get any smearing or blabbing in your printing.
  2. Great LCD display. You can view and monitor everything with the great, easy to read display.
  3. Individual ink cartridges. When run color runs out you simply change that color instead of having to change them all. A great feature that ultimately saves you money.
  4. Fast print speed. At around 9 pages per minute, this little guy gets the job done fairly fast.
  5. Paper tray will hold 100 pages. Between this and the fast printing time, you can spend more of your time working and less messing around with your printer.

As stated, this is a great printer that offers a lot of bang for your buck. One of the few negatives we can find is that when ink needs to be refilled, all the cartridges must be refilled. In other words, you can’t leave one empty cartridge. Other than that, you can do a lot worse than the Epson Expression Home XP-330.

Canon MX492

If you have a small home office with not a lot of available space for your printer, you will appreciate the size of this little dandy. It also comes with an inexpensive price tag and with all the multi-function capability it carries, makes it a hard to beat choice.

  1. Wireless. No cables=no fuss, no muss.
  2. Mobility. You don’t need to directly access the printer for scanning or printing. You can use devices such as your mobile phone to send right to your printer from any location.
  3. Cloud compatible. As stated before, this is a great feature that allows you to store documents in the cloud and then print them directly from there.

The only thing we don’t like about this printer is that set up is not terribly easy. The software is not great and it takes a pretty complicated arrangement to get this thing going. Make no mistake, this is a great printer, but for people with zero technical skills, it can be a complete pain to get set up.

HP OfficeJet 4650

This is another great, multi-functional printer that comes in a small package. It is a very power printer that does all the features you might want and does them exceptionally well.

  1. Borderless printing for photos.
  2. WiFi direct which allows you to access your printer through your mobile devices.
  3. Set up is easy. Non-techies will have an easy time integrating this printer into their existing setup.
  4. Great touch screen display. The display on this printer is quite helpful to find any of the information you might need about various activities.

One of the few cons we can find to this machine is that the printing speed is fairly slow, so if you are printing in larger volumes it may get on your nerves at times. Also, because the printer is smaller in size, you can run out of ink very fast if you do a high volume of printing. It doesn’t come with an Ethernet port either, which these days, for most people, is not an issue, but in some older setups could cause a large problem.

Brother MFCL2700DW Laser Printer

Definitely a professional machine for professional use, this printer is well made, very high-quality construction. If you are looking for something to use in the office that will stand up to heavy use, you could do a lot worse than this printer.

  1. Duplex printing, as well as improved printing quality, make this a superb machine if you need very high-quality printing.
  2. Large capacity paper tray. This tray is able to hold up to 250 pages, which makes it perfect for heavy-duty use.

The size of this printer is rather large, but at least it isn’t real heavy and bulky to move around. The printing speed is quite fast and it is extremely quiet as well. The overall construction feels very solid and you get the feeling that this printer will hold up for many years of hard use. The only real negative to running this machine is that if you are not overly techie, you may find set up to be complicated and confusing.

HP LaserJet Pro M277DW

Yet another professional grade printer that can do it all, this printer is rated as one of the best on the market.

  1. Wireless. Up to 5 users can access this device and it is easy to set up each user as well.
  2. You can scan straight to email or cloud, which are both handy features to have if you do a lot of scanning and need to save the documents that you scan.
  3. Speed is good and can get up to 19 pages per minute so if you are printing in large volumes this is quite helpful.
  4. Small size. This is the smallest printer in our lineup, but you do not sacrifice any quality to get the small footprint.

Ethernet port is available for users who need one and the auto duplex function is very handy. Once again, the only con we could find to this machine is that the set up is fairly painful. HP needs to understand that not everybody who will be using this printer has a ton of experience in installing them and improve their process for installation.

Epson Expression ET-2750

The headlining feature of this printer is that it does not come with cartridge ink. Instead, it comes with a huge tank! If you are printing in black and white, this ink tanker holds enough to print out about 5200 pages, which is quite exceptional for a printer of this type.

  1. Auto duplex function saves operational costs and is easy to use. It is also easy to switch it to manual control if you don’t want the duplex function on all the time.
  2. Borderless photo printing is another plus for this machine.
  3. The wireless operation makes it a snap to be compatible with all types of mobile devices.

Because of the way this machine prints with its ‘super-tanker’ of ink, it is very inexpensive to run when compared to other printers. You don’t have to buy cartridges anymore you instead just purchase bottles of ink. The print quality is also very good and the speed of printing is excellent. Surprisingly, the ink bottles are also quite sturdy so you don’t have to be worried about spills and messes. One of the cons to this device is that it is fairly loud and replacement parts can be expensive. Scanning documents from a mobile device are also not terribly easy if you are unfamiliar with such things.

Brother MFC-J480DW

This is yet another great wireless printer. One of the first things we noticed about this machine is the great display screen that comes with a colored ability that is not only useful, its kind of fun to use.

  1. Ink cartridges come in separate compartments making replacement a breeze.
  2. Cloud compatible.
  3. 100-page paper tray.
  4. Sends and receives faxes quickly and easily.

Operation of this printer is inexpensive and you can manage everything without much effort. Print quality is quite good and borders on being premium. The speed is also a plus on this printer as well. One of the things we noticed that definitely should be changed is that it will sometimes automatically run the cleaning mode, which wastes ink. Other than that, this is a great printer for the money.

Canon MG7720

Another wireless printer that is simple and easy to set up. You can use your mobile device to print or scan without being a techno-wizard.

  1. WiFi connection is quite easy and can be accomplished with a couple pushes of the button.
  2. Canon uses a new ink type with this printer that ensures very bold and bright, as well as smudge-less printing.
  3. Ethernet connection for those that need it.
  4. Available in white color for the fashion-minded, which you don’t find very often.

This printer makes great copies and the ink cartridge lasts for quite a long time, however it does not have the ability to fax. The only other con that we can find is that since the ink technology used by Canon is quite new, it can be somewhat tough to find.

Overall, these are 10 great printers that should fit any and all printing needs. You can take a look at the various features and strengths of each and find the perfect printer for your home and/or office needs.

By Billings Ink and TonerBest PrintersFebruary 25, 2019February 25, 2019
ink and toner questions

Have Questions About Ink and Toner Refills?

You’re not alone. 

Buying ink and toner for your computer printer isn’t something you do everyday and neither is ink and toner refill, and most of the time not even something you think about until you run out of ink.

But when you do run out, you want to make sure you are getting the best quality replacement for your money and to do this, there are some things you should know and ink and toner refill. Continue reading “Have Questions About Ink and Toner Refills?” →

By Billings Ink and Tonerink refill billings, ink refill billings mtFebruary 5, 2018November 27, 2018

Recent Posts

  • Pigment Ink vs Dye Ink: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide
  • Maximizing Printer Efficiency: Understanding Page Yield
  • What is the difference between ink and toner?
  • Top 10 Best Printers 2019 Review
  • Have Questions About Ink and Toner Refills?

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  • Ink and Toner
  • ink refill billings
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Saving you money one cartridge at a time.We carry the ink and toner cartridges to meet your printing needs! We know you need it today so you’ll get it today!

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