How To Compare And Evaluate Printer Cartridge Suppliers
Posted by Robert Billings on July 17th, 2009
Since all print cartridge manufacturers used to use different testing methods, comparing suppliers had never been an easy thing to do.
In recent years this situation has changed. Requirements for tests of monochrome inkjet cartridges put in place by the International Standards Organization (ISO) were adopted by most of the companies that supply ink in the summer of 2004.
The ISO works to create industry standards that allow consumers to rate and compare competing products in a fair and unbiased manner.
Printer cartridge standards allow you to compare ink manufacturers’ products. Since the same methods are used to ascertain the yield derived from cartridges, they are much easier to compare against each other.
The standardization by the ISO specified these points:
- Default settings must be used when printing test examples.
- Temperature is strictly controlled while test examples are being printed.
- An average consumer should be able to find any printer or cartridge being tested.
- 9 of each cartridge must be tested for statistical validity
- 3 cartridges must be tested on 3 different printers to eliminate a single printer causing the numbers to be skewed
Aside from raw numbers, you should also consider some other things when deciding on your ink supplier. These things include delivery, reliability, and general quality.
Keeping notes on your own printing results is another way to decide which ink suppliers prove themselves to be deserving of your purchase.
