If you own an HP Colour Laser 150, 178 or 179 series printer, choosing the right toner can make a huge difference to your printing costs. Original HP cartridges are reliable, but many home users and businesses across the UK are now switching to compatible HP 117A toner cartridges to reduce costs without sacrificing print quality.

In this guide, we’ll explain the best compatible HP 117A toner options, which pack is best for your printing needs, and how to lower your overall cost per page.

Which Printers Use HP 117A Toners?

HP 117A toner cartridges are compatible with the following printers:

• HP Colour Laser 150a
• HP Colour Laser 150nw
• HP Colour Laser 178nw
• HP Colour Laser MFP 179fnw

These compact colour laser printers are popular with:

• home offices,
• small businesses,
• remote workers,
• schools,
• accountants,
• warehouses,
• ecommerce businesses.

Because these printers are frequently used for everyday document printing, toner costs can quickly add up — especially black toner usage.

Why Choose Compatible HP 117A Toners?

Compatible toner cartridges offer a cost-effective alternative to expensive OEM cartridges. High-quality compatible HP 117A toners can deliver:

• sharp black text,
• vibrant colours,
• reliable page yields,
• excellent print consistency,
• significantly lower printing costs.

Many businesses in the UK now use compatible toner cartridges as a standard way to reduce office expenses while maintaining professional print quality.

Best HP 117A Toner Option For Most Users

For most users, a full toner multipack provides the best value.

The <a href="https://cartridgex.co.uk/compatible-4-pack-toner-cartridge-set-replacement-for-hp-117a-w2070a-w2071a-w2072a-w2073a/">Compatible HP 117A 4 Pack Toner Set</a> includes:

• Black
• Cyan
• Magenta
• Yellow

This is an excellent option for users who print a balanced mix of colour and black documents.

Benefits of choosing a multipack include:

• lower cost per cartridge,
• fewer replacement interruptions,
• better long-term value,
• convenient backup cartridges.

Why Extra Black Toner Makes Sense

One common issue with HP Colour Laser printers is that black toner often runs out much faster than colour cartridges.

This is especially true for:

• invoices,
• shipping labels,
• reports,
• text-heavy office documents.

Because of this, many users prefer buying a toner set with an additional black cartridge included.

The <a href="https://cartridgex.co.uk/compatible-5-pack-toner-cartridge-set-replacement-for-hp-117a-cmyk-black/">Compatible HP 117A 5 Pack CMYK + Extra Black Toner Set</a> is one of the best-value options for heavy office printing.

This pack is ideal for:

• small businesses,
• ecommerce sellers,
• offices,
• warehouse printing,
• users with high black toner consumption.

Benefits include:

• reduced downtime,
• lower long-term printing costs,
• extra black toner ready when needed,
• better value than purchasing cartridges individually.

Best Option For Heavy Black Printing

If you mainly print black documents, labels or invoices, a dedicated black multipack is often the smartest choice.

The <a href="https://cartridgex.co.uk/compatible-2-pack-black-toner-cartridge-replacement-for-hp-117a-w2070a/">Compatible HP 117A 2 Pack Black Toner Cartridge Set</a> is designed for users who need reliable black printing without constantly reordering toner.

This option is perfect for:

• office paperwork,
• shipping labels,
• business documents,
• school printing,
• everyday monochrome printing.

Buying a 2-pack can also help reduce emergency toner replacements and keep your office running smoothly.

Compatible HP 117A Toner vs Original HP Toner

Many customers wonder whether compatible toner cartridges are worth buying compared to original HP cartridges.

In most cases, high-quality compatible cartridges provide excellent value for money. Modern compatible toners are designed to work reliably with supported HP Colour Laser printers while dramatically reducing printing expenses.

Benefits of compatible toner cartridges include:

• lower purchase cost,
• reduced cost per page,
• good print quality,
• reliable performance,
• ideal for business printing.

For many users, switching to compatible HP 117A toner cartridges can reduce annual printing costs substantially.

How To Lower Your Printing Costs

Here are some simple ways to reduce your HP printing expenses:

1. Buy Multipacks

Multipacks usually provide better value than buying single cartridges separately.

2. Keep Spare Black Toner

Black toner is typically used faster than colour toner.

3. Use Draft Mode For Internal Documents

This reduces toner consumption for non-essential printing.

4. Choose Compatible Cartridges

Compatible toner cartridges can significantly lower overall printing costs.

5. Store Spare Toners Properly

Keeping backup cartridges ready helps avoid downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are compatible HP 117A toner cartridges safe for my printer?

Yes. High-quality compatible cartridges are designed specifically for supported HP Colour Laser printers.

Which HP printers use 117A toner?

HP Colour Laser 150a, 150nw, 178nw and HP Colour Laser MFP 179fnw printers.

Which HP 117A toner pack offers the best value?

For most businesses and heavy users, the 5-pack CMYK + extra black option offers the best long-term value.

Why does black toner run out faster?

Most offices print significantly more black text documents than colour pages.

Should I buy single cartridges or multipacks?

Multipacks are usually more cost-effective and reduce the need for frequent reordering.

Final Thoughts

Compatible HP 117A toner cartridges are an excellent way to reduce printing costs while maintaining reliable print quality for everyday business and home office use.

Whether you need:

• a complete colour toner set,
• additional black toner,
• or a cost-effective office printing solution,

CartridgeX offers reliable compatible toner options for HP Colour Laser printers across the UK.

Recommended products:

Compatible HP 117A Toner 4 Pack For HP Colour Laser 150 178 179 Printers

Compatible HP 117A CMYK + Extra Black Toner Set

Compatible HP 117A W2070A 2 Pack Black Toner Cartridge

If you've ever wondered whether compatible cartridges are safe, reliable, or worth the savings, you're not alone. One of the most common questions we hear at Cartridgex is:

“Is there really a difference between original and compatible cartridges?”

Let’s break it down clearly.

What Are Original OEM Cartridges?

Original cartridges, also known as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), are made by the same company that manufactured your printer, such as HP, Brother, Epson or Canon.

They are:

• Branded by the printer manufacturer

• Usually the most expensive option

• Marketed as premium

• Sold through major retailers

While OEM cartridges work well, they often come with very high price tags, especially for high-capacity toner models.

What Are Compatible Cartridges?

Compatible cartridges are brand-new cartridges manufactured by third-party specialists. They are designed to:

• Fit and function like OEM cartridges

• Deliver comparable page yield

• Provide clear print quality

• Cost significantly less

At Cartridgex, all compatible ink and toner cartridges are built to strict ISO quality standards and come with a Lifetime Warranty.

The Real Difference: Price vs Performance

Here’s what most customers discover after switching.

Price

Compatible cartridges typically cost 40 to 70 percent less than OEM.

If you regularly print with Epson WorkForce printers, our compatible Epson 405XL ink cartridge multipack offers excellent value compared to buying original cartridges individually.

Businesses using Brother laser printers can significantly reduce printing costs with the
high capacity Brother TN-2420 black toner cartridge delivering strong page yield at a lower price than OEM alternatives.

Print Quality

Modern compatible cartridges produce:

• Sharp black text

• Clear colour graphics

• Smudge-resistant prints

• Reliable page yields

For colour laser offices, the
compatible HP 212X high capacity toner multipack provides professional-quality prints suitable for reports, presentations and marketing materials.

High-Volume Printing

If you print frequently, whether invoices, school materials, shipping labels or reports, high-capacity compatible toners offer long-term savings.

The HP 415X black high capacity compatible toner cartridge is ideal for busy offices that require consistent output while keeping costs under control.

Are Compatible Cartridges Safe for My Printer?

Yes.

In the UK, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty.

Printer manufacturers cannot legally require customers to use OEM consumables. As long as the cartridge does not physically damage the printer, your warranty remains valid.

Cartridgex cartridges are:

• Fully chip-enabled

• Firmware compatible

• Leak-tested

• ISO quality certified

• Backed by Lifetime Warranty

Why Do Printer Brands Charge So Much?

Many printer manufacturers sell printers at low prices and generate profit from ink and toner replacements.

This means the real cost of your printer often comes from ongoing cartridge purchases.

Switching to compatible cartridges helps reduce those long-term printing expenses.

Who Should Switch to Compatible Cartridges?

Compatible ink and toner are ideal for:

Home users
Perfect for schoolwork, recipes and everyday documents.

Small businesses
Reduce overheads without sacrificing print quality.

E-commerce sellers
Lower costs for high-volume label printing.

Schools and education settings
Budget-friendly printing with reliable results.

Environmental Benefits

Compatible cartridges can also be a more sustainable option.

Many third-party manufacturers optimise material use, reduce plastic waste and improve cartridge efficiency.

Buying multipacks and high-capacity cartridges also reduces packaging waste and delivery frequency.

How Much Could You Save?

If your business spends £150 per month on OEM toner, switching to compatible high-capacity alternatives could reduce that to £60 to £90 per month.

That could mean annual savings of £720 to £1,080 without sacrificing performance.

Why Buy Compatible Cartridges from Cartridgex?

When choosing compatible ink, quality matters.

Cartridgex offers:

• Lifetime Warranty

• UK-based customer support

• Fast UK delivery

• Strict quality control

• High-capacity options

• Multipack savings

We specialise in affordable, reliable printer cartridges for homes and businesses across the UK.

Final Verdict

For many UK households and businesses in 2026, continuing to buy OEM cartridges means paying more than necessary.

Switching to high-quality compatible ink and toner from Cartridgex allows you to maintain print quality while reducing ongoing costs.

Explore the full range of compatible ink and toner cartridges at https://cartridgex.co.uk

It’s one of the most common questions people have about printers—and honestly, it’s easy to get wrong. Whether you’re printing homework for the kids, invoices for your business, or the occasional return label, picking the wrong cartridge can lead to wasted money, frustration, and a printer that just won’t do what you need it to.

Let’s clear things up.

What’s the Real Difference Between Ink and Toner?

First things first: ink and toner are not the same thing, and they don’t work in the same type of printers.

Ink = Inkjet Printers

Ink is a liquid, just like the name suggests. It’s used in inkjet printers, which spray tiny droplets of ink directly onto the paper. These are often found in homes or small offices because they’re good with colour, detail, and photo printing.

Great for:

• Occasional printing

• High-quality colour images

• Photos

Toner = Laser Printers

Toner, on the other hand, is a fine powder used in laser printers. It’s melted onto the page using heat and a laser. These printers are built for speed and volume, and they tend to cost more upfront—but they’re workhorses when it comes to big jobs.

Great for:

• High-volume printing

• Crisp black-and-white documents

• Office or business use

So, it’s not about which is better—it’s about which is better for you.

What Most People Get Wrong

Now here’s where people get tripped up. There are a few common assumptions that lead buyers down the wrong path:

1. “All Printers Use Ink, Right?”

Nope. A lot of buyers automatically assume that every printer uses ink because it sounds more familiar. But if your printer is a laser printer, ink cartridges won’t work. And trust us, trying to jam the wrong type of cartridge into your printer never ends well.

Tip: Check your printer model and search online or in your manual to confirm what it uses.

2. “Toner Must Be Better Because It’s More Expensive”

Not necessarily. Yes, toner cartridges often cost more upfront—but they also last a lot longer. You might get thousands of pages out of a single toner cartridge, compared to a few hundred from an ink cartridge.

So while toner seems more expensive, the cost per page is usually lower. It’s like buying in bulk.

3. “Any Cartridge Will Fit as Long as It’s the Same Brand”

This one causes so many headaches.

Just because you have an HP printer doesn’t mean any HP cartridge will work. Printer models often have specific cartridge numbers, and using the wrong one—even if it looks similar—can result in error messages or even damage.

Real-life example: We’ve had customers buy HP 304 ink for their HP Envy printer, thinking it would fit, only to find out their model needs HP 303. One number off, and it’s a no-go.

How to Choose the Right One for Your Printer

Not sure where to start? Here’s a simple checklist to get it right the first time:

1. Check Your Printer Model

Look at the front of your printer or on the inside near the cartridge slot. Write down the model number (e.g. Canon Pixma MG3650 or HP LaserJet Pro M203dw). Then search online: “What cartridges does [printer model&91; use?”

2. Match Cartridge Numbers Exactly

Don’t guess. Look for the exact cartridge number (like HP 305 or Brother TN-2410). If it’s not a perfect match, it likely won’t work.

3. Know Your Printing Habits

Ask yourself:

• Do I print photos or graphics? → Inkjet might be better.

• Do I print lots of text documents? → Laser is the way to go.

• How often do I print? → Infrequent use can lead to dried-up ink. Toner doesn’t dry out.

4. Decide Between OEM, Compatible, or Remanufactured

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Made by the printer brand. Most reliable, most expensive.

• Compatible: Made by third-party brands. Cheaper, usually reliable—especially from trusted sellers like CartridgeX.

• Remanufactured: Recycled and refilled OEM cartridges. Eco-friendly, cost-effective.

Bonus Tips to Save Money and Hassle

• Don’t wait for your printer to run completely dry. Some stop working mid-job.

• Store cartridges in a cool, dry place. Heat and moisture can ruin them.

• Consider a backup cartridge. Running out in the middle of a big project is never fun.

• Print in “draft” mode when quality isn’t a priority. Saves ink or toner.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, choosing the right cartridge isn’t just about price—it’s about compatibility, print quality, and how you actually use your printer.

If you’re still unsure, don’t guess and hope for the best. Reach out to our team at CartridgeX, and we’ll point you in the right direction. No tech jargon. No upselling. Just honest advice and top-quality cartridges for every kind of printer.

Ready to shop?
Browse our ink and toner range now

     Let’s be honest — buying printer ink isn’t exactly thrilling. Most of us don’t think about it until that little warning pops up: "Low Ink."

Suddenly, you’re in a panic. You’re mid-way through printing your kid’s school project, a last-minute return label, or a stack of work documents. You hop online, type in your printer model, and… boom — a sea of options.

OEM, compatible, remanufactured… What's the difference? And why does one cartridge cost more than your actual printer?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This guide is here to help you choose the right printer ink without wasting money, time, or your sanity.

Know Your Printer — It Matters More Than You Think

Before anything else, know your printer model. Not just “an HP” or “a Canon.” You need the full name and number — like HP Envy 6055e or Canon PIXMA TS8350.

Why? Because ink cartridges are incredibly specific. A cartridge that works in one model might not fit another in the same brand.

Pro tip: Open your printer, look for a label near the ink bay, or check the settings menu to find the model number. Write it down. Keep it handy when shopping.

OEM, Compatible, or Remanufactured? Here’s the Breakdown

Now that you know your model, the real question is: which type of cartridge should you buy?

1. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

These are made by your printer’s brand — think HP cartridges for HP printers. They’re reliable, but pricey. You’re paying for brand assurance and consistent quality.

Best for: Business printing, photo printing, and anyone who values perfect output over price.

2. Compatible Cartridges

These are made by third-party brands to work with your printer. They’re new, cost less, and often perform just as well — if you buy from a reputable supplier.

Best for: Everyday home use, students, small offices. Just make sure you buy from trusted sources like CartridgeX to avoid duds.

3. Remanufactured Cartridges

These are recycled OEM cartridges that have been cleaned, refilled, and tested. Environmentally friendly and more affordable than OEMs.

Best for: Eco-conscious users who want a balance between cost and quality.

Price Isn’t Everything — But It Matters

Let’s talk money.

An original HP 304 black ink cartridge might cost around £18. A compatible version? Maybe £10 or less. That’s nearly 50% savings — per cartridge.

But here’s the kicker: buying the cheapest option isn’t always cheaper in the long run.

Low-quality ink can cause printer jams, streaky prints, or worse — damage to your printer. Suddenly, that “bargain” ink costs you a whole new printer.

So how do you balance quality and cost?

Look for trusted sellers with good reviews, return policies, and clear warranty info. CartridgeX.co.uk, for example, guarantees their compatibles — so you’re not taking a gamble.

Page Yield: The Hidden Number You Should Care About

Not all ink is created equal. Some cartridges print 120 pages. Others can handle 400 or more.

This number is called page yield. It tells you how many pages you can print before the ink runs out.

Check the yield before buying — especially if you print often. A higher-yield cartridge may cost more upfront, but it’ll save you money over time.

Quick example:

• Standard cartridge: £12, prints 150 pages → £0.08 per page

• High-yield cartridge: £18, prints 400 pages → £0.045 per page

You’re saving nearly 50% per page with the high-yield one.

Think About What You Actually Print

Do you mostly print black-and-white text? Go for a monochrome cartridge and skip the expensive colour ones.

Only print a few pages here and there? A standard cartridge might be all you need.

Print school projects with graphics or run a home office? Consider XL cartridges — they’ll last longer and cost less per page.

Tailor your ink to your actual printing habits. You’ll save money and avoid waste.

Real Talk: Is It Safe to Use Non-OEM Ink?

This is one of the most common questions we get:
"Will using compatible or remanufactured ink void my warranty or break my printer?"

Short answer: No, not if you buy smart.

In the UK, manufacturers can’t void your warranty just because you use third-party ink. That’s protected under consumer law. And as long as the cartridge is well-made (like the ones from trusted suppliers), your printer will be fine.

Just avoid rock-bottom deals from unknown marketplaces. That’s where trouble starts.

A Few Final Tips to Stretch Every Drop

Even with the right cartridge, you can still waste ink without realising it. Here’s how to avoid that:

• Print in draft mode when quality doesn’t matter

• Don’t power your printer on and off too often — it uses ink to clean the heads

• Keep unused cartridges sealed until you need them

• Store ink in a cool, dry place — heat and light can dry it out

And if your printer warns you the ink is low? Don’t panic. Often, there's still plenty left. Keep printing until quality starts to drop.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right printer ink doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With a little know-how, you can save money, avoid stress, and keep your prints looking sharp.

Whether you’re printing invoices, essays, or your kid’s latest masterpiece, the right cartridge makes all the difference.

Need help finding the perfect ink for your printer? CartridgeX.co.uk has you covered — with affordable, high-quality cartridges that won’t let you down.

In today’s digital world, a reliable printer is a must-have for both home and office use. Whether you're printing documents, school assignments, or high-quality images, the key to crisp prints lies in the right printer cartridges. At CartridgeX.co.uk, we help you find the best ink and toner cartridges at unbeatable prices. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know when buying printer cartridges online.

Why Buying Printer Cartridges Online is the Smart Choice

With the rising cost of printer supplies, many users are searching for cheap ink cartridges UK without compromising quality. Buying online offers:

✔ Lower Prices – Online stores often provide discount printer cartridges that are much cheaper than retail stores. ✔ Wide Selection – Find genuine ink cartridges and compatible printer cartridges for leading brands like HP, Epson, Canon, and Brother. ✔ Convenience – Get printer cartridges delivered to your doorstep with fast shipping. ✔ Exclusive Deals & Discounts – Many websites, including CartridgeX.co.uk, offer promotions on bulk purchases.

How to Choose the Right Printer Cartridge

Choosing the right ink or toner cartridge is crucial for optimal print performance. Here’s what to look for:

1. Original vs Compatible Printer Cartridges

• Original (OEM) Cartridges – Made by printer manufacturers like HP, Canon, and Epson. They offer top quality but come at a premium price.

• Compatible Ink Cartridges – Third-party alternatives that provide similar quality at a fraction of the cost. If you're looking for affordable ink cartridges online, compatible options are a great choice.

2. Ink vs Toner: What’s the Difference?

• Ink Cartridges – Used in inkjet printers. Best for color printing, photos, and home use.

• Toner Cartridges – Used in laser printers. Ideal for high-volume printing in offices and businesses.

3. Check Your Printer Model

Before buying, always check your printer’s compatibility. Common searches include:

• HP printer ink best price

• Epson ink refills near me

• Canon toner cartridges free delivery

• Brother toner replacement online

Top Tips to Save Money on Printer Ink & Toner

? Buy in Bulk – Purchasing multiple cartridges at once can reduce costs. ? Look for Discounts – Search for cheap ink cartridges UK or check our promotions. ? Use High-Yield Cartridges – These last longer and reduce the cost per page. ? Sign Up for Alerts – Stay updated with the latest printer cartridge deals at CartridgeX.co.uk.

Why Choose CartridgeX.co.uk for Your Printing Needs?

✅ Affordable Prices – We offer discounted printer ink for all major brands. ✅ Fast UK Shipping – Get your cartridges delivered quickly. ✅ Quality Assurance – Our compatible cartridges meet high standards. ✅ Eco-Friendly Options – We provide refillable ink cartridges to reduce waste.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best printer cartridges online doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you need genuine HP ink cartridges, cheap Epson ink refills, or Brother toner replacements, CartridgeX.co.uk has you covered. Start shopping today and enjoy high-quality prints at the best prices!

Looking for the best deals? Browse our collection now at CartridgeX.co.uk!

The first thing you should know is that, no matter which product you purchase, your product will arrive at your doorstep in pristine condition thanks to our Quality Control Inspection. We are here to serve you with the top quality printer supplies. Since you buy your printer supplies online, you can’t check them out yourself. That’s why we initiated the quality inspection for your satisfaction guaranteed. If you find that we made a mistake in your order or with your product, you can return your item within 30 days - we’ll even pick up the tab for your return shipping!

Cartridgex products are affordable and worthy of producing high-quality graphic and text printing. Cartridgex offers premium photo paper for best results. We also offer a variety of cables to connect your computer to your printer, your PC monitor, to your TV, and the oh-so-necessary HDMI cable. Lastly, Cartridgex offers compatible toner cartridges for Brother and Dell printers at affordable prices.

As a company, Cartridgex is operated and owned by Litpol LTD and we strive for environmental protection. With this in mind, we certify all products to the Environmental Management System Standard (ISO 14001:2004) to ensure no harmful toxins or products pollute our earth - especially when we recycle and refurbish old technology. You can even send in your old printer cartridges to be recycled for a 10% discount on your next purchase.

Don’t wait any longer to enhance your printing capabilities with a company that truly cares about our customers and our environment - shop cartridgex supplies now!

The rulers you buy at the store are made from wood, plastic or metal. In most cases, you really don’t need your ruler to be on such a sturdy surface, after all, you are just using it to measure something. With a little work, you can create and print your own rulers. If you do it right, you can print at least four on just one piece of paper. If your ultimate goal is to simply measure something, these paper rulers will do just fine.

You can download checklists for your smartphone, tablet. laptop and whatever. Sure, these checklists are handy and can be utilized in many ways, but we know of one checklist we don’t want on a device. If you are like us, you have a grocery checklist posted somewhere in the kitchen, ours is always on the refrigerator. This is handy as when you chug the last of the milk, all you need to do is mark it on the list. That is certainly better than having to operate your device to remind you to get more milk.

Now that you learned something new, you want to start utilizing your printer a little more. That’s good. And if you discover you are in need of a printer cartridge, we are the company you need. We carry the toners you need, even the HP Ce285A Black Toner Cartridge. Check out our supplies now. 

You usually use a 14-point font when you print. That’s fine, but if you started using a 12-point font, you would save ink. You need to stop and ask yourself if 14-point fonts are really necessary. We don’t think so, we always write and print in 12-point fonts.

It is a good idea to thoroughly proofread and edit all your documents before you begin to print them out. This way, that mistake you discover on page three will have been caught before 30 pages need to be reprinted.

Check those printer preferences on your computer. We are quite sure that the manufacturer has them set on ink guzzle mode. Tweak these a bit and watch your cartridge last longer.

One last thing to do to save on ink is to be sure and take a look at the preview before you commit to print. Make sure you are just printing one page of a website as opposed to all 13 pages of the website.

No matter how much ink you save, you will eventually need a replacement. Visit our website to order that Brother ink cartridge or that HP Q2612A black toner that you need.  

In the next step, he charted how often each of these characters were used in four different typefaces. He then measured how much ink was used for each letter. He verified his discovery by weighing out enlarged letters on cardstock. Suvir discovered that the Garamond font uses the least amount of ink. He concluded that if his school district would utilize the Garamond font, it would reduce ink consumption by 24 percent. This would save the school district about $21,000 a year.

Suvir would them apply his findings on a much larger level. This is when he did his study on the US government’s printing expenditure. However, although impressed by the findings, the US government has yet to do anything with the information.

Now, we know that everybody likes to save on their toner and ink. While you probably won’t see a savings in the millions by utilizing a different typeface, at least your ink cartridges and toner will last a little longer. And that is not a bad thing. Visit our website and discover we do carry the HP CE285A black toner you need for your home or office.  

Toner is an electrically charged dry carbon compound that is housed in a plastic cartridge. Typically speaking, toner cartridges are used with laser jet printers and copy machines in places of business where there are demanding printing needs. That is not to say you cannot find home printer models that utilize toner cartridges. During the printing process, toner is transferred from the cartridge to your paper via heating process. The toner essentially melts and binds with the fibers in the paper.

Ink is the ideal choice for home printers or low volume needs. Ink cartridges are much less messy and are quite simple to replace. Ink is available in two types; dye-based and pigment-based, here are the differences.

The most common of the two is the dye-based ink cartridge. Like toner, this type of ink is absorbed into the paper creating bright and vivid colors that are excellent for printing photographs. Just be careful as sunlight will cause these prints to fade. These inks will also smear when exposed to water.

Pigment-based inks are made up from resins crushed into tiny particles. These inks sit on top of the paper as opposed to being absorbed by it. This type of ink produces prints that are resistant to water as well as fading.

We carry a wide selection of both ink cartridges and toner cartridges. If you are in the market for an HP Q2612A black toner cartridge, we carry it.