Unbranded printer inks?

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C

CB Art & Framing

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Feb 20, 2007
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I have Canon Pixma Pro 9000 printer which I use once in a while to print photos (great quality), but mainly just everyday printing for flyers etc..
It uses 8 ink colors
I found refills, made in China for only about $1 each. Canon brand run around $15.
Is there a significant difference in how photo prints will hold up ?
 
Yes, there can be massive differences in light-fastness as well as the color of the prints. It can often void your warranty. I have also read about people having more head clogging issues using off brand inks.
 
Obviously I was hoping there would be no significant difference, since manufacturers make such a huge margin on ink. But that makes sense.
 
Artrageous said:
The major companies buy their ink from China for $1.00 and resell/rebrand it to you for $15.00.
Click to expand...

I guess then I will run a test. I have a print I did with Canon inks. I will print the same image, with same settings/paper on 'China' inks.
Then do visual comparison as well as leave them both out in the sun for a while.
 
I've made the switch in my Epson 9600 to ink from Inkowl.com. Can tell no difference in comparable prints with OEM ink I was paying huge amounts for. Bought the translucent large refillable cartridges and ink in bulk. Easy peasy. And I like the fact I can SEE my ink levels. They make two types of ink for my printer. I use their Ultrachrome version. So far very happy and no clogging issues.. I guess only time will tell about fade resistance.

Their website is pretty informative also.
 
DON"T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One, the colors won't match, and 2 it could ruin the printer.

i did this with a cheap printer 2 times thinking the printer just died... the 3rd one has worked non stop for years on the normal epson ink...

won't ever use cheap ink in my epson 7890... not worth the risk
 
Tommy P said:
I've made the switch in my Epson 9600 to ink from Inkowl.com. Can tell no difference in comparable prints with OEM ink I was paying huge amounts for. Bought the translucent large refillable cartridges and ink in bulk. Easy peasy. And I like the fact I can SEE my ink levels. They make two types of ink for my printer. I use their Ultrachrome version. So far very happy and no clogging issues.. I guess only time will tell about fade resistance.

Their website is pretty informative also.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link, Tommy. I checked out their site and will probably order from them. Of course, I use my little Epson at home to print photos to paint from, not to print photos for customers, so their inks should be fine for my purposes. Big difference, but I bought the Epson because it produces excellent prints to work from and I knew the Epson ink was expensive going into the purchase.

One order of refillable cartridges and ink will cost less than four cartridges at the Office big box and last 12 times longer. Works for me. :thumbsup:
 
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