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How Many Pages Will Large Format Ink Cartridges Print?

Technical Printing

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20 Mar 2023

If you're an AEC professional, print shop owner or another user of large format printers, knowing how many pages you can get from a single ink cartridge is essential for saving time and money, as well as for proper job preparation. It's important to consider various factors such as ink type, print resolution, paper type and job complexity. They can all affect the number of pages your large format ink cartridges will produce.

Maximise your printing needs and budget with the right understanding of your ink cartridge's page yield. Taking this into account enables greater preparation for any printing task. Having the capacity to measure and manage the output of ink cartridges helps manage your printing needs and budget more effectively. Not only is it cost-efficient, but it's also the perfect way to extend a cartridge's lifespan and optimise its output.

What Is Large Format Plotter Ink?

Inkjet printers have become indispensable for modern businesses and home offices, enabling them to create copies and reproductions of text and images quickly and efficiently. An important component in a top-performing inkjet printer is the ink cartridge. Users must replace this component periodically to ensure high-quality output.

Specific ink cartridges are designed for use in professional-grade plotters or wide-format printers. They come in a variety of sizes and print resolutions and typically have a much higher page yield than regular ink cartridges. However, not every inkjet printer can integrate with a high-yield ink cartridge.

Ink cartridges for large format printers come in two main types: dye-based and pigment-based.

  • Dye-based ink cartridges contain a coloured liquid that bonds with the paper surface to create vibrant, long-lasting prints.
  • Pigment-based ink cartridges distribute finely ground particles that adhere to the paper. They form an even thicker layer than dye-based inks.

Page yield can vary depending on the complexity of the job and the type of ink used. The type of ink used in the cartridge can impact page yield, as inks can differ in quality and longevity. The resolution and quality of the print job are also relevant, as lower-quality prints may yield less than higher-resolution prints. Even paper type is important, with more absorbent and heavier paper having an effect on page yield. In addition, the complexity of the print job may affect page yield; higher levels of graphics may require more ink. Finally, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can affect page yield, as these may affect the life of the ink cartridge.

Maintenance of the printer is essential to optimise cartridge life. Altering print settings, such as turning off printer fonts or background printing, can improve page yield. Additionally, changing paper type can be useful, as thicker, less absorbent paper may produce better results.

What Is the Page Yield of Large Format Plotter Ink Cartridges?

AEC professional trying to determine which large format ink cartridges to use

When purchasing large format plotter ink cartridges, it is important to consider page yield. HP has years of experience in helping customers find the right ink cartridges and offers advice on how to maximise page yield. For expert assistance, contact HP Virtual Booth for more information or to make a purchase.