Ink cartridges and print heads: which part needs attention?
An ink cartridge supplies the ink; the print head places it on the paper. Some printers combine the two.
1 min readIn this guide
A cartridge is the ink reservoir. A print head contains the tiny nozzles that put ink on the page. A cartridge with a built-in print head replaces both together; an individual ink tank supplies a separate head in the printer.
Read the product description
- Original supplies are sold by the printer manufacturer.
- Compatible supplies are made by another manufacturer for the listed printer and cartridge family.
- Remanufactured supplies reuse an existing cartridge that has been restored for use. The product description should tell you which type you are buying.
Use the symptom to choose your next step
- A missing or unrecognised cartridge calls for a compatibility and installation check.
- A recognised cartridge with missing colours calls for a nozzle-check pattern and the printer’s cleaning routine.
- Replacing a separate ink tank does not automatically replace or repair the print head. Check your model’s design before ordering a head.