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Frequently Asked Questions about Ink: an Office Manager’s Primer

In today’s modern business environment, every office manager is tasked with obtaining the right supplies and keeping costs at a minimum. With all the different types of ink on the market, what’s the best way to choose the best option for a business’s needs? This article outlines some of the most frequently asked questions that office managers in Queens and the greater NYC tri-state area have about ink, so you can make an educated purchase.


Understanding the Essentials of Ink

Before discussing the types of ink available for office equipment, it’s important to understand and be familiar with the two main categories of ink used both in traditional and office settings: water-base inks and solvent-base inks. Water-based inks are non-toxic, making them ideal for use with critical documents. They contain water, glycol amines, pigments and resins. Solvent based inks are generally thicker than water-based inks and contain various liquids with pigments suspended within the liquid. While they provide bold, bright colors, they contain hazardous elements such as toluene and ethyl alcohol, making them best for short-term outdoor use.


Types of Ink That Are Available

Now that you understand the two main types of inks, let’s explore some of the many different varieties available for various office supplies.


One of the most popular types of ink used in offices is pigment-based ink. This type of ink offers permanent results, can withstand exposure to light, and won’t smudge or fade over time. Laser printers and copiers use this type of ink, so it’s important for purchasing decisions to consider if a printer or copier is able to use the ink.


Another type of ink that’s popular in offices is the dye-based ink. This ink is known for producing colorful images quickly, though it is less permanent than pigment-based ink. Printers and inkjet printers typically use dye-based inks as they’re usually water-soluble and dry quickly, as well as provide great results for photos.


What to Consider When Buying Ink

When deciding on what ink to purchase, there are a few important factors that every office manager should consider. The main thing to consider is the type of printer and copier the business uses; printers and copiers are design to use specific types of inks, and using the wrong type of ink can cause irreparable damage to the device and ingredients of the ink.

It’s also important to consider the cost of the ink; most of the popular types are rather expensive, at least in comparison to other office supplies and materials. You may want to explore OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), compatible, and/or refilled ink cartridges as these can offer savings of up to 60% in cost and can even produce better results than the original cartridges.


Lastly, office managers should consider the needs of the business with regards to the quality and durability of the prints. Laser printers are usually the best option in this case, as the results have been tested for their longevity, while other options such as inkjet printers may not produce the same results.


Can DEC Office Solutions Help?

If you’re an office manager looking for assistance to make the right purchasing decision for office equipment supplies, DEC Office Solutions, Inc. can help. Our team of experts can provide you with the right solutions that will suit your business’s needs. We specialize in office equipment products such as copiers, printers, scanners, multi-functional devices and shredders and can recommend the right type of ink for your office so that you can make the most cost-effective choice. In addition to office equipment DEC also offers Document Management Solutions (DMS) and Managed Print Services (MPS) to improve the way businesses operate.


Topics:

Ink,Office Supplies,DEC Office Solutions

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