What are the advantages of using recycled inkjet cartridges?
The first obvious answer is cost. A customer using recycled inkjet cartridges can
save from 30 to 70% or more on supplies costs by using recycled cartridges. The
second reason to use recycled cartridges -- it's good for the environment.
How big is the inkjet market?
According to Charlie Brewer who edits the Hard Copy Supplies Journal, the world's
inkjet printers are guzzling over $32 billion worth of ink this year. Retailers
are selling high-quality remanufactured inkjet cartridges at 50% off of the retail
price (of a new OEM cartridge) and still earning margins of over 80%. Lyra Research,
a leading imaging industry market research firm, notes the worldwide aftermarket
inkjet market share of the total inkjet cartridge market currently stands at 31
percent and is expected to grow to a remarkable 36 percent by 2010.
With roughly 50% of the US population never having before purchased an aftermarket
cartridge, there is a huge burgeoning market for purchasing refilled cartridges.
Why does SME put so much emphasis on high-quality equipment, processing
methods, and results?
Anyone can squirt ink into a cartridge but getting it to work like a brand new OEM
cartridge is the key. Consumers have little tolerance for cartridges with poor print
quality or low page yields. With over 7000 inkjet systems installed worldwide.
SME has a long and storied history in developing and manufacturing the equipment
for producing the perfect cartridge. This gives our customers a competitive price
and quality advantage in the marketplace.
What inkjet cartridges can be refilled by the Inkjet Factory system?
The SME InkjetFactory system is capable of processing most every popular thermal
inkjet cartridge models from HP, Dell, Lexmark, Canon, Sharp, Brother, Compaq, and Xerox. With this
fully upgradeable system new cartridges are easily added. Currently over 111 and counting (many more
if you count the international equivalent cartridges)
Why is it so easy to refill cartridges using the Inkjet Factory?
The easy to operate touch-screen display of the InkjetFactory system can walk any
operator through the process of testing, cleaning, and refilling an inkjet cartridge.
Help videos are included to assist. Each component of the system is the result of
years of innovation for higher quality results and reduced labor due to ease of
use.
Why does the Inkjet Factory system use the deep vacuum method to refill
the cartridges?
Most modern inkjet cartridges use a reticulated polyurethane foam core to help meter
the ink through the cartridge. When the ink has run out, this core is full of micro-pockets
of air that can’t be displaced by forcing ink in through the nozzle or squirting
ink in with a syringe. The only way to remove the air pockets is through deep vacuum
chamber refilling.
Brand new inkjet cartridges are initially filled in a deep vacuum chamber by the
OEM and this is the way that the InkjetFactory refills them. By completely removing
the air in the cartridge first is the only way to achieve the high page yields and
print quality. Nozzle and syringe refilling methods are able to squirt large amounts
of ink into a cartridge but much of that ink is not useable and remains in the top
strata of the foam core, which will cause the cartridge to fail prematurely.
Why does the Inkjet Factory system use an atomized water-jet method
to clean cartridges?
Atomized water-jet has proven to be a better technology for cleaning inkjet cartridge
print heads than either steam cleaning or ultrasonic baths. Steam cleaning may allow
cartridges that fire 4-5 Pico liter-sized ink droplets to produce streaky prints.
Ultrasonic cleaning stresses cartridges and sometimes damages the cartridge print-heads.
How long does it take to refill an inkjet cartridge using the Inkjet
Factory?
The InkjetFactory has two filling modes—one is a step-by-step mode for processing
a different cartridge every time. This takes about five minutes per cartridge. Typically
most owners process cartridges in batch mode which gives them the ability to multitask
and process many cartridges simultaneously. The Inkjet Factory is capable of processing
up to 30 cartridges per hour peak in batch mode.
What is the life expectancy of an InkjetFactory?
The way that the Inkjet Factory is constructed and the built in cleaning functions
(depending on care, maintenance, and usage) you can expect many years of trouble
free use. Consumable items like needles would need to be periodically replaced or
sharpened. The machine also has built in redundant valves and lines in case there
is a failure--a press of a button gets you back refilling.
Can the InkjetFactory Multitask? Does it require a dedicated employee
to run?
Yes, the machine can multitask.
No, it does not require a dedicated employee to run.
The operator can step away from the Inkjet Factory at any time to take care of other
retail tasks and return to the cartridge processing later. In the meantime, the
InkjetFactory will complete any automated step that was started and then simply
wait for the operator’s return--ready to guide them onto the next processing step.
Tell me about the Inkjet Factory TrueColor Inks?
The InkjetFactory system uses SME’s specially formulated TrueColor line of dye-based
and pigment-based inks. The matching print quality is fantastic. We encourage anyone
(including industry experts!) to take a side-by-side comparison test with TrueColor
inks versus a brand new cartridge.
What inkjet and Inkjet Factory training does SME provide?
Over the past decade SME has trained over 2000 professionals from around the world
in the basic and advanced inkjet remanufacturing courses. Comprehensive training
is available at SME’s company headquarters. The InkjetFactory system includes on-board
videos which help train any operator on how to successfully operate the equipment.
Will SME install my Inkjet Factory systems?
On-site training and installation services are available.
How will SME help me implement a retail refilling program?
Comprehensive Marketing support and materials are available to help you launch an
inkjet refilling business and promote it on an ongoing basis.
How soon can I get my InkjetFactory Systems?
Normal delivery is of new Inkjet Factory systems are two to six weeks.
How do I find an InkjetFactory distributor in my country?
SME sells the Inkjet Factory system directly, both domestically and internationally.
This "cutting out of the middle man" has worked well for SME and its customers for
many years. It will for you too.
Does the use of recycled inkjet cartridges void the warranty on my
printing device?
No
Contact us to see how easy it is to get started!