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An ink or inkjet cartridge is one of the main components of an ink or inkjet printer. It contains the ink necessary to print and is replaceable after the ink runs out. Although an inkjet cartridge always contains at least one ink reservoir, they often contain multiple separated reservoirs that each have a different color or type of ink. Newer cartridges and printers use microchips to communicate thinks like ink levels and whether or not the cartridge is installed correctly.

Most inkjet printers that are available to the average consumer use thermal ink. Inside the actual ink reservoir in the partition of the cartridge is a tiny heating element. When this element heats up, the ink is essentially vaporized and it enters the nozzle. Since the ink increases in volume when it is vaporized, a tiny bit of ink is forced out of the nozzle and onto the paper that is being printed upon.

Unfortunately, the ink flow can be hindered by dried ink at the end of the print nozzle. This usually happens when ink levels are running low. Since successful printing depends on the liquidity and even flow of ink, there is an easy way to combat dried in on the print nozzle. By wetting a cotton swab with a bit of rubbing alcohol and gently rubbing the nozzle, most dried ink should usually be taken care of.

Interestingly enough, ink cartridges can often cost as much or more than the printer itself. This is because the manufacturers assume that they will recoup the money lost on selling the printer by selling cartridges. An easy way around this is by buying cartridges from a third party vendor. Usually these companies will be able to sell ink for a much lower price because they do not need to regain any money lost in the manufacturing of the actual printer.