EPSON BLACK INK L800

How Epson measures its ink cartridge yield

When purchasing a printer or multifunction device, consumers evaluate a number of factors that determine the quality and operating cost of the equipment. An important factor affecting operating cost is ink cartridge yield, or the total number of pages that can be printed with an ink cartridge. In the past, manufacturers published yields based on different measurement tests, causing confusion and making it impossible to compare yields from one manufacturer to another.

In order to facilitate the comparison of yields between manufacturers, Epson, together with other leading industry brands, has worked with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to develop an industry standard test to measure the yield of inkjet printer cartridges. The test consists of continuously printing a standard set of 5 pages (shown below) until the ink in the cartridge runs out. This same test can be performed by major manufacturers to determine the yields of their cartridges so that users can easily compare them.

Cartridge yield can vary considerably based on printed images, print settings, paper types, frequency of use, humidity, and temperature.

Epson printers include a complete set of initialization cartridges in the box. The MicroPiezo print head in Epson printers contains a transport fluid that is replaced by ink the first time the equipment is used. Due to this initialization process, the yield of the first set of cartridges is lower (as explained in the installation guide). This process is performed only once, so the printer's yield from the second cartridge increases and the specified yield is obtained.

Epson promotes the price of its products based on the amount of ink that can be safely used. Epson has a fundamental commitment to consumers to develop printing systems that meet the highest quality standards and seek to optimize ink use and reduce waste, both of ink and disposable parts.

- Epson 70ml ink bottle
- Guaranteed print quality with original ink
- Designed with the highest quality for long-lasting prints