Solid Ink Cartridges: Zero Waste Technology
The vibrant, zero-waste alternative to traditional toner cartridges, solid ink technology was originally developed by the company Tektronix in 1986 and later perfected by Xerox.
With over one million solid ink printers in use around the world, this technology has made a significant global impact in sustainable printing. The first solid ink printer, the Phaser III, was released in 1991.
What is Solid Ink?
Originally created by Tektronix in 1986 and later perfected by Xerox, solid ink technology replaces powdered toner with solid, waxy, non-toxic, resin-based “wax” sticks. These sticks are solid at room temperature, and each color is molded into a distinct shape to prevent loading errors. The sticks are made of safe, non-toxic resin, contain no solvents, and will not leak, spill, or smudge like liquid inks or fine toner powders.
The solid ink system uses heat to melt the wax-based ink sticks inside the printer. This heating process allows the melted ink to be transferred onto paper, creating the final printed image with high-quality, consistent color and sharp text. The system delivers vibrant color output and environmental benefits.
Solid ink sticks are usually delivered in small, thin, crushable plastic trays or bags, packed in a small, recyclable cardboard box, reducing shipping waste.
Zero Waste
No plastic cartridges to throw away. The stick melts completely.
Vibrant Color
Produces a wider gamut of colors than standard toner.
How Solid Ink Technology Works
Solid ink technology revolutionizes the way we print by using solid ink sticks—sometimes called solid blocks—instead of traditional liquid ink or toner powder. In solid ink printers like the Xerox Phaser and ColorQube series, these wax-based sticks are loaded directly into the machine. During the printing process, the printer heats the solid ink sticks until they melt into a liquid form. This melted wax is then precisely jetted onto the paper, where it quickly cools and solidifies, creating crisp text and vibrant images.
Unlike inkjet printers that spray liquid ink or laser printers that fuse toner powder, solid ink printing delivers a unique, glossy finish and a tactile, waxy texture on each page. The process is similar to offset printing, ensuring consistent color quality and sharpness. Because the entire solid ink stick is consumed during printing, there’s no leftover residue or empty cartridges to dispose of, making the technology both efficient and environmentally conscious.
Solid ink technology is especially valued for its ability to produce rich, saturated colors and smooth gradients, making it ideal for graphics-heavy documents and presentations. With Xerox solid ink sticks, users experience reliable performance and outstanding print quality, all while reducing their environmental footprint.
Benefits of Using Solid Ink
Switching to solid ink printers offers a range of benefits that set them apart from traditional inkjet and laser printers. One of the most significant advantages is the exceptional print quality—solid ink sticks deliver brilliant, consistent colors, especially for challenging shades like orange and yellow, and provide a glossy, professional finish on every page.
Solid ink printing is also a leader in sustainability. Since the technology uses solid ink sticks instead of bulky printer cartridges, there are no empty cartridges to throw away, resulting in far less waste. This reduction in disposable plastic and packaging helps minimize the environmental impact of printing. Additionally, solid ink sticks do not dry out over time, unlike many inkjet and laser printer cartridges, so you can store them for extended periods without worrying about performance loss.
Operating costs are another area where solid ink shines. Printers like the Xerox ColorQube use melted wax to produce high-quality prints at a lower cost per page, making them an economical choice for offices and businesses. Xerox recommends solid ink for organizations looking to reduce waste, lower costs, and maintain top-tier print quality. With fewer consumables to manage and dispose of, solid ink printers are a smart, eco-friendly solution for modern printing needs.
Compatible Ranges:
Full Range of Compatible Xerox Solid Ink Printers: ColorQube, Phaser, and WorkCentre.
Xerox Solid Ink Sticks and Printers
Xerox solid ink sticks are engineered specifically for use in Xerox Phaser and ColorQube printers, offering a reliable and vibrant printing solution for businesses and individuals alike. These solid blocks of wax-based ink are designed to melt smoothly during the printing process, ensuring vivid color output and consistent coverage on every sheet.
Xerox solid ink printers, such as the popular Xerox ColorQube 8580DN, are known for their low total cost of ownership and impressive environmental credentials. By using solid ink sticks instead of traditional toner cartridges, these printers generate up to 90% less waste compared to standard color laser printers. This significant reduction in waste not only helps lower your carbon footprint but also simplifies the disposal process—no more dealing with empty cartridges or complex recycling programs.
The print quality achieved with Xerox solid ink sticks rivals that of high-end laser printers, delivering sharp text and rich, saturated colors. Xerox Corporation’s commitment to innovation means that each printer model is optimized for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Whether you’re printing marketing materials, reports, or everyday office documents, Xerox solid ink technology ensures you get the best results with less waste and lower costs.
Popular Ink Brands & Ranges
Brother
- LC422
- LC3217
- LC3211
Canon
- PG-540/CL-541
- PG-545/CL-546
- PG-560/CL-561
Epson
- 604
- 603
- 405
- 29
- 104
- 102
HP
- 304
- 301
- 953
- 364
- 300
Need Next Day Delivery?
Order your Xerox Solid Ink sticks by 2:30pm for free next business day delivery.