The Essential Guide to Ink & Toner for Copiers, Printers, MFPs & Wide-Format Devices

If you’re running a business in Colorado, especially one that relies heavily on printed materials—like architecture, engineering, design, marketing, or even general office administration—you already know that ink and toner aren’t just office supplies. They’re the fuel behind your operations. And understanding the different types of ink and toner, how to source them, and how to ensure your devices never run dry is key to maximizing your uptime and minimizing headaches.

At ABT, we work with businesses across Colorado to deliver optimized printing solutions, and one of the most common pain points we see is a lack of clarity around ink and toner. That’s why we’ve created this detailed guide to walk you through the essentials—from ink types by manufacturer to smart supply ordering, wide-format needs, and how managed print can automate everything for you.

Ink vs. Toner: What’s the Difference?

Let’s start with the basics. Ink and toner are both used to print documents, but they work in fundamentally different ways.

Ink is a liquid substance sprayed through microscopic nozzles in inkjet printers. It’s great for producing vibrant color images and detailed designs. In contrast, toner is a fine powder used in laser printers and copiers. The powder is fused to the paper using heat and pressure, making toner better suited for high-volume, fast-paced office environments where durability and speed matter most.

This distinction is especially important in Colorado’s business climate, where a company might be using ink-based wide-format plotters for signage or architectural drawings and toner-based MFPs for daily internal documents.

A Closer Look at Ink Types by Brand

Canon

Canon supports both inkjet and laser technology. On the inkjet side, Canon devices often use high-capacity ink tanks—ideal for photo printing and professional color applications. Their laser MFPs rely on toner cartridges with high page yields. If you’re using Canon wide-format printers, especially in industries like AEC or marketing, pigment-based ink is standard due to its durability and superior color stability.

HP

HP covers everything from small office printers to industrial wide-format plotters. Inkjet models typically use dye or pigment-based cartridges, while their laser devices use toner. Many HP wide-format printers feature bulk ink systems or even subscription models for ink replenishment. For Colorado businesses looking for reliability and consistent quality, HP remains a go-to brand—especially when paired with automatic supply fulfillment.

Kyocera

Kyocera’s focus is primarily on laser-based MFPs and printers, meaning toner is the main consumable here. What makes Kyocera unique is their long-life components, which help reduce waste and service calls. If you’re managing a Kyocera fleet, investing in genuine toner is crucial to keep those devices performing efficiently. Their high-yield toner options are perfect for businesses with substantial daily output.

Roland

Roland printers are all about precision and performance in the wide-format space. Whether you’re printing signage, decals, vehicle wraps, or fine art, Roland’s eco-solvent and UV ink options are designed for quality and versatility. In Colorado’s climate, where dry air and variable temperatures can impact ink performance, Roland’s ink formulations are engineered to remain stable and consistent—ensuring vibrant results, job after job.

Fujifilm

Fujifilm’s wide-format systems cater to high-end graphics, photo labs, and specialty production shops. Their ink sets often include UV, aqueous, or solvent formulations. These are designed to produce striking visual output while adhering to various substrates like glass, metal, and textured paper. If you’re using Fujifilm, precise ink handling and storage conditions are critical—especially at altitude where environmental conditions can affect performance.

Types of Ink and Toner You Should Know

Not all ink and toner are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types:

• Dye-based Ink: Excellent for color vibrancy but may fade over time. Suitable for everyday documents and photo printing.

• Pigment-based Ink: Offers better longevity and water resistance. Used in wide-format, graphics, and professional settings.

• Toner Powder: Dry powder used in laser printers, ideal for high-speed and high-volume environments.

• Eco-Solvent Ink: Found in many wide-format printers, ideal for printing on vinyl and outdoor materials.

• UV-Cured Ink: Dries instantly with UV light, perfect for specialty applications like signage or promotional materials.

Why Ordering Ink Through ABT Makes Sense

Running out of ink or toner can halt productivity in its tracks. That’s why ABT built a supply portal designed specifically for Colorado businesses: supplies.yourabt.com. Through this platform, you can search for exactly what you need by brand and model, reorder with one click, and even set up recurring orders or bulk shipments.

Because we maintain local stock and operate right here in Colorado, you won’t have to wait days for ink to arrive. Whether you’re in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, or anywhere in between, we offer quick turnaround times and the reassurance of local support. This means fewer delays and no emergency supply runs.

How Managed Print Services Streamline Ink Management

You’ve probably heard the term “Managed Print Services” (MPS), but here’s what it really means for you: complete automation of your ink and toner supply chain.

With MPS, ABT tracks your device usage, monitors ink levels remotely, and proactively ships supplies before you run out. This eliminates the guesswork and prevents employees from having to manage ordering on their own. Here’s how it helps:

• Predictable costs: No surprises. Supplies are bundled into a simple, monthly plan.

• Less downtime: Supplies arrive before devices run dry.

• Fewer errors: No more wrong part numbers or incompatible cartridges.

• Environmental benefits: Reduce waste through smarter inventory management.

This is especially useful for organizations running mixed fleets of printers and MFPs from multiple brands. With ABT as your partner, we make sure every device is covered—no matter what logo is on the front.

Special Considerations for Wide Format Ink in Colorado

Wide-format printing comes with unique ink demands. Whether you’re printing construction plans, event banners, or marketing collateral, wide-format devices use higher volumes of ink, and the ink types themselves tend to be more sensitive to environmental factors.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind if you’re in Colorado:

• Dry air and altitude can affect ink viscosity and cartridge pressure. Store ink in stable environments to maintain performance.

• Temperature swings can cause ink to degrade or settle unevenly. Avoid storing ink in unheated areas like garages or warehouses.

• Job criticality is often higher with wide-format jobs. Clients expect perfection, so using OEM ink helps ensure color fidelity and consistency.

At ABT, we help you forecast ink usage based on your job types, device specs, and print volumes. Whether you use Roland, Canon, HP, or Fujifilm, we can create a supply strategy that prevents interruptions and supports your deadlines.

Tips for Better Ink & Toner Management

1. Know your devices: Keep a centralized list of all your printers and copiers with their exact model numbers and consumable types.

2. Track usage: Monitor print volumes to better forecast when you’ll need to reorder.

3. Set thresholds: If a toner cartridge drops below 20%, it’s time to reorder.

4. Bundle shipments: Order in bulk to save on shipping and minimize your carbon footprint.

5. Store smart: Keep ink and toner in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes.

6. Train your team: Ensure whoever is handling your supplies knows how to install them properly and spot early signs of depletion.

ABT’s Promise to Colorado Businesses

When you partner with ABT, you’re not just getting ink and toner. You’re getting local expertise, tailored solutions, and proactive service that keeps your business running at full speed. From Boulder to Colorado Springs, we understand the regional challenges that come with maintaining a high-functioning print environment in a varied climate.

Whether you run a single wide-format printer or manage a fleet of MFPs across multiple offices, ABT simplifies every step of the process—from ink sourcing to supply delivery and ongoing support.

Start with MPS Today

Ink and toner might not be the most exciting part of your business, but when they run out or go wrong, they become the most urgent. That’s why having a reliable partner like ABT matters. We handle the details so you can focus on delivering for your clients, not fiddling with cartridges or calling tech support.

Ready to streamline your ink and toner management? Visit supplies.yourabt.com to get started, or contact us today to learn more about how Managed Print Services can take this task off your plate entirely.