Current Trends in Printer Cartridge and Ribbon Support July 1995 

In 1982 we introduced the first MacInker, the automatic ribbon re-inker. From the very beginning some of our customers started their own business by re-inking ribbons for others. Then the industry evolved and, as the number of cartridge types increased, we wanted to offer a machine that could be as universal as possible and that could re-ink faster. In 1989 we introduced the InkerKing.

But industry always evolves, some customers are absolutely happy with re-inking considering the savings and the environmental issues. Others prefer to keep the cartridge shell but have the old ribbon exchanged with a brand new loop. Making a loop requires welding. In 1990 we introduced the electric heat MacBond Welder (now MacBond iiB in its most recent version).

Concurrent with the need to weld there is the need to stuff the new ribbon inside the shell. Some advance the ribbon by hand, some use a house drill to rotate the adapter.

The fastest (hence the most efficient way) to exchange ribbons is via an Ultrasonic Welder and a Ribbon Stuffer. Until the arrival of our UltraGen and PCS-100 only few companies could afford such equipment. Ultrasound machines typically start at $15,000 or more, stuffers at $10,000.00 or more. And service, particularly at remote locations, is prohibitively expensive.

Recognizing the need for an UltraSonic Welder - Fast Stuffer/Destuffer combination, we have developed the UltraGen and the PCS-100 (please refer to the relevant literature).

You can still use the MacBond iiB for welds. It will take longer and with a minimum of practice you can do good welds. And you can still use the fingers or a drill to advance the ribbon into the cartridge."The end crowns all" and there is more than one way to do the same thing.

However, with the combination of the UltraGen and the PCS-100 (besides the InkerKing), we give you the tools to provide a FULL and PROFESSIONAL printer cartridge service. And because we had the remote operator in mind, we have designed the units so as to require very simple and almost intuitive service. As we print this message we have already UltraGen(s) and PCS-100s installed in remote islands of the Pacific and Indian Ocean. And gaging by the bulk ribbon orders we receive, these Operators are doing well.

Whatever your choice, you are entering a business which makes very good sense and where you really need to try hard to fail. You can make a very good profit and save a lot of money for your Customers. Which customer is not thrilled at the prospect of saving 50% (and often more) on his printing costs? Let’s remember that over the life of a printer, the cartridges cost much more than the printer!! And the dot matrix printer is still the work-horse of computer printing. We look forward to being of service to you.

Best Regards,
Jimmie A. Moglia,
Director
Computer Friends, 13865 NW Cornell Rd., Portland OR 97229
tel. 503 626 2291 -- fax 503 643 5379

PS. We have a video tape available that illustrates the operation of the InkerKing, the UltraGen, the PCS-100 and MacBond iiB. There is a $10.00 charge ($15.00 abroad including shipping) for the tape. This is not a TV sales presentation. It is an accurate, ‘hands-on’ description of the operation. The charge is deducted from your first order. Or you get $7.00 back if you return the tape.