Aulay 738 Ink Cartridge Review: Budget-Friendly Wide Format Printing

Introduction

For professionals and businesses relying on large-format printing, consistent image quality and cost-effective operation are non-negotiable. The Aulay 738 Ink Cartridge 4-Pack aims to address these needs, offering a high-capacity replacement ink set for HP DesignJet T850 and T950 series printers. Many users find themselves needing to replace large format cartridges frequently, leading to increased expense and downtime. This set promises a significant boost in page yield and reliable performance, but does it live up to the claims?

This review will delve into the specifics of the Aulay 738 ink cartridges, assessing their print quality, ease of installation, overall value, and comparing them to OEM alternatives to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re printing architectural drawings, marketing materials, or high-resolution photographs, this review will help you determine if these cartridges are the right choice for your needs.

Overview

The Aulay 738-4PK-300ML ink cartridge set comprises one black, one cyan, one magenta, and one yellow cartridge, each boasting a generous 300ml capacity. Designed as a compatible replacement for HP’s original 738 cartridges, this set is specifically engineered for HP DesignJet T850 and T950 series wide-format printers. The brand, Aulay, positions itself as a provider of cost-effective, compatible printer supplies, appealing to users seeking to reduce printing expenses without compromising performance.

Unlike some smaller format inkjet printers, wide-format printers demand cartridges with a larger ink volume to meet the high ink consumption required for detailed drawings, photographs, and large-scale posters. These cartridges leverage a standard inkjet printing technology, replacing OEM cartridges rather than implementing a unique printing method. The cartridge model number (738-4PK-300ML) is crucial for ensuring compatibility, and it’s essential to double-check this before purchasing.

Features

High-Capacity Ink for Extended Printing: Each cartridge holds 300ml of ink, providing a substantial increase in page yield compared to standard cartridges. This reduced frequency of cartridge replacements translates to less downtime and a more efficient workflow. The stated 6000 page yield per black cartridge, and a comparable yield for other colors, is a significant benefit for those with high-volume printing requirements.

Wide Format Compatibility: Designed specifically for HP DesignJet T850 and T950 series printers, this cartridge set ensures seamless integration and optimal print quality. Incorrect cartridge selection can lead to printer errors or compromised print quality, so the precise compatibility is a critical feature. These are not universal cartridges and should only be used with the intended printer models.

Vivid and Natural Print Quality: The cartridges are formulated to deliver high-quality printing with clear details and vibrant colors. This is particularly important for applications requiring accurate color reproduction, such as photographic prints and marketing materials. While ‘natural’ color reproduction is subjective, the formulation aims to minimize color shifting or fading over time.

Cost-Effective Alternative: As a compatible cartridge set, the Aulay 738 offers a more affordable option compared to HP’s original cartridges. The significant price difference can lead to substantial savings, especially for businesses that print frequently. The long-term cost benefits are a key selling point for cost-conscious users.

Benefits

Reduced Printing Costs: The lower price per cartridge, coupled with the increased page yield, significantly reduces the overall cost of printing, leading to considerable savings over time.

Minimized Downtime: The large ink capacity and simplified replacement process contribute to minimized downtime, ensuring continuous productivity and meeting project deadlines.

Consistent Print Quality: The formulation aims to produce vibrant, accurate, and long-lasting prints, enhancing the professional appearance of your documents and images.

Convenient Replacement: Easy installation and compatibility with HP DesignJet printers make cartridge replacement a straightforward and hassle-free process.

Sustainable Solution: By opting for a compatible cartridge, users can potentially reduce waste and contribute to a more environmentally friendly printing operation.

Usages

Perfect for Architectural Firms: Architectural drawings require precision and accurate representation of detail. The Aulay cartridges offer the necessary print quality and capacity for daily use in architectural practices.

Ideal for Marketing and Design Agencies: Marketing agencies and design firms regularly produce large-format prints for promotional materials and client presentations. These cartridges provide a cost-effective solution for high-volume printing.

Excellent for Photo Reproduction: The print quality makes these cartridges a decent option for wide format photo reproduction, particularly when budget is a factor.

Suitable for Educational Institutions: Schools and universities often need to print large quantities of posters and drawings. This set offers an economical solution for educational institutions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Significant cost savings compared to original HP cartridges
• High-capacity ink for extended printing
• Wide format compatibility with HP DesignJet T850 and T950 series
• Easy installation

Cons

• Print quality may not be identical to HP original cartridges, particularly in subtle color nuances
• Potential for printer errors if not compatible with printer model
• Longevity of print permanence remains to be seen compared to OEM alternatives

FAQs

Will these cartridges damage my printer?: The manufacturer claims these cartridges are designed to be compatible and safe for use with HP DesignJet T850 and T950 printers. However, always refer to your printer’s manual and monitor performance after initial installation.

What is the page yield for each color?: The black cartridge is rated for 6000 pages, while the cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridges have a similar yield. Actual yield may vary depending on print coverage and settings.

Are these cartridges easy to install?: The installation process is comparable to replacing original HP cartridges. Simply follow the printer’s instructions for cartridge replacement.

What should I do if I encounter a printer error?: Refer to your printer’s manual for troubleshooting steps. If the error persists, contact Aulay customer support for assistance.

Product Specifications

Printer Type	Compatible Ink Cartridges
Print Speed (PPM)	N/A – Dependent on printer model
Resolution (DPI)	Dependent on printer model
Connectivity	N/A – Cartridge only
Duplex	N/A – Printer feature
Supported Media Sizes	Dependent on printer model
Ink/Toner Type	Inkjet
Dimensions	N/A – Standard cartridge size
Warranty	Refer to manufacturer’s warranty policy

Ratings

Print Quality (Color & Sharpness)	4.3
Ink Efficiency / Yield	4.7
Connectivity & App Integration	N/A
Print Speed (Pages per Minute)	N/A
Build Quality & Design	4.0
Value for Money	4.8

Recommendation

Users seeking a cost-effective solution for high-volume printing with HP DesignJet T850 and T950 printers should consider the Aulay 738 Ink Cartridge 4-Pack.

Professionals requiring reliable, wide-format printing for architectural drawings, marketing materials, or photographs will find this cartridge set a valuable option.

Conclusion

The Aulay 738 Ink Cartridge 4-Pack represents a compelling alternative to HP’s original cartridges, offering significant cost savings and impressive page yield. While print quality may not be a perfect match to OEM offerings, the overall value proposition is undeniable for budget-conscious users.

By carefully weighing the benefits against any potential compromises in print quality, the Aulay cartridges can be a smart investment for maintaining a productive and cost-effective printing operation.