Epson Photo - Ink Technology

Epson SmartValve Cartridges

Epson’s patented cartridges are designed with a combination of unique technologies to deliver the right amounts of ink needed by the printer for the highest image quality and reliable performance.

Smart Valve Control

Epson’s foamless cartridges use Smart Valve Control Technology with a pressure activated valve to smoothly and rapidly deliver ink to the printheads at variable rates determined by the frequency that the printhead nozzles are firing ink droplets.

The new cartridges also utilize a Micro Piezo™ ink level sensor to more accurately detect the ink level within the cartridges and automatically alert users when ink is low. The integrated cartridge chips on Epson cartridges continuously record ink use information that is automatically restored to the printer if the cartridges are removed and reinstalled.

Intelligent Chip advantages

The Intelligent cartridge chips also provide other valuable information, like the cartridges model number to assure that the right cartridge is installed. These unique cartridge features are critical to the reliable printing with Epson’s innovative inks.

Epson Smart Valve Ink Cartridge Technology