Printer cartridges: do they have a "use by" date?

[molinari]

I've just got a load of un-opened print cartridges and print heads for an HP2000C printer but they are a few years old (around 4). Are they still ok to use or do printer cartridges have a use by date? There is nothing to say so on the box but I don't want to use them if they won't work or will damage the printer.

Anyone give me some advice??

 

[Roll]

I wouldn't have thought there is much chance that they will damage your printer.

I think I have heard before about inkjet cartridges from some manufacturers having a best before date (a bit like food!). I guess it's probably to do with how long they can guarantee that the colour they produce and the quantity and quality of print will match the design specifications.

Give one of them a try, you've got nothing to lose. The worst that could happen is that the print quality is poor and you have to go back to using your previous cartridge.

 

[Infinity]

They do have a best before but its probably more to do with colour seperation then any possible damage.
4 years is ok, depends what temp they were stored at too I think