At some point in your printer’s life, you’ll probably need to purchase replacement parts for it. There are two options: original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket parts.

OEM, or “original equipment manufacturer,” products are those that come directly from the company that made the equipment you’re replacing and are completely interchangeable. OEM goods are brand-new and made using the same materials and care as the original products.

On the other end of the spectrum are aftermarket goods, which are produced by a third-party rather than the original manufacturer. Due to the nature of aftermarket components, it can be challenging to guarantee that you will receive the same level of quality or performance as the original piece even while these items and parts are meant to perform a similar role to the item being replaced. That is where choosing OEM parts over aftermarket ones has an inherent advantage.

Cost is one of the more common justifications for selecting an aftermarket product over an OEM one. Aftermarket components are typically far less expensive as a general rule, which looks like a great option when you’re on a tight budget. The lack of a warranty—for quality, fit, or function—presents a difficulty with that.

OEM products will be compatible with the component being replaced, which ensures quality and functionality. With an OEM replacement part, your equipment will work as you need and expect it to because it was created and tested in accordance with the same exacting manufacturing standards. This means OEM products guarantee compatibility and are of high quality.

Reconsidering the cost of the same OEM part with its aftermarket equivalent, you can begin to see that while you could end up paying more upfront, you’re investing in a quality part that has the potential to last a very long time.

Another significant benefit of OEM items is their durability—not just for the part, but also for your equipment. Simply because the replacement part isn’t “sort of” similar to the original, there is no opportunity for excessive wear-and-tear that could result from the use of an aftermarket component. OEM items are engineered to function and fit factory requirements.

When you buy OEM equipment, you also get access to the manufacturer’s support network, something you might not get with aftermarket parts. This makes it more likely that you will receive solutions to your queries from someone who has first-hand experience using the equipment and the parts, as opposed to someone who is only marginally educated about the equipment but is familiar with the replacement part.

Make sure you approach any significant operations or projects that call for pricey machinery like an industrial printer carefully. If not, repairs can be expensive. Because they guarantee the fewest mechanical issues and won’t shorten the operational life, GSW believes OEM parts are often the best solution for maintaining your printers. All of this translates to cost savings and continued operational effectiveness to help you complete your project on time and within budget.