Magnetic ink?

[Gordon]

I have been printing my own checks for some time using Checkmagic or
Versacheck with a HP inkjet printer. I think that the ink should
"really" be magnetic ink. Is magnetic ink available for an inkjet
printer? I have looked but have not found anyone who shows magnetic ink
for an inkjet. Apparently it is readily available for a laser printer.
About 10% of my checks come back with the extra strip glued to the
bottom which is probably because the scanners at the bank are expecting
magnetic ink. It is really not "my" problem but it probably does slow
them down at the bank. I really do not want to invest in a laser printer
just to make the banks life easier. They certainly are not bending over
backwards to make my life easier.

 

[Joanne]

I have been printing my own checks for some time using Checkmagic or
Versacheck with a HP inkjet printer. I think that the ink should
"really" be magnetic ink. Is magnetic ink available for an inkjet
printer? I have looked but have not found anyone who shows magnetic ink
for an inkjet. Apparently it is readily available for a laser printer.
About 10% of my checks come back with the extra strip glued to the
bottom which is probably because the scanners at the bank are expecting
magnetic ink. It is really not "my" problem but it probably does slow
them down at the bank. I really do not want to invest in a laser printer
just to make the banks life easier. They certainly are not bending over
backwards to make my life easier.

Here is a link for magnetic ink for both laser and ink jet printers:

http://store.yahoo.com/advantagelaser/index.html

I found an interesting free software:

http://www.checkprintingsoftware.com

I downloaded, tested on blank paper and I think it will work in a pinch
(when I run out or for an occasional check from an account where a large
pre-printed order is not warranted).

The only downside I noticed is:

1. These checks are printed by me and then used in the QB check printing
application just as pre-printed checks are. It is a two-step process. The
software does remember the last number it prints and makes a notation as to
date printed, etc.
2. The alignment is fine except for the vouchers. They overlap the payee
name. The only reason I care about this is when the voucher is stapled to
the front of an invoice and then someone is expected to file it, the company
name is not visible.
3. There is no fractional number beneath the bank name and address. I don't
know how important this information is.

--
Sincerely,
Joanne

If it's right for you, then it's right, . . . . . for you!!!

Play - http://www.jobird.com
Pay for Play - http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm
Looking for Love? - http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

 

[Allen]

I recently looked into printing my own checks and found the following
company:

http://www.asap-cheques.com/

They sell magnetic ink as well as blank check stock. They also sell
pre-printed checks and deposit slips at about 40% less than the company I
normally deal with. So rather than print my own, I decided to purchase the
pre-printed ones.

Allen

 

[Gordon]

Perhaps I am missing something but both of these places show just
regular ink cartridges and they say nothing about magnetic ink. These
appear to be the same cartridges I can buy from Office Max etc. Don't I
need something different for magnetic ink?

 

[Joanne]

Perhaps I am missing something but both of these places show just
regular ink cartridges and they say nothing about magnetic ink. These
appear to be the same cartridges I can buy from Office Max etc. Don't I
need something different for magnetic ink?

Sorry, Gordon. The site says MICR supplies so I thought everything shown
was for magnetic printing.

--
Sincerely,
Joanne

If it's right for you, then it's right, . . . . . for you!!!

Play - http://www.jobird.com
Pay for Play - http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm
Looking for Love? - http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

 

[Joanne]

Go back and take another look Gordon. If it says MICR Toner Cartridges
then you are getting the proper magnetic properties in the ink your bank
requires.

Allen

I found the problem:

This came from:

http://www.asapchecks.com/micr/micr-faq.htm#micr-for-inkjet

Why can I not find MICR ink for my inkjet printer anywhere?

MICR has a very precise specification so that checks can be processed at a
very high speed. One aspect that is critical for reliable MICR readability
is consistency. Unfortunately, because inkjet inks are liquid, the materials
that would be added to make them magnetizable settle to the bottom. As a
result, inkjet is not a suitable technology for MICR printing.


--
Sincerely,
Joanne

If it's right for you, then it's right, . . . . . for you!!!

Play - http://www.jobird.com
Pay for Play - http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm
Looking for Love? - http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm