Brother DCP-145C Ink Cartridges
Your Brother DCP-145C uses the LC38 cartridge series, a four-colour individual ink setup consisting of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. We have been supplying reliable consumables for this printer since Mar 2009, helping home users maintain consistent text and colour document printing. Because each colour has its own dedicated tank, you only ever need to swap out the specific colour that has run out, preventing the wastage common to single tri-colour blocks. Home users frequently notice text print jobs stalling when a single colour is completely spent, making it practical to have spares on hand.
What to expect from LC38 page yields
Determining how long your consumables last depends greatly on your text versus image ratios. Brother calculates the official page output using the international ISO/IEC 24711 standard for inkjet devices, which simulates normal office documentation.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC38BK | Standard | Black | 300 | $0.14 |
| LC38C | Standard | Cyan | 260 | $0.094 |
| LC38M | Standard | Magenta | 260 | $0.094 |
| LC38Y | Standard | Yellow | 260 | $0.094 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing between genuine and compatible options
Opting for cost-effective alternatives is a popular route for everyday domestic print jobs. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. You can read more regarding your consumer protections on our blog via this genuine vs compatible guide.
Managing replacements and stock
If your household prints a mix of standard documents and school assignments, opting for multi-packs is often the most economical route. Genuine value packs lower the upfront investment per millilitre compared to buying single items, while premium compatible alternatives offer an even lower entry cost with a full money-back guarantee through our returns policy if they fail to meet performance expectations. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply). To ensure prompt arrival across Australia, we dispatch direct from multi-state warehouses located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Discover our full inventory on the main Brother ink cartridges catalogue page.
Pro Tip
Leaving your inkjet device connected to a live power outlet instead of turning it off at a main wall switch allows it to perform brief, automated maintenance cycles. This prevents ink from drying inside the micro-nozzles, saving far more ink over time than the minor standby electricity consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a compatible LC38 cartridge alongside a genuine Brother cartridge?
Yes, the printer treats compatible LC38 units identically to OEM items. You can mix and match brands across the four slots without encountering system communication software blocks or physical lockouts.
Why does my DCP-145C demand a colour cartridge replacement when I only print in black text?
The individual ink architecture requires a baseline volume across all four lines to operate safely. The printer regularly purges a tiny volume of cyan, magenta, and yellow to prevent the printhead nozzles from baking shut during warm-up sequences, causing eventual depletion even during text-only cycles.
What happens if I leave an empty LC38 cartridge in the slot for a long time?
Leaving a vacant slot or a completely dry cartridge inside the carriage risks introducing ambient air into the internal ink delivery tubes. This air exposure dries out residual liquid within the static firing mechanisms, which can cause permanent microscopic printhead blockages.
