Brother MFC-240C Ink Cartridges
Your Brother MFC-240C uses the LC57 ink cartridge series, a four-colour individual ink system ideal for home office printing. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this multi-function printer since Jun 2006. Standard text printing consumes LC57BK black ink faster than colour tanks, making multi-packs a practical choice for uninterrupted workflow.
Expected page output and replacement cycles
Standard page yield for Brother LC57 ink cartridges is measured using ISO/IEC 24711 test standards under 5% page coverage. In routine home office environments, black LC57BK cartridges require more frequent replacement than cyan, magenta, and yellow tanks due to everyday text printing.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC57BK | Standard | Black | 500 | $0.12 |
| LC57C | Standard | Cyan | 400 | $0.052 |
| LC57M | Standard | Magenta | 400 | $0.086 |
| LC57Y | Standard | Yellow | 400 | $0.052 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing between genuine and compatible options
Selecting between OEM and compatible LC57 cartridges comes down to operating budget and print frequency. Compatible LC57BK, LC57C, LC57M, and LC57Y cartridges offer standard page output at lower per-cartridge pricing. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our comprehensive genuine and compatible cartridges guide to evaluate performance differences.
Managing replacement strategy and delivery
If you print mainly text documents, purchasing individual LC57BK black cartridges or multi-packs reduces downtime. If you print photos or colour graphics, purchasing bundled four-colour sets ensures all colour channels remain balanced. Compatible cartridges supplied by Ink Depot come with a money back guarantee if they fail to perform. Review our returns policy for full coverage details. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99. All orders are dispatched quickly from distribution centres in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Browse our complete range of Brother ink cartridges to stock up today.
Pro Tip
Because the Brother MFC-240C relies on an internal capillary ink tube system, replacing depleted LC57 cartridges promptly prevents air pockets from entering the printhead nozzles, preserving print clarity across long idle periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print in black and white if one LC57 colour cartridge is completely empty?
No, the Brother MFC-240C requires all four LC57 cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) to contain minimum ink levels to initiate print cycles. This design protects the capillary ink supply lines and integrated printhead from drying out or overheating during operation.
Do LC57 compatible cartridges hold the same ink volume as original Brother cartridges?
Yes, quality compatible LC57 cartridges are manufactured to match the standard yield capacities of genuine Brother cartridges, delivering approximately 420 prints for black and 450 prints per colour cartridge under standard testing coverage.
Why does my colour ink drop even when I only print black text documents?
The printer periodically executes automated maintenance and head cleaning cycles to maintain print nozzle health across all colour lines. A minimal amount of colour ink from the LC57C, LC57M, and LC57Y cartridges is used during these cycles to keep nozzles clear.













