Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 uses the PFI-5100 cartridge series. This professional 10-colour LUCIA PRO ink system is engineered for creative specialists who require absolute colour precision and gloss uniformity across various media types. Unlike standard home printers, this printer utilises specialised channels for Chroma Optimizer and Grey ink to manage bronzing and tonal transitions. You will notice that while primary colours like Cyan and Magenta deplete based on image content, the Chroma Optimizer often requires more frequent replacement to provide a consistent finish across the entire surface of gallery-quality prints.
Managing professional ink supplies
Because the imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is a dedicated photo printer, your buying strategy should account for the uneven depletion of the 10-colour palette. Professional photographers typically find that Grey and Photo Black cartridges are replaced more often when producing monochrome portfolios, whereas the Chroma Optimizer (CO) is used on almost every gloss or semi-gloss print. To avoid workflow interruptions during a print run, stocking full PFI-5100 bundle packs is the most reliable way to maintain supply, especially since individual colours can be difficult to predict. We ship from warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to ensure your studio stays stocked. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply). You can browse our full range of Canon ink cartridges for other devices in your studio, and all purchases are covered by our returns policy.
Colour consistency and ink yields
The PFI-5100 series is rated using the ISO/IEC 29103 standard, which specifically measures the yield of photo inks for A4 colour photo printing. However, in a professional creative environment, your actual number of prints will fluctuate wildly based on your choice of media and the density of the images. The inclusion of the Chroma Optimizer (CO) is critical; it is not a colour but a surface coating that ensures light reflects evenly. If you are printing on Fine Art Matte papers, your CO usage will drop significantly, whereas gloss prints will consume it rapidly.
Pro Tip
Always keep a spare PFI-5100CO Chroma Optimizer on hand. The printer will often halt a high-quality print job if the gloss coating reservoir is empty, even if all your primary colours are full, potentially wasting expensive large-format photo paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my imagePROGRAF PRO-310 use Grey ink even when I am printing colour photos?
The LUCIA PRO system uses PFI-5100GY Grey ink to stabilise neutral tones and reduce graininess in highlight areas of colour images. By using grey instead of a composite mix of CMY, the printer achieves much smoother gradients and prevents colour shifting under different lighting conditions.
Can I continue printing if the Chroma Optimizer (CO) cartridge is empty?
No, the printer requires all 10 cartridges to have ink to initiate a print cycle. The CO is essential for controlling surface reflection and ensuring the ink droplets stay uniform on the page. Even if you are printing on matte paper where CO usage is minimal, a functional cartridge must be installed.
How do the PFI-5100 bundle packs compare to buying individual cartridges?
For the PRO-310 system, bundle packs provide a significantly lower entry point for a full ink refresh. Given that photo printing often leads to staggered depletion, having a complete set of PFI-5100 inks on hand is the only way to ensure cost-efficiency and prevent courier delays during time-sensitive gallery preparations.
