Canon PIXMA MP640 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA MP640 uses the PGI-520 and CLI-521 ink cartridges. This all-in-one photo printer utilises a 5-ink system, splitting document black from image shading. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this printer since Sep 2010. Routine document printing depletes the PGI-520BK pigment cartridge, while photo printing draws heavily from CLI-521BK, cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridges. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Understanding Page Yields and Ink Depletion
Yield estimates follow ISO/IEC 24711 standards for inkjet printing. The pigment PGI-520BK cartridge covers dense text pages, while dye-based CLI-521 cartridges deplete based on image coverage and colour intensity, with photo black lasting significantly longer during standard document runs.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-521BK | Standard | Black | 1,875 | $0.012 |
| PGI-520BK | Standard | Black | 350 | $0.067 |
| CLI-521C | Standard | Cyan | 505 | $0.046 |
| CLI-521M | Standard | Magenta | 471 | $0.049 |
| CLI-521Y | Standard | Yellow | 505 | $0.046 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing Between Genuine and Compatible Options
Replacing OEM tanks with compatible alternatives provides substantial savings, especially when replacing multiple CLI-521 colour cartridges simultaneously. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our detailed guide on genuine vs compatible cartridges to determine which option suits your printing output.
Stocking Up and Delivery Options
If you print mainly text, focus on replacing the PGI-520BK pigment black cartridge individually. If you print photos or graphic documents, purchasing multi-packs ensures balanced replenishment across all CLI-521 colour channels. Compatible cartridges carry a full money-back guarantee backed by our returns policy. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, dispatched quickly from our warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Explore our full range of Canon ink cartridges for all model needs.
Pro Tip
Do not confuse the PGI-520BK pigment black cartridge with the CLI-521BK dye black cartridge; the PGI-520BK features a wider shell designed strictly for plain-paper text, while the CLI-521BK fits into the photo ink array.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the PIXMA MP640 require two distinct black ink cartridges?
The PGI-520BK contains pigment-based ink designed to print sharp, smudge-resistant text on standard paper. The CLI-521BK contains dye-based ink formulated to blend smoothly with cyan, magenta, and yellow on glossy photo media.
Can I print mono documents if one of the CLI-521 colour cartridges is empty?
The printer printhead requires ink in all CLI-521 and PGI-520 channels to prevent thermal damage to dry nozzles during operation, so empty cartridges must be replaced even when printing only black text.
Why do CLI-521 colour cartridges drain at different rates?
Ink consumption depends entirely on image colour balance. Photos with heavy blue tones consume cyan faster, whereas graphic documents deplete magenta or yellow quicker depending on standard template colours.
