Epson WorkForce 545 Ink Cartridges
Your Epson WorkForce 545 uses the 138cartridge series. We have been supplying reliable consumables for this printer since Nov 2013. Because document workflows typically exhaust black ink much faster than individual colours, keeping extra black units on hand prevents unexpected workflow stops. Our 4.8 Google Star rating shows that our customers consistently receive high-quality cartridges backed by reliable performance.
Expected Page Output and Replacement Cycles
Page yields for the 138 cartridge series are calculated using ISO/IEC 24711 standard testing protocols under continuous printing conditions. Real-world results vary depending on coverage, image density, and cleaning maintenance cycles.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 138 | High Yield | Black | 380 | $0.035 |
| 138 | High Yield | Cyan | 420 | $0.032 |
| 138 | High Yield | Magenta | 420 | $0.032 |
| 138 | High Yield | Yellow | 420 | $0.032 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Compatible cartridges.
Choosing Between Genuine and Compatible Options
Genuine Epson cartridges offer factory-standard reliability, while compatible cartridges deliver significant cost savings for daily printing needs. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our comprehensive genuine vs compatible cartridges guide to decide which option best suits your print requirements.
Best Way to Stock These Cartridges
If your daily printing consists mostly of general business text and invoices, ordering individual high-demand colours or multi-cartridge bundles will help manage your ongoing printing costs. Compatible cartridges are backed by our risk-free money back guarantee if they fail to meet standard expectations. All orders are dispatched directly from our nationwide warehouse network in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99. Browse our full range of Epson ink cartridges or review our returns policy for total peace of mind.
Pro Tip
Replacing a single colour cartridge as soon as the printer signals low ink prevents printhead nozzles from drying out or drawing air into the ink lines, which can waste extra ink during subsequent cleaning cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Epson WorkForce 545 stop printing when one colour cartridge runs out?
The printer uses an integrated micro-piezo printhead system that relies on fluid presence in all channels to prevent thermal damage and air ingress. Even when printing mono text, the printer maintains minimum ink pressure across every channel to protect the head.
Can I mix genuine Epson 138 cartridges with compatible 138 cartridges in the same printer?
Yes, compatible 138 cartridges operate seamlessly alongside genuine original cartridges. The printer reads the microchips independently, allowing you to replace individual colours with compatible alternatives as each channel empties.
Why does black ink run out significantly faster than cyan, magenta, or yellow?
Standard office documents, web pages, and text files rely almost entirely on the dedicated black channel. While colour inks are occasionally blended for composite blacks or greyscale graphics, the primary black cartridge processes the vast majority of daily document output.
