cartuchos

Cartucho, in Spanish, refers to a sealed container that holds a consumable item used by a device. The term is applied across several domains, including firearms, printing, gas systems, and even video game media. Although the exact contents vary, the common idea is a compact assembly designed to interface with a host mechanism and deliver a payload or material.

Ammunition cartridge, or cartucho de munición, is a metallic case that encloses a primer, a propellant, and a projectile. When struck by a firing mechanism, the primer ignites the propellant, generating high-pressure gas that propels the bullet through the barrel. Cartridges are categorized as rimfire or centerfire, with numerous calibers standardized by regions and applications. They are sold as complete units and, in some contexts, as components for reloading.

Printer and copier cartridges contain ink or toner used to reproduce images and text on paper. Ink cartridges deliver liquid ink, often in cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, with variations in formulation for durability and color accuracy. Toner cartridges use dry powder and are typical in laser printers. Cartridges may be designed as single-use units or as refillable modules, and their disposal and recycling are significant environmental considerations for consumers and manufacturers.

Other uses include gas cartridges, which are sealed cylinders containing compressed gas for appliances, lighting, or propulsion in devices such as paintball markers and certain portable stoves. In digital media, video game cartridges are physical cartridges that house ROM chips for loading games onto compatible consoles; they offer durability and quick access but have largely been supplanted by optical discs and digital downloads in many markets.

Overall, cartuchos represent interchangeable, self-contained units designed to interface with a host device to supply a tailored payload or medium.