What Ink Does the Epson WorkForce WF-3640 Use?
Last Updated:CastleScore · October 2026
85/100 — Highly Recommended
Epson WorkForce WF-3640
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 80 | 4.08★ average across 8,681 ratings at Epson.com (4.1), Best Buy (4.4), Amazon (3.7) |
| Expert reviews (18%) | 80 | PCMag 4.0/5 |
| Cost per page (24%) | 94 | About 1.6¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured 252XL (1,100 pages each). |
| Reliability (13%) | 80 | Most-reported problems: print head clogging / declining print quality requiring repeated cleaning cycles that consume ink; recurring 'Printer error' messages / Error Code 0x97 failures; lines in photo prints and scans |
| Features (12%) | 87 | Print, copy, scan, document feeder, auto two-sided printing, fax, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | 87 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Discontinued. Epson lists the WF-3640 as discontinued and names the WorkForce Pro WF-4830 as its replacement. The WF-4830 takes Epson 822 cartridges, so 252 stock won't carry over.
CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked October 7, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
252XL 4-packBlack + Cyan/Magenta/Yellow
252XL Black 3-packT252XL120 · ~1,100 pages each
252XL CyanT252XL220 · ~1,100 pages
252XL MagentaT252XL320 · ~1,100 pages
252XL YellowT252XL420 · ~1,100 pages
252XL 4-pack
252XL Black 3-pack
252XL Cyan
252XL Magenta
252XL YellowOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
Quick answer: what ink does the Epson WorkForce WF-3640 use?
The Epson WorkForce WF-3640 uses 4 Epson 252 DURABrite Ultra cartridges: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. High-capacity 252XL cartridges fit the same slots. 252XL is rated for about 1,100 pages per cartridge, roughly three times the standard size. Heavy black-and-white printers can also use the 254XL extra-high-capacity black. The pigment ink dries fast and resists smudging, which suits documents.
Cartridge options at a glance
| Cartridge | Part numbers | Approx. yield* |
|---|---|---|
| Epson 252 black | T252120 | ~350 pages |
| Epson 252 color (C/M/Y) | T252220 / T252320 / T252420 | ~300 pages each |
| Epson 252XL black | T252XL120 | ~1,100 pages |
| Epson 252XL color (C/M/Y) | T252XL220 / T252XL320 / T252XL420 | ~1,100 pages each |
| Epson 254XL black (extra high capacity) | T254XL120 | More than 252XL |
*Approximate ISO yields from published cartridge specifications. Real-world results depend on coverage, photo printing, and cleaning cycles.
Common questions about Epson WorkForce WF-3640 ink
Should I buy 252 or 252XL for the WF-3640?
252XL for most people. 252XL is rated for about 1,100 pages per cartridge, roughly three times the standard size. Heavy black-and-white printers can also use the 254XL extra-high-capacity black. See Is XL ink actually worth it? Standard vs. XL with real numbers.
Can I mix standard and high-yield cartridges?
Yes. Each cartridge is read separately, so any mix of 252 and 252XL works.
What other printers use Epson 252 ink?
252/252XL also fits the WorkForce WF-3620, WF-7110, WF-7210, WF-7610, WF-7620, WF-7710, and WF-7720. If you own more than one, a single stock of cartridges covers them all.
Will other Epson cartridges fit the WF-3640?
No. Epson 702 (WF-3720/WF-3730) and Epson 802 (WF-4720/WF-4730/WF-4740) look similar on the shelf but won't fit. Always match the number on your current cartridge.
Are compatible 252XL cartridges safe for the WF-3640?
Generally, yes, and using them doesn't void your warranty under U.S. law. Epson firmware updates have rejected third-party chips on newer models such as the WF-3820, so we suggest turning off automatic firmware updates. More: Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?.
How do I replace the ink in the WF-3640?
With the printer on, open the ink cartridge cover on the front of the printer. Push the empty cartridge in to release it and pull it out. Shake the new cartridge gently, unpack it, and push it into the matching slot until it clicks. Close the cover and let the printer charge the ink. Step-by-step: How to install an ink cartridge in an Epson printer.
Why won't the WF-3640 recognize a cartridge?
Reseat it firmly until it clicks, make sure the yellow tape is fully removed, and wipe the chip with a dry lint-free cloth. Turn the printer off for a minute. If a compatible cartridge stops working right after a firmware update, contact the seller for a replacement. More fixes: Printer says ink cartridge not recognized: how to fix it.
Why are prints from my WF-3640 faded, streaky, or blurry?
Run a nozzle check from the Maintenance menu first. Gaps mean a clog: run a head cleaning (up to two or three cycles). If the check is complete but lines look jagged or doubled, align the print head instead; see our print head alignment guide. More fixes: Why is my printer printing streaks?.
Why did the first set of cartridges run out so fast?
New printers use part of the first set to fill the ink system. It's a one-time cost. See why the first cartridges run out fast.
Does the WF-3640 print double-sided and fax?
Yes. It's an office all-in-one with automatic 2-sided printing, an automatic document feeder, and fax.
Is the WF-3640 the same as the WF-3620?
They're closely related models and use the same 252 cartridges. See the WF-3620 ink guide.
What WorkForce WF-3640 owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, Epson's support pages and owner reviews, answered in our words.
I'm replacing my WF-3640. Will my spare 252 cartridges work in the new one?
Not in Epson's suggested replacement. Epson lists the WF-3640 as discontinued and names the WorkForce Pro WF-4830 as its successor, and the WF-4830 takes Epson 822 cartridges. Your 252 stock will still fit the WF-3620 and WF-7000-series printers listed above.
Can it scan and copy both sides of a document automatically?
Yes. Epson specifies automatic two-sided printing, copying, scanning and faxing, using the 35-page document feeder.
How much paper does it hold?
Two 250-sheet front trays, so 500 sheets in all, plus a rear slot for specialty paper. It also takes custom sizes up to 8.5 × 47.2 in.
Can I replace the maintenance box myself?
Yes. Epson's WF-3640 support page has a "How do I replace the maintenance box?" FAQ. It is a user-replaceable part, not a pad that needs a service visit.
Can I keep printing black if a color cartridge is empty?
Owners in Epson's reviews say no: it wants all the color cartridges in working order even for black-and-white jobs. Keep a spare of the color you use most.
WorkForce WF-3640 quirks worth knowing
- Epson rates it at 19 ISO pages a minute in black and 10 in color, and 9.2 / 6.3 pages a minute when printing two-sided.
- It has a 3.5-inch color touchscreen and connects by Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet or USB.
- Clogged print heads and "Error Code 0x97" failures are the most common complaints in Epson's own owner reviews. Each cleaning cycle uses ink, so stop after two or three if the nozzle check doesn't improve.
- Digital Trends said its price premium over cheaper home printers (about $200 at launch) was worth paying for the speed and plain-paper print quality.
Other printers that use Epson 252
Epson WorkForce WF-7720 · Epson WorkForce WF-7710 · Epson WorkForce WF-3620
More Epson ink guides: Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 · Epson WorkForce WF-2950 · Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 — CastleScore 90
- Epson EcoTank ET-2850 — CastleScore 86
- Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3820 — CastleScore 80
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 7, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement Epson ink cartridges? Shop Epson ink cartridges at Castle Ink. Remanufactured, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.