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SM10 vs FM10 vs Nao3 Cartridge: Which Ink Cartridge Does Each AI Nail Printer Use?

1. Overview

Every AI nail printer in this range runs on one of three ink cartridges, and the cartridge a model uses decides its yield per cartridge and its running cost per nail. This guide maps each cartridge to its models so salons and distributors order the right stock the first time.

2. Cartridge Compatibility Table

3. Structure of the Cartridge System

The cartridges are model-family specific: the portable family, the main salon family and the Nao3 each have their own cartridge design. One cartridge of the matching type is included in the box with every machine, and reorders follow the same mapping. The gel set, by contrast, is shared by all nine models.

4. Yield and Running-Cost Notes

Yield figures are catalog values. A full-coverage, dark design uses more ink than a light French-style design, so actual counts vary. For cost planning, salons typically divide their expected cartridge spend by the conservative end of the yield range. The SM10's roughly double yield versus the FM10 is the main reason busy counters prefer SM10 models.

5. Common Buyer Questions

Are the three cartridge types interchangeable?

No. The FM10 fits the portable M1 and H1, the SM10 fits the V11, X11 and the four floor-standing models, and the Nao3 uses its own dedicated cartridge. Order cartridges by model name.

Why does the SM10 print more nails than the FM10?

The SM10 is the larger salon cartridge for desktop and floor-standing machines, rated at about 1,000 nails; the FM10 is a compact portable cartridge rated at about 450 nails. Ratings are catalog figures and vary with design coverage.

How should a distributor plan cartridge stock?

Match stock to the installed base of each model, keep the shared gel set alongside, and plan on the conservative side of the yield figures for high-coverage designs.

6. Supply Capability

Simiai Technology supplies all three cartridge types and the shared gel set together with the machines, so consumable reorders follow the same RFQ channel as machine orders. Pricing, MOQ and terms are provided on request, per formal quotation.

7. Conclusion

Cartridge mapping is the single most common ordering mistake in this category. Fix the model first, then the cartridge: FM10 for M1 and H1, SM10 for six salon models, and the dedicated cartridge for the Nao3. The full consumables list is on the consumables page.

Related guides

• What Is an AI Nail Printer? Models, Specifications and How Nail Printing Works
• Portable, Desktop or Floor-Standing Nail Printer: Which Format Fits Your Salon?
• How to Choose a Reliable AI Nail Printer Supplier in China