| Toner
cartridges are used by laser printers, copiers, and some fax
machines. Laser printer toner cartridges are generally about
9 to 12 inches wide. This is much larger than a typical inkjet
cartridge. In addition, the laser printing process uses a
fuser to melt the laser toner to the page. As a result, the
paper that comes out of laser printers is usually warm. Most
laser printer cartridges come in black. While colored toner
is available, color laser printers are generally much more
expensive. If your printer does not meet the requirements
listed above, then it probably uses inkjet cartridges.
What is Laser Toner?
Unlike ink, toner is a dry powdery substance.
During the laser printing process it is electrically charged
so that it is attracted to the printer drum. The toner is
then transferred to the paper. The fuser is responsible for
melting the laser toner to create a permanent image on the
paper.
Different Types of Toner Cartridges
When your toner cartridges become empty, you
have several options for purchasing new toner. The links below
provide more information about each type.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) toner
cartridges are the same ones that come with your laser printer.
They are generally manufactured by the company that makes
the printer. For example, HP laser printers come with HP toner
cartridges. OEM laser printer toner cartridges are the most
expensive type. You can save money be choosing remanufactured
toner cartridges, compatible toner cartridges, or toner refill
kits.
Benefits of OEM Cartridges
Many manufacturers recommend only using OEM
laser toner cartridges with their printers to achieve the
best results. However, they are also trying to get you to
buy their product. OEM toner cartridges are generally the
most expensive, and there usually is not a big difference
in quality between an OEM cartridge and a quality compatible
or remanufactured toner cartridge.
Compatible toner cartridges are similar to
the OEM cartridges that come with your laser printer. The
only difference is that they are made by a different manufacturer.
Compatible toner cartridges are usually manufactured by a
generic company, but some brand name companies also offer
compatible toner cartridges for other laser printer brands.
Compatible printer cartridges generally offer the same print
quality as new cartridges and are subject to the same standards.
Benefits of Compatible Cartridges
The main benefit of using compatible toner
cartridges is price. A compatible cartridge will generally
cost much less than a brand new OEM cartridge, while offering
similar printing results. In addition, using compatible toner
cartridges will not void your printer’s warranty.
Remanufactured toner cartridges are previously-used
toner cartridges that have been restored at the factory. They
are also known as recycled toner cartridges. When the cartridge
is empty, you send it back to the manufacturer. Many companies
accept the cartridges at no charge.
At the factory the printer cartridges are
disassembled, cleaned, and refilled with new toner. Remanufactured
toner cartridges are thoroughly tested to ensure that they
offer the same high quality as new OEM cartridges. Remanufactured
toner cartridges are available for most laser printers.
Benefits of Remanufactured Cartridges
Remanufactured printer cartridges offer two
key advantages over new toner cartridges. The first is price.
Remanufactured laser printer toner cartridges are generally
cheaper than new cartridges. Therefore, by purchasing remanufactured
toner cartridges you will save yourself or your company money.
Second, remanufactured cartridges are more
environmentally-friendly than new toner cartridges. By reusing
the cartridges, you are helping to cut down the amount of
waste that is deposited into landfills and protecting other
creatures from the harmful materials in the cartridges.
Toner refills are generally the most inexpensive
method for purchasing new toner. Most toner refills are sold
as kits that include everything you need to refill your empty
toner cartridge yourself. Toner refill kits are easy to use
and often come with detailed instructions. It takes just a
few minutes to refill your empty cartridge with the bottled
toner that is included in the kit.
Benefits of Toner Refills
Toner refills can save you a considerable
amount of money over buying new OEM or even compatible toner
cartridges. Toner refill kits include everything you need
and are easy enough that anyone can refill their empty toner
cartridges in minutes. In addition, toner refills are universal.
Therefore, if you purchase a new laser printer and still have
remaining toner from your refill kit, it can be used on the
new printer.
Printer
Ink Cartridges - The History |
Printer
Ink Cartridges - Easier And Convenient |
Recycling
Cartridges and Machines |
Why
Do Ink Cartridges Cost So Much? |
Determining
if Your Printer Uses Toner Cartridges |
Inkjet
Cartridges |
