What You Need to Know About Toner Cartridges
Laser printers work with toner cartridges. Most laser printer owners are familiar with the process of replacing these cartridges, but what about tips on how to remove toner from clothing? If you replace the cartridge on a large laser printer, you may end up with a few stains on your clothes, what should you do?
Then there is the confusion about the difference between the drum and the cartridge. If you thought the two are the same, read on as we answer some of the frequently asked and a few not-so-common questions about toner cartridges below.
So, How Do You Remove Toner from Your Clothes or Skin?
With it being a powder that consists of micro pigments and components, such as resin and metal oxide, toner in dry form will not stain your skin. Simply wash it off with cold water. Here is the secret: when heated, it melts. If you use hot water, it will melt and stain. Save energy and the embarrassment of stained skin by using only cold water.
When it comes to clothing, avoid rubbing as this will cause the particles to settle in the material fibre. Instead, do a bit of shaking. Do not reach for the vacuum machine because the hot air will cause the particles to melt and stick, damaging the clothing and the machine.
What are the Differences Between Toner Cartridges and Drums?
The drums are the devices that must be electrically charged to fuse the toner contained in the cartridges onto the print surfaces. You cannot have the one and not the other. If the drum unit is not working, then expect print issues. If the toner is depleted, then the cartridge must be replaced as the drum is simply the spark that initiates the printing process.
Are the Drums and the Cartridges Always Separate?
Modern laser printers often work with combination sets where the drum is already built in. You thus only have to replace the cartridge to have the drum replaced at the same time. Others work with a drum system apart from the actual cartridges. Do not attempt to replace a faulty drum. Rather call in the technical crew for help as you can end up damaging the machine in the process or get burned. If you have to replace it without help, make sure the machine is switched off and that it has cooled down considerably.
Do I Have to Buy Toner Cartridges for Every Colour I Want to Use?
Fortunately not. If it is a monochrome printer, it uses black ink only. If it is a colour printer, then you will have a black cartridge to replace separate from the colour ones. Most laser printers work with four colours to mix for getting the required colour. Some have combination toner cartridges where you have to replace the entire cartridge, whereas others have separate units for each of the four colours. With these, you only replace the depleted one.
Is Toner the Same Across All the Cartridges?
No. How the toner is mixed and gets fused onto the surface differs from one print model to another. The combination of metal oxides, wax, pigments, and silicon is determined by the printer manufacturer. This is also why it is better to buy original manufacturer toner cartridges, since the manufacturers design their consumables to work perfectly with their printer models.
Which is the Fastest – Laser or Inkjet?
The technology in laser printers makes it possible to heat the pigments really fast. With the pigments fused into the surface, you do not have the risk of smudging because of ink lying on top of the paper and needing time to dry. Generally speaking, laser is better for high volume printing than inkjet, whereas inkjet is slower, but renders exceptional image quality.
I Have a Laser Printer but See Smudges on the Paper. What is the Problem?
The only time laser printers deliver smudged prints is when there is an issue with the drum unit or toner container. If the drum is dirty or the container is full, it can lead to smudges. Of course, a worn component can also cause the issue. Finally, check to see if the paper is correctly inserted or whether one of the printer components is not properly installed.
Where Can I Buy Original Manufacturer Toner Cartridges?
We stock and supply ink and toner cartridges for all major printer brands. Save even more when you make use of our print management solutions or service agreements to ensure your machines work properly.