Managing Toner Use - Maintenance Tips for Aging Laser Printers

As the laser printer starts to age, a corresponding volume increase in toner consumption will likely manifest. The reason behind this can be as simple as an incorrect toner setting or perhaps the printer needs realignment. The user won't likely get decent prints if the printing device is diagnosed with a misaligned print head.

For whatever triggers increased toner usage of the printer that consequently results to reduced print output or yield - is reason enough to investigate and determine what ails the printer. While there are a lot of reasons to this, it is still best to start with preventive maintenance rather than to immediately proceed with troubleshooting pertinent electronic parts.

Managing Toner Use

In most cases a laser printer just needs a good cleaning job. Know that dirt accumulating with the units's internal compartments and surfaces could affect pertinent settings. Here are a few maintenance techniques to help you manage toner usage efficiently and revert toner consumption to regular levels.

1. Perform a periodic cleaning of printer internals, including the toner cartridge. Use a lint free cloth (to clear toner dust and loose toner lingering on the surface) and toner vacuum (to gently suck out toner residues on hard to reach areas) to do this. Be careful not to pry with the wiring or touch internal parts with the vacuum's nozzle.
2. Double check toner density settings. The current setting may have been prompting the machine to supply a high volume of toner to a page even when not necessary.
3. Refrain from using heavy black tones for this can cause printing problems. Know that increasing toner density could likewise increase the toner usage of your printer.
4. Opt for a lower resolution or print quality setting. Modern 1200 DPI laser printers now settle for a more subdued gray tone instead of black. Using rich black tones only increases toner density with very little results, except pouring in more toner to the output page.
5. Use only good quality paper and other transparencies. This helps prevent paper jams which also contributes to excessive toner use.

In parting, a smart laser printer user always manages to check early signs of increased toner us age by the printer and initiate measures to prevent it. In the process, the user saves on printer consumables expense and is likewise assured of trouble-free printing in the serviceable life of the laser printer.

Upgrade your savings by switching to third party consumables such as toner refill kits. Supplied with OEM-compatible toner powder, toner refill kits are cheaper by at least 40% than retail toner cartridges. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes of your time to refill an empty toner cartridge and the results ... print quality and yield that rivals the OEM toner at a price you can afford.