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October 5, 2009

Defective Toner Cartridges: The Primary Source of Imaging Problems

October 5, 2009
Ask any long time laser printer user about imaging problems and pointblank the answer will most likely be associated with defective toner cartridges. Typical imaging defects could range from the printout of blank pages, solid black lines, streaks, double images, toner specks, lines, light and dark prints over the surface of the printed page; to blurred images and even toner flaking or rubbing off. Said defects could also be attributed to low quality toner (particularly coming from run of the mill manufacturers of toner refill kits) or caused by a defective fuser assembly that could not deliver sufficient heat to support the proper fusing of toner particles to paper. But then again in most cases, a defective toner cartridge is suspect.



Defective toner cartridges are usually linked to third party manufacturers with OEMs believing that their stringent production methods could actually foolproof cartridges from any defects and other related troubles. On the contrary, OEM cartridges are subject to a defect margin and the chances of purchasing a defective, OEM cartridge is probable. OEM cartridges have a print defect margin of 2% while compatible cartridges have it twice over at 4 to 5 percent.

Low quality toner is another source of print defects. As expected, this defect is attributed mostly to compatibles; particularly those produced by fly by night manufacturers. OEMs devise particular toner formulas that fit the requirements of a printer type or model in terms of resolution and speed. Moreover, OEM toner was manufactured under strict quality standards and laboratory tested to meet ASTM International guidelines. But that doesn't mean that third party manufacturers cannot produce level quality toners. In fact, manufacturers from the aftermarket use the same set of product standards; from substance formulation to grain size and even melting point so that it becomes possible for refill toner and compatible toner cartridges to match or even exceed the performance of the OEM toner in terms of print quality and yield.

Improper storage practices for toner cartridges could also trigger print defects - even for OEM cartridges. OEM cartridges are packed in sealed, moisture proof bags that normally have a shelf life of about 18 to 24 months. Toner cartridges succumb easily to temperature changes and humidity; thus, resulting to the damage of its moving mechanical parts or the photosensitivity and electrostatic properties of toner particles. Thus, cartridges ought to be stored in a cool and damp-proof environment or better kept inside its bag when not loaded to the printer.

Toner cartridges should therefore be handled delicately and stored in a correct environment to protect it from damage that could lead to irregular defects in the printout.
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To produce decent laser prints and yield at a reasonable price, refill OEM toner cartridges with toner refill kits. The toner refill kit line of Laser Tek Services is cheaper by as much as 80% than the prevailing retail price of OEM toner cartridges.

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