Unlike ink cartridges, which can be easily refilled at any number of office supply outlets or can be readily purchased online, refillable toner cartridges seem to cause somewhat more problems for the average consumer or office worker. Just as all inks are not created equal, not all toners are the same. Not every ink can be used in every cartridge since inks have different drying times, filtration levels, pigments, shades and viscosity levels. Similarly, toners all have different formulations. Many copiers and faxes do not have a refillable toner cartridge, so you have to know your product’s features; if the cartridge isn’t refillable, then the question is moot.
Many people feel that the best option is buying a re- manufactured cartridge. Or, take your cartridge to a reputable retailer that specializes in refilling cartridges. Additionally, there are many online sites that offer this service. Be sure to do your research to determine if the toner replacement cartridge offered is compatible with your equipment. Otherwise, you can cause serious damage your copier or fax machine. ~There are four main options when it comes to copier toner cartridges. Below is some information on each. These are readily available online.
- OEM Copier Toner Cartridges – OEM means “Original Equipment Manufacturer” meaning that these types of cartridges come directly from the manufacturer that made your copier. These are the most reliable but also the most expensive to purchase.
- Generic Copier Toner Cartridges – Generic cartridges are made by after-market manufacturers who have the ability to make compatible cartridges for your printer type. The design and make of these cartridges are the same as the OEM cartridges, but are far less expensive.
- Remanufactured Copier Toner Cartridges – Remanufacturing of copier toner cartridges consists of taking the unit apart, cleaning it, and refilling it. These cartridges are well tested for quality and will usually give you similar printing results as either OEM or generic cartridges.
- Toner Refill Kits – Refill kits for copier toner are beneficial because they are refillable with bottled toner. This will save you the cost of purchasing a new cartridge each time you run out. However, these are less easy to use and can have varying results in terms of quality.
Obviously, the choice is yours when it comes to refillable toner cartridges. Whatever you decide to do, make certain you know all the facts and do all the research. If you decide to purchase online, make sure you do so from a known online office supply store.
Good luck!
There are four main options when it comes to copier toner cartridges. Below is some information on each. These are readily available online.
- OEM Copier Toner Cartridges – OEM means “Original Equipment Manufacturer” meaning that these types of cartridges come directly from the manufacturer that made your copier. These are the most reliable but also the most expensive to purchase.
- Generic Copier Toner Cartridges – Generic cartridges are made by after-market manufacturers who have the ability to make compatible cartridges for your printer type. The design and make of these cartridges are the same as the OEM cartridges, but are far less expensive.
- Remanufactured Copier Toner Cartridges – Remanufacturing of copier toner cartridges consists of taking the unit apart, cleaning it, and refilling it. These cartridges are well tested for quality and will usually give you similar printing results as either OEM or generic cartridges.
- Toner Refill Kits – Refill kits for copier toner are beneficial because they are refillable with bottled toner. This will save you the cost of purchasing a new cartridge each time you run out. However, these are less easy to use and can have varying results in terms of quality.
Obviously, the choice is yours when it comes to refillable toner cartridges. Whatever you decide to do, make certain you know all the facts and do all the research. If you decide to purchase online, make sure you do so from a known online office supply store.
Good luck!