Kinds of Toner

Office printers usually use toner.

Some fax and copy machines rely on toner to reproduce documents, content and images. The fax or copy machine pushes toner onto paper to create the original document or image. Toner cartridges usually cost more than liquid ink cartridges used in inkjet printers. When replacing the toner in your office equipment, consider your options before making a purchase.

Laser Toner

Laser toner is a dry, chalky substance. The toner electrically charges, which makes it attract to the drum inside the printer. The toner shifts to the copy paper. A fuser inside the printer melts the toner to produce a permanent copy, image or documentation.

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition Toner

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition or MICR toner is used to print sensitive information on financial paperwork, business checks or personal checks. Special toner inside the cartridges is magnetic and is read electronically by a specialized reader.

Remanufacture Toner

Some companies disassemble, clean and replenish used toner cartridges. This is a way to reuse old or used toner cartridges. Some people may refer to this type of toner as a recycled toner cartridge or remanufactured toner cartridge. Each remanufactured toner cartridge undergoes thorough testing to assure its performance is comparable or equal to a brand new toner cartridge.

Original Equipment Manufacturer Toner

At least one original equipment manufacturer or OEM toner cartridge comes in brand new copy and fax machines. The printer or fax machine manufacturer generally produces OEM toner cartridges. Manufacturers typically recommend OEM toner cartridges for use with their printers and fax machines to get the best printing results and want consumers to continue to purchase their products. This type of toner costs more than recycled or compatible toner cartridges.

Compatible Toner

Some manufacturers produce toner cartridges that are compatible to brand name toner. Most of the time compatible toner offers the same quality of printing as the original. This type of toner cost less than brand named toner cartridges.

Toner Refills

Some people may opt for toner refills. This type of toner is available in kits and includes detailed instructions for refilling. The kit contains a bottle of toner to refill the old cartridge. Toner refills cost less than recycled toner and new toner cartridges.

References

• Toner: Copier Toner
• The Office Guide: Toner Cartridge