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What is toner?
You’ve bought a new laser printer and you’re delighted with your purchase. But after a while, an unwelcome icon starts flashing on the display: the toner is running low and needs to be replaced. Time to buy a new one, but what exactly is toner? And which toner should you choose? We’re here to explain!
What is a toner?
While inkjet printers use ink cartridges, laser printers use toner to print documents. Toner cartridges contain colour in the form of a fine powder. Most laser printers use the same four colours as inkjet printers: cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK). Some laser printers offer additional colours too, such as gold and silver.So, how does a laser printer actually work? A laser projects text or images onto an electrically charged roller called the drum. The drum has areas with different electrical charges, and the toner powder is attracted to the relevant areas. This creates the image that will eventually be transferred to the paper.
For this reason, it’s best to keep other electromagnetic devices, such as speakers, away from your printer, as they can potentially interfere with the drum.
The drum then rolls over the paper, transferring the toner powder onto its surface. Finally, heat inside the printer fuses the toner onto the paper, creating a sharp and durable print.
Maintaining your laser printer
To keep your laser printer working optimally, it’s important to maintain it regularly. You can learn how to do this by reading our ‘How to maintain a laser printer’ blog. If you accidentally touch the drum, you should clean it, as fingerprints or dirt can cause streaks and lead to blurry or unclear prints. To clean the drum, use a clean cloth with 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean the drum. You can clean the rest of the printer using a laser printer cleaning cloth.What should I look out for when buying a toner?
When your laser printer indicates that the toner is running low, it’s time to buy a replacement. You may also notice this in your printouts, which can start to look lighter or less clear. So, what should you look out for when buying a new toner?The most important thing is to make sure the toner is compatible with your printer. Using the wrong toner can cause printing problems and, in some cases, may damage your printer.
At 123ink.ie, it’s easy to find the right toner for your printer. Simply browse our range of laser printer brands and select your printer’s brand and model. You’ll then see all the toners available for your specific printer. As well as original toners, we also offer 123ink own-brand toners. These are often more affordable than original toners and may offer a higher page yield. Plus, our own-brand toners come with a 100% lifetime warranty.
Your printer manual will explain how to replace the toner cartridge. In most cases, the process is straightforward. If you’ve misplaced the manual, you can often find a copy online by searching for your printer’s name and “manual”.
To replace the toner, remove the old cartridge from your printer. Prepare the new cartridge by removing any protective seals, strips or packaging, following the instructions supplied with it. Then place the new toner cartridge into the printer. Once it’s installed correctly, you’re ready to start printing again!
Other useful products
Common Questions
What is the difference between ink and toners?
Ink cartridges are used in inkjet printers and contain liquid ink, which is spread across the paper during printing. Toners are used in laser printers and contain fine colour powder, which is pressed onto the paper using heat. Read our blog ‘Differences between ink and toner’ on 123ink.ie to learn more.
How long does toner last?
Toner capacity can vary considerably between cartridges. Some toner will print around 1,500 pages, while others can yield up to 20,000 pages. The right toner for you depends on which cartridges are compatible with your printer and how frequently you use your laser printer. If you print regularly, a higher-capacity toner may be a more economical choice. You can purchase toners at 123ink.ie.
Do you have any more questions before making your purchase? Contact us now!
