Laser Toner

Laser toner is a dry powder that adheres to the fibers in printer paper to form the desired images. The quality of the toner used in a cartridge can have an impact on the quality of pages printed with it, but the quality of the printer itself will have a far greater impact. Toner quality varies according to the size of the individual particles and the polymers used to bind it to the paper.

Laser cartridges are much more complex than inkjet cartridges with many more moving parts and thus a more complex manufacturing process. This is one of the reasons why laser toner cartridges are so much costlier than inkjet cartridges. Their cost is offset, however, by their relatively high yields. Most laser cartridges yield thousands of printed pages rather than the hundreds produced by inkjet cartridges.

Because of their higher purchase prices, laser cartridges represent a reasonable opportunity for cutting your printing costs. This can be done in several ways. You can purchase remanufactured cartridges. You can purchase compatible cartridges. And you can purchase OEM cartridges from companies that will buy back empty ones through a recycling program.

As with any printer cartridge, and especially with remanufactured and compatible cartridges, you should only purchase from a company that guarantees their products. Such guarantees are usually limited only to a cartridge’s basic operation and compatibility with your printer. They usually do not address print quality or problems that might be traced to the printer itself. On the whole, though, remanufactured and compatible cartridges are a much better buy, and a great way to extend your budget.