subject: Inkjet Cartridges -- Learn More About Ink Toner Cartridges [print this page] Toner is a very fine black powder that is the essential element in laser printing and photocopying on a large scale. Initially, toner was simply powdered carbon, which was later combined with a polymer to produce high quality prints. Different companies use different toner formulations and polymers, including Polyester Resin and Styrene Acrylate Copolymer. A toner cartridge contains powdered toner used for xerographic printing.
How Toner Works
Particles of toner, a blend carbon-based polymer, are liquefied by high temperatures of the fuser in a toner cartridge. This causes them to fasten onto the paper, producing texts and images of superior quality that look as good as new even after a long period. This is because the toner does not wear out due to its bonding characteristics. Toner is also electrostatic, which makes it stick strongly to paper and other surfaces. For this reason, toner spilled from toner cartridges should be cleaned using cold water. Hot water causes it to strengthen its bonds, making it almost impossible to wash off, especially on absorbent materials such as clothing. Originally, toner was sold in bottles; however, it proved to be very messy by leaving powdery deposits everywhere. Sealed toner cartridges today are easy to install and use without creating a mess.
Types of Toner Cartridges
There are 3 types of toner cartridges for printers:
Companies manufacture fresh toner for cartridges and retailed directly to the market.
Remanufactured toner cartridges are second-hand cartridges that have been disassembled, cleaned, reconstruct and refilled with toner. Missing or broken parts are replaced. The cartridges are then sold in the market.
Refilled cartridges are those that are second-hand with new toner injected into them without repairing or replacing its old parts. They are sold once they are loaded with new toner.
Inkjet or Toner?
Inkjet cartridges are a better option for domestic printing purposes. Additionally, inkjet printers are small-sized, light-weight as well as affordable compared to toner printers, which are large and very pricey. On the downside, however, inkjet printers take a long time to print images with the danger of smudging a page that has not completely dried. Toner dries out instantly, eliminating any possibility of smudging. It also produces higher print quality. If you are contemplating which cartridge to purchase, consider your needs, your budget and the purpose of your printouts. If you require premium printouts, getting an expensive toner cartridge is worth it if you are going to benefit in the end.
