A Guide to Printer & Photocopier Toner Cartridges
What Are Printer & Photocopier Toner Cartridges & How Do They Work?
Toner is an electrically charged powder used in laser printers to print content onto paper.
The powder is made up of plastic and pigment, both with their own vital roles in the laser printing process. The pigment simply provides the colouring, enabling users to print in a wide range of colours. The plastics role is to stick the pigment to the paper, which happens when the plastic is heated and melted onto the page.
The cartridge sprays the toner powder onto the printer’s drum unit, which sticks to the areas in which the laser has changed the drum’s electrical charge.
Are Printer Toner Cartridges & Printer Ink the Same?
No, as previously mentioned, a printer toner cartridge is an electrically charged powder used in laser printers. To print, a laser printer requires a toner cartridge and a drum unit.
Ink is a coloured liquid which is used in inkjet printers. To print, inkjet printers only need ink cartridges.
What Are the Advantages Of Laser Printers & Toner Cartridges Compared To Inkjet Printers & Ink Cartridges?
Images and text are seen to appear sharper and clearer when using a laser printer, this is because the melting process binds the securely to the paper. This erases any opportunity for smudges and bleeding, which is a common occurrence when using inkjet printers.
Cost is another advantage of laser printer, although they are slightly more expensive to purchase, toner cartridges last longer than ink cartridges. This means that you could find yourself having to frequently purchase ink cartridges, which will not be the most cost-effective option in the long-run.
If your business is frequently printing, the speed of printing is very important. Laser printers are commonly much faster than ink printers due to the precision of the laser as opposed to ink printing.
Why Are There Only Four Toner Cartridge Colours Available For My Printer?
Toner cartridges predominantly come in four colours, Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K), which makes up the CMYK colour model. The ‘K’ for the black cartridge refers to ‘Key’.
The reason these are the colours available for most printers is because you are able to make any colour when mixing the CMY cartridges, the only colour you cannot create is black, which is the reason for the black cartridge.
How Do I Install My Toner Cartridge?
Instructions should have been included when you purchase your printer and toner cartridge. The installation process has been made as simple and easy as possible.
If you require further assistance when installing a toner cartridge purchased at KJL Printer Store please email us at sales@kjldocs.co.uk and we’ll provide you with clear instructions.
