But what if you don’t have the funds to splash out on an
OEM version every time your toner cartridge is running low? Are there any
alternatives available?
Well, the answer is yes, and ultimately you have the
choice between remanufactured
or compatible toner cartridges.
Below, is a comparison between the two alternatives to
OEM toner cartridges. As ever, please feel free to share your opinions over on
our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Well, the clue is in the title – they are OEM toner cartridges that have been recycled and then remanufactured, as shown below.
To begin with, the original, newly recycled cartridge is cleaned and examined. If any parts are worn or broken, they are replaced before being filled with brand new toner powder. Finally, the newly remanufactured cartridge is sent for lengthy print testing before being sold.
Essentially, a compatible toner cartridge is a ‘mimic’ or ‘copy’ of an OEM version.
Unlike remanufactured versions, a compatible cartridge is
made entirely from new parts, which are generally of poor quality in comparison
to those used in OEM toner cartridges.
OEM toner cartridges are made with the highest quality and components to minimise any issues and ultimately, produce the highest quality print.
As remanufactured toner cartridges retain as many of these components as possible, they naturally
preserve that high standard of printing.
Compatible cartridges are generally manufactured by those
who have one goal – to produce them as cheaply as they physically can.
Naturally, this has a negative effect on quality as no
components from an original cartridge are used. Instead, components are
created, which mimic the functionality of those found in an original.
To say that you are much less likely to get damage to your printer when using remanufactured toners is a real understatement.
However, compatible toner cartridges are made to closely
match the original and because of varying degrees of quality, some simply don’t
meet (or come close to meeting) the OEM specifications.
In short, this means some compatible cartridges won’t fit
your printer correctly, which can cause ink spills, and physically damage your
printer.
45 million printer cartridges are sent to landfill in the UK every year – with a high volume of these being toners.
Recycling cartridges undoubtedly helps this figure, and plays a massive role when it
comes to remanufacturing.
Typically, toner cartridges can be remanufactured between
three and seven times. Also, 97% of the components within them can be recycled.
Thus, when a recycled cartridge is remanufactured, there is a very small impact
on the environment in comparison to originals or compatibles.
It is worth noting that remanufactured cartridges
use half the amount of oil in their manufacture in comparison to compatibles
and that when plastic is remanufactured, 80% less energy is used in comparison
to original production.
On the other hand, brand new parts and components are
used every time a compatible cartridge is manufactured – even if they are of a
lower quality than those used in originals.
No prizes for guessing which is kinder to the
environment, right?
The main thing for you to remember, is that at one stage of their existence, remanufactured toners were original versions.
There is absolutely no guess
work or copying involved in their manufacture – as we’ve explained, the same
simply cannot be said for compatibles.
If you want to avoid damage to
your printer and the environment, whilst achieving a print quality which stands
up to OEM versions, then remanufactured toners are without doubt, your best bet.
Article written by Calum Chinchen – Social Media Executive at Red Bus Cartridges