Learn what makes printer toner a uniquely essential office supply
You hit “print” at your computer, stand up, and walk to the print station. You’re already thinking about the presentation that will go along with these important materials. Or maybe you’re making a mental list of all the people you’ll need to review and sign off on the documents to get an exciting project on track in time for the next quarter. In that brief time, a stack of blank white sheets of paper has been permanently marked with laser printer toner. These two inert substances just transformed into the essential documents you need to get your work done.
Printer toner is an essential office supply. It’s also one worth thinking about before you need to order more. Choosing the right kind of printer toner cartridge — and printer — will ensure many stacks of crisp, legible documents before it’s time for a replacement. It’s also wise to take a few moments to make sure you know what sets printer toner apart from its alternatives, and how to find the right kind for your business’ needs. Let’s get started.
Learn more about the fundamentals of these essential office companions in our guide, How Do Printers Work: Everything You Need to Know.
What is printer toner?
Printer toner is a fine, powdery substance used by laser printers to create permanent text and images on paper documents. Different types of toners are made of different materials depending on the manufacturer and color. Most types of laser printer toner are largely composed of polyester, which is a type of plastic fiber. This plastic element is essential to the triboelectric process used by laser printers.
Here’s how it works:
- The laser printer receives a document from a connected device or network.
- The printer uses its laser to draw an inverted version of the document’s text and images across a statically charged drum. The laser disrupts the charge of the areas it touches. This defines which parts of the finished document will remain white.
- The printer releases printer toner from its cartridge, which is attracted to the charged parts of the drum. This works on the same principle that causes packing peanuts to stick to your clothes.
- The laser printer passes a sheet of paper over the drum, transferring the toner.
- The laser printer’s finisher applies heat to melt the toner and fix it in place. This is why paper documents feel warm when they emerge from a laser printer.
- The finished document emerges from the laser printer.
A modern laser printer may perform each of these steps 20 times or more in the space of a minute!
Did You Know?:Ricoh printers are covered by Advance Exchange, a simple, economical on-site alternative to service. Click here to learn more.
5 things to know about laser printer toner before you buy
We’ve covered what laser printer toner is and how it’s used in the printing process. Now here are five important considerations to keep in mind as you shop for your next printer toner cartridge.
Not all toner replacement processes are the same
Printer toner cartridges are an essential part of a laser printer’s operation. This means replacing the cartridge can sometimes be a lengthy and precise process that requires moving and then replacing multiple parts. If you aren’t careful, it could lead to configuration errors that require repeating the process or even spilled toner. Look for a printer that allows for fast and easy printer toner cartridge replacement to avoid these potential problems.
Individual color toner cartridges allow for efficient replacement
If you opt for a color laser printer, you will likely find that it includes different cartridges for the three primary colors of printing: cyan, magenta, and yellow. While this may seem like more work to maintain at first, it actually means far less waste if you tend to print more of one color than another. Rather than replacing a single tri-color cartridge that may have plenty more cyan and magenta left to go, you can simply swap out the yellow cartridge.
Did You Know?:The RICOH 132 P printer fits in just about anywhere. Its fast, double-sided printing and flexible connectivity make it a great office companion. Click here to learn more.
Laser printer toner is very different from printer ink
Though it is sometimes referred to as “ink,” printer toner is quite different in both substance and application from the viscous fluid used by inkjet printers. Toner is a dry powder rather than a liquid, and due to the efficient nature of its storage and application, a printer toner cartridge can last substantially longer than a printer ink cartridge.
Different printer toner cartridges have different paper yields
If you’re wondering “how long does printer toner last,” there’s no single answer. The quantity of paper documents you can print will vary depending on the type of laser printer you use, the cartridge or cartridges it currently has installed, and the type of documents you print. Laser printers often come with starter cartridges for the convenience of the new owner, while standard cartridges may last for 2,000 pages or more.
Using official toner can make a big difference
Laser printers are precision-engineered machines. They rely on highly technical processes to produce reliable results. Printer toner cartridges sold by their manufacturers or licensees are the only ones guaranteed to meet the challenge. Unofficial cartridges may not deliver the same high-quality results. They may even shorten your printer's lifespan. This can quickly subvert whatever cost savings they may offer over official cartridges.
Our recommendation: RICOH C125 MF Color Multifunction Laser Printer
The RICOH C125 MF 4-in-1 multifunction printer is an all-in-one, cost-effective solution for offices. Its standard black and color cartridges support an estimated toner life of 2,300 pages. Its excellent paper handling features allow it to print on legal and letter-size paper as well as on envelopes. It can print up to 26 color pages per minute. As a 4-in-1 device, its advanced capabilities extend to scanning, faxing, and copying. Learn more or shop the full range of RICOH printers here.
Note: Information and external links are provided for your convenience and for educational purposes only, and shall not be construed, or relied upon, as legal or financial advice. PFU America, Inc. makes no representations about the contents, features, or specifications on such third-party sites, software, and/or offerings (collectively “Third-Party Offerings”) and shall not be responsible for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of such Third-Party Offerings. Please consult with a licensed professional regarding your specific situation as regulations may be subject to change.
