Rules for using cartridges for laser and inkjet printers
A laser printer cartridge is a complex electromechanical device that operates under the influence of potential (voltage) differences on its individual parts, so even small violations of the integrity of the body, completely invisible at first glance, can lead to inoperability of the cartridge or to printing defects. You should not allow impacts on the cartridge body, either accidental or targeted (shake the toner, etc.); only light shaking from side to side is allowed. Impacts on the cartridge can also lead to spillage of toner, which is normal in small doses, since the toner is held on the magnetic shaft of the cartridge only by the forces of the magnetic field, which is not very strong, and the toner can be separated from the shaft due to sudden shaking.
Unlike inkjet cartridges, a laser cartridge is not subject to drying out or any other chemical changes in the printing substance (toner), except for temperature ones. Prolonged exposure to high temperature leads to sintering of the toner in the cartridge into a monolith, which leads to the inoperability of the cartridge. Further diagnostics of the cartridge in such cases is possible only in laboratory conditions. Fortunately, such cases are very rare.
You should also beware of mechanical impacts on the photodrum of the cartridge, which is the “heart” of the laser printer. Its damage leads to irreversible defects in the print, which can only be eliminated by restoring (regenerating) the cartridge. Mechanical factors affecting the photodrum most often are: paper clips falling inside the printer along with the paper, dropping the cartridge. It is also highly recommended not to handle the drum with your fingers; there will be stains on the print.
The cartridge's photodrum is also susceptible to prolonged exposure to direct light, so if the cartridge will be stored outside the printer for a long time, it should be placed in a special black opaque bag.
A very important factor that directly affects the wear rate of the photodrum is the quality of the paper used. The speed of mechanical rubbing of the supporting photo layer on the drum depends on its cutting and chemical composition, on the method of bleaching used at the factory, which manifests itself in the form of stripes along the edge of the photodrum and in the form of printing defects, such as black stripes along the edges of the sheet. By using higher quality paper, you can significantly extend the life of the photodrum and increase the number of cartridge refills between restores.
The number of printed sheets during cartridge operation directly depends on the print density, i.e. amount of black paint on paper. Time plays absolutely no role here, you can print a cartridge in a day, or in a month, only the number of sheets is an objective factor in a cartridge refilling. There are special programs that calculate the density of filling a sheet with toner when printing various documents, working in the background and not heavily loading the computer’s operating system, but their use is justified only when carefully counting print sheets.
Let's sum it up:
- We beware of mechanical damage to the cartridge body, do not hit or drop it.
- We make sure that no other objects, paper clips, crumbs, coins, etc. get inside the printer.
- We use good quality paper; saving on paper costs for maintenance work on the cartridge and the printer itself.
- Do not expose the cartridge to high temperatures or direct light.
Following these recommendations will significantly extend the life of your cartridge and avoid unnecessary breakdowns and repair costs.
