1. Toner colours
Black and white laser printers use only black toner. Colour laser printers use four toners, known as CMYK: cyan, magenta, yellow and black (K). These four colours combine to produce the full range of colours on the page.
2. What toner is made of
Toner is a fine powder made mainly of plastic resin, colour pigment and small amounts of additives such as wax and silica. Some toners also contain iron oxide. The exact mix differs between brands and printer models. The particles are very small, which lets the powder flow freely inside the cartridge.
3. When to replace a cartridge
Most laser printers show a toner low message, and many also show toner levels through the printer software. Printers measure this in different ways, so it helps to look at your prints too. Faded or patchy pages are a good sign that the cartridge needs replacing.
4. Printing speed
Laser printers are generally quicker than inkjet printers for text documents, especially for larger print runs. Toner cartridges also tend to have higher page yields than ink cartridges.
5. Smudging
Smudged prints can have several causes: a full waste toner container, toner build up on the drum, a worn drum or cleaning blade, or a fuser that is not heating properly. Damp or unsuitable paper can also cause smudging. Many of these are simple to check and fix.
6. Cleaning up toner spills
- On skin, wash toner off with cold water and soap. Warm water can make toner harder to remove.
- On clothing, shake or brush off as much powder as you can outdoors, then rinse in cold water.
- Do not use a household vacuum cleaner on toner. The fine powder can pass through the filter and damage the vacuum. Wipe up small spills with a damp cloth instead.
7. Safe handling
Toner is a fine dust, so avoid breathing it in. Handle cartridges gently, keep them sealed until you need them, and consider wearing disposable gloves when replacing or cleaning up toner. Place your printer in a well ventilated area.
If you are unsure which toner cartridge fits your printer, you can send your printer model to support@maxiprint.co.za.
