Guangzhou Fusica Digital Co., Ltd.

Toner Cartridges- Points to consider when buying

With the increasing availability and cost effectiveness of remanufactured toner cartridges many buyers are reassessing their toner purchases in search of better value. Some buyers are unsure how to best compare the value of original toner cartridges with what is on offer from the remanufactured brands. It is important for the buyers to determine which product provides the best value for money on a long term basis without compromising printing quality.

This information sheet is provided to assist you in determining what the best option is for you as buyers.

What is an original toner cartridge?

An original toner cartridge is a product that is constructed from all new components and is marketed under the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s brand nam (OEM) such as Hewlett Packard, Canon, Lexmark, etc. An OEM toner cartridge will come fully guaranteed and will generally have a relatively low failure rate. The opinion of many users is that original toner cartridges are superior to remanufactured cartridges as they provide higher quality printing and have less long term negative effects on printers. It should however be noted that some OEMs also remanufacture cartridges and sell them under the OEM brand.
 

What is a remanufactured cartridge?

A remanufactured cartridge is a used cartridge that has been re-charged with toner, and to varying degrees may have also been stripped to its component level, cleaned, and had all essential components replaced with new parts.
Remanufactured cartridges are generally less expensive than original toner cartridges and can provide environmental
benefits such as reducing landfill.

However there are a number of arguments surrounding the use of remanufactured cartridges, in that they:
Δ  Increase the cost of running a printer through the additional maintenance that may be required over the printer’s lifetime.

Δ  Harm hardware, as a poorly remanufactured cartridge can be prone to leakage or create excessive wear on printer componentry.

Δ   Increase downtime through a relatively higher percentage of DOA (dead on arrival) cartridges found among some brands of remanufactured cartridges....

Compatibles vs Remanufactured?

You may hear or see the term "compatible" toner cartridges. Compatible cartridges, according to one vendor’s website, are manufactured by third party companies (companies other than the original maker of your equipment) which specialize in after-market products. Compatible toner cartridges use new or mostly new parts but beyond that, the definition is unclear. Some vendors believe compatibles are the same as remanufactured. Others believe compatibles are not the same as remanufactured asserting they contain all new parts (though not OEM parts), except perhaps to reuse the plastic case. Since there is no consensus on this term, clarify with your vendor how their toner cartridges are made to ensure you are getting what you want.

Quality
When remanufactured by reputable companies exercising good quality
control, remanufactured toner cartridges will perform as well as, or better than, new cartridges. Almost all suppliers will guarantee that the quality of their remanufactured toner cartridges will match or exceed that of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

Remanufactured toner cartridges should not damage the copy machine or printer. Printer damage resulting from a defective toner cartridge is rare and usually very minor. Aproperly remanufactured cartridge is no more likely to cause damage to a machine than a new cartridge.
Additionally, antitrust legislation prohibits copier and printer manufacturers from voiding their warranties when remanufactured toner cartridges are used in their machines.

The Remanufacturing Process
In general, used cartridges undergoing remanufacturing are first disassembled and the parts inspected. Key parts include the drum, corona wire assembly, wiper blade, and roller. Worn or defective parts are replaced, and the cartridge is cleaned, refilled, and reassembled. Toner cartridges can be remanufactured several times. ...

CARTRIDGE REMANUFACTURING PROCESS

Δ  The term "remanufactured" includes,at a minimum,the following:

Δ  Assessment to determine if the toner cartridge can be remanufactured. ...

CARTRIDGE PACKAGING

Δ  Each toner cartridge shall be packaged in an anti-static moisture proof bag and either heat-sealed or zip-locked,meeting or exceeding OEM standards.The cartridge shall then be placed in a protective cradle prior to being packaged in an external carton.

Δ  The external carton and packaging of the toner cartridge shall protect the cartridge from damage during shipping. ...

DEFECTIVE CARTRIDGES

A diagnostic analysis shall be performed to determine the cause of the problem for any toner cartridge returned by the buyer. If the analysis determines that the toner cartridge failed, a replacement remanufactured cartridge shall be provided at no expense to the buyer together with next order. Replacement cartridges shall be
properly marked as replacements and identified by the purchase order number. If the buyer has continued uncorrected problems with a particular model,or if there are page yields consistently below OEM standards or approved manufactured toner cartridge industry standards, the buyer may cancel the cartridge model from the contract.  The toner cartridge defect rate is not allowed to exceed five (5%) percent. 

WARRANTY...