All About Copier Toner

What is this on my hands?

Copier toner was a headache for years. Before disposable cartridges, office workers were made to fill the copier with a powder so fine it looked and behaved like liquid. In today's era of environmental awareness, the creation of another disposable item may seem shortsighted. Thankfully, many aftermarket firms have taken to refilling and reusing these cartridges.

Studies have shown that the micro-particulates in early toner triggered disquieting health effects, spanning issues from respiratory to carcinogenic. Currently, the moving and filling of these cartridges is left to well-trained expert, making these technologies cleaner and safer.

What is this stuff made of?

Strangely, toner was made of the same stuff used to write on cave walls and still is partially. Yes indeed, thousands of years later we are still using carbon to make our mark. Just like the caveman who would mix a little water with ash from the tribal hearth, our sophisticated imaging systems use carbon dust to create documents.

There is a twist though; modern copiers use a carbon polymer compound to make the substance perform much better. Unlike cavemen, our carbon markings are a bit more difficult to wipe away, given that the copier uses a heating element to bond the carbon polymer compound image to the paper.

What to look out for

Before you buy, go to your local print cartridge refiller and see if they service your brand. Even if the model you are considering isn't a stock item, they may be able to order the toner and cartridges. If so, keep a number of replacements on hand. If this seems too costly you may want to consider purchasing a copier that the cartridge refiller keeps replacement toner for in regular stock.

Like desktop computer printers, more stories emerge about copy toner cartridges that may actually be more expensive than the copier itself. Not long ago, a study mentioned that printer ink and copier toner were hands down some of the most expensive substances on earth, checking in at a staggering $8,000.00 per gallon. With this in mind, be careful to take the appropriate steps in making your decision, and select a cost effective copier.

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