12/29/2014
We are often led to believe that laser printers can only use a certain type of cartridge; this is to help ensure the printer isn’t damaged. However, once you understand the differences between the different cartridges available, it may become clearer how different cartridges can be used in laser printers.
Firstly there are OEM cartridges; OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufactured cartridges, and once that is broken down it becomes quite clear that these are the cartridges developed by the same manufacturers as the printer. When you buy a printer, it usually comes with some cartridges already in place, these are OEM cartridges and what are usually suggested to be purchased going forward.
Then we have remanufactured toner cartridges, these are essentially exactly the same as OEM cartridges, but ones that have been used and then refilled to be sold on again. However, a refill is just the basic service that these cartridges are run through. They have a mini service, checking that all components within the cartridge are still working, such as the roller and the drum. These cartridges are aiming to help reduce excess waste, instead of throwing away a potentially fully working cartridge; we can reuse them and avoid having to make them from scratch. However, you should be careful when purchasing these cartridges and ensure that they are being re-manufactured by an accredited company as sometimes they can actually become damaged during the refill process.
Finally, there are compatible toner cartridges; these are manufactured by third-party companies, i.e. not the original manufacturers and are made up of a variety of new parts. One cartridge can be made up from a variety of parts from a range of different cartridges. They are lower on price however do run a slightly higher risk of failing to print before the ink has actually run out. However some may argue that the lower price you initially pay for them makes it even out in the long run.
Essentially, all three varieties of cartridges can be used in any printer, but all run different levels of risk and expense. At the end of the day it is down to you as the customer to decide what you are prepared to pay for and what level of risk you are willing to take, but don’t be fooled into thinking you can only use OEM cartridges – do your research and discover your options!
