There has been an unending controversy on the use of Compatible Toner cartridges. Almost every aspect of its usage elicits some form of argument.
We’ve already reviewed most of the concerns, and today’s focus is on cartridge chips. We compare Compatible Toner Cartridge Chips vs the OEMs. You will learn their differences and similarities.
What is a Toner Chip?
A toner chip is a communication device that links a printer to the cartridge. It’s sometimes referred to as a smart chip. It comes as a small metallic piece fixed into the cartridge. The outer part will be in contact with the printer when inserted. The kind of warning relating to the cartridge and toner usage is courtesy of the chip.
Functions of a Toner Cartridge Chip
The chip plays the following roles in your printer:
- It records the cartridge’s specific details, such as the model and the page yield.
- Keep a record of the number of pages that have been printed. This will help the printer estimate when the cartridge is due for replacement. This is done over a series of steps. The printer itself collects the details on the toner usage. These details will be sent to the chip for storage. The printer will request back the details whenever needed. Such data are unrecoverable, so the printer can conduct its operations uninterrupted.
- It helps determine the level of toner remaining in the cartridge.
- The chip serves in authorizing the printer to use the cartridge. That is why you must always use the correct cartridge compatible with your printer model. The chip is equipped with an encryption process that helps determine compatibility.
Comparison of Compatible Toner Cartridge Chip and the OEM’s
The OEM and Compatible Chip play the same role but bear some differences. This section outlines the differences and similarities.
1. Different Manufacturer
OEM chips are those manufactured by the original printer manufacturer. Compatible chips are generic products made by third-party companies.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. If you are using a Xerox printer, it means that those chips by Xerox are the only original ones. Products from other companies are compatible chips. The two different manufacturers will make cartridges and chips serving the same role. Some compatible cartridges still don’t have chips.
2. Functionality
Both the OEM and compatible toner cartridges will serve the same role. Still, some manufacturers have devised ways to prevent users from using such cartridges. They use advanced programming techniques that flag third-party products. Selling printer consumables is more profitable than the printer itself. That is why you find them taking steps to make consumers only buy their products.
There are still ways to beat their strategy. And one thing remains that it’s legal to use third-party products if you need them. Those manufacturers only have to be clear that their products are not OEM.
You could still apply strategies that allow you to use compatible cartridges. For instance, you can choose to exchange the chips. You will remove a chip from an original empty cartridge and insert it into your new compatible one. This will trick your printer into believing it’s using an original toner cartridge.
The only challenge is the likelihood of your printer warning that the cartridge is empty. It’s still not a big issue as you can keep printing and manually monitor the toner level. You will replace the cartridge once emptied. You could remove the chip again to use with a new compatible toner cartridge. Doing so would allow you to keep using cheap compatible toner cartridges and print on budget.
3. Difference in Cost
OEM toner cartridges will always cost more than compatible ones. Original manufacturers will argue that they incur significant overheads in developing printers. They will also claim that they are the only ones in the best interest of your printer. That way, they will want to charge more for the printer consumables.
Some will even lower the printer cost with the thought of charging more for consumables. You will end up paying unnecessarily more. Your printing costs will increase, and you might end up with fewer profits.
Using compatible products is the opposite. These, though essentially identical, will cost way less than OEM products. You will only need to ensure that you get the right supplier. You don’t need one that will compromise your printing experience.
4. Risk of Malfunctions
You can entirely rely on OEM chips. These will work perfectly well with your printer, no matter the model. Compatible cartridges may malfunction when there is a printer system update. Original printer manufacturers tend to update their firmware regularly. Some of them do so to prevent consumers from using third-party products.
You can navigate through such bottlenecks by choosing to disable firmware updates. You could also downgrade to the former versions of the software. That would help you keep using compatible toner cartridges with ease.
You also need to buy your products from reputable destinations. You have to do business with companies with your best interest at heart.
5. Damages to the Printer
Printing issues may indeed occur while using a compatible toner cartridge chip. But the controversy that they will damage your device remains a misconception. The two variations are the same in terms of their working principle.
Summary Table on their Differences and Similarities
The Difference between Compatible and OEM Chip
| Comparison Factor | Compatible Toner Cartridge Chip | OEM Toner Cartridge Chip |
| Manufacturer | A product of third-party manufacturers | Manufactured by the original product manufacturer |
| Cost | Are cheaper than OEM Toner Cartridge Chips | Are more expensive than Compatible Toner Cartridge Chips |
| Risk of Malfunctions | They tend to malfunction, especially when printer manufacturer updates their firmware. There is a way to override the updates and keep printing. | They are reliable, and printing issues hardly arise. |
The Similarities Between Compatible and OEM Chip
| Functionality | Both serve the same function. It is a communication channel between your printer and a toner cartridge. |
| Damages to the Printer | Both will work the same way and will not damage the printer. Printing errors could occur but will not cause damage to your printer. |
| Location on the Cartridge | Both the compatible and OEM chips are located in the exact location in the cartridge |
Note that Some Cartridges Don’t Have Chips
These kinds have both the downsides and benefits. You would not enjoy the notifications when the toner is running low. You would have to manually assess the cartridge to know when it’s time to replace it. Alternatively, you could inspect the print quality and replace them when they fade. This is because your printer will not be in the capacity to tell when the toner runs out.
That could be a challenge and a blessing at the same time. It’s beneficial as you won’t have to replace the cartridge before it’s emptied. Your printer will not warn you but will keep printing to the last toner drop.
So, where are You Sourcing Your Printer Consumables?
We understand the atrocities it comes with losing your money on products that don’t work. Yes, we know how it feels, and we don’t want any of you to face it. That is why we promise quality on anything we lay our hands on.
When it comes to compatible toner cartridges, we ensure that we meet your needs. And so are other printer consumables such as drum units. We are based in China, but we manage international shipping. You can place an order, as we do the rest. Contact us now.