Printer manufacturers often warn against using Compatible Toner Cartridges. They insist that using them would damage your printer. Others threaten to lift warranties if consumers use these third-party products.
The pressure to buy brand cartridges could be frustrating to consumers. They are unnecessarily expensive. Compatible cartridges are way cheaper. Can they damage your printer? Today’s article answers this question. We also review some factors that may cause printer malfunctions.
Same Design Different Manufacturer: Do Compatible Toner Cartridges Cause Damages?
The printing principle of compatible cartridges is the same as the original ones. Their specifications are the same. Both of them are installed the same way. Even their safety precautions are just identical. The only difference is the manufacturer.
They thus cannot harm your printer in any way. If they were different from the rest, compatible toner cartridges wouldn’t be working. It works because it meets all the requirements for laser printing.
Even with that said, you will need to be careful with the choice of the supplier. Some low-level manufacturers without experience may make poor-quality products. These would offer a poor printing experience. You might even get fewer pages out of it.
Common Printer Malfunctions
Printer malfunctions are pretty common. It doesn’t matter the kind of cartridge used. Even those using original cartridges face breakdowns once in a while. Sometimes, the malfunctions are as simple as a paper jam. You might also face complicated defects on other occasions.
I have faced some challenges with my years of experience in the printer and copier consumables. I have also made considerate breakthroughs.
Let’s review some of the common printer malfunctions and their solutions.
1. Paper Jam
Paper jam is one of the most common problems you might face while printing. Paper jam is when a paper gets into the printer and doesn’t get out. It can happen to any printer. It doesn’t matter where you are using original or compatible toner cartridges.
The following factors may cause a paper jam:
- Printing torn papers
- Damaged printer rollers
- Adding papers while the printer is working
- Papers not loaded correctly
A paper jam can be easily fixed. You will only have to open the printer and remove the paper. Where to open varies from printer to printer. You can always check the user manual.
2. Low Toner Message When The Cartridge Is Not Empty
Computer software is sometimes unreliable. Most of the time, when it warns on low-toners, it is usually true. On other occasions, you might find error messages even after replacing the cartridge. Resetting the printer should solve this issue. You can refer to the user manual for steps to reset your printer. Note that the procedure for resetting varies with printer models.
3. Spooler Error
Print assignments are stored in software called Spooler on your computer. It holds the jobs in the memory and sends them to the printer. This memory is usually temporary. Your printer might not respond to your commands occasionally. After a series of pending print jobs, you might find a “Spooler” error notification.
Canceling all printing jobs should solve the problem. If it persists, you can cancel and restart the computer. Spooling errors commonly occur when you send several printing assignments.
Send one job at a time if you have different files to print. This would make your Spooler process commands one after another. Sending all at once may disrupt the memory.
All the above printer malfunctions do not occur based on the cartridge used. They arise based on other printer dynamics.
Damages in your printer could occur from the following two aspects:
Causes of Damages to Your Printer
1. Damages Arising From Printing
Compatible cartridges cannot damage your printer. Some other factors can cause damage. Dust may accumulate inside the printer if you leave it idle for months. This dust may end up damaging it. You would keep your printer away from dust, especially if you are not using it regularly.
Printing pins may also damage it. Always remove pins if you intend to print recycled paper. Pins will damage your printer even if you use original toner cartridges.
2. Damages Resulting From How You Insert Cartridges
The way you insert cartridges could also hurt your printer. Do not insert the cartridges when your printer is on.
Additionally, your printer may not work if you insert the wrong toner cartridge color. It could potentially damage your printer as well. You need to be careful while inserting the cartridges and ensure it’s the correct ones.
Frequently Asked Questions on Compatible Toner Cartridges
There are many concerns about the use of compatible toner cartridges. We attempt to answer some common ones in this section. These are questions ranging from printer warranty to print quality.
Is There A Difference Between Remanufactured And Compatible Toner Cartridges?
The three cartridges in the market are original, compatible and remanufactured. Original are those manufactured by the printer manufacturer. Compatible and remanufactured cartridges are third-party products. Compatible cartridges are new, but Remanufactured are recycled. These are the ones that have been revamped and released to the market. All these three cartridges work well. Their manufacturers only have to adhere to manufacturing best practices.
Will Compatible Toner Cartridges Affect My Printer’s Warranty?
Compatible toner cartridges are always the same as their original counterparts. Their sizes are equal. Additionally, the printing mechanism is the same as that of other cartridges. There is nothing different at all.
It shouldn’t be affecting the printer warranty. Printer manufacturers usually advise customers against using third-party products. Some may threaten to lift their warrant if such products cause damages.
Generally, there is nothing to worry about. In any case, warranties only cover manufacturing defects. Warranties usually don’t cover physical damages. Your printer will not sustain physical damages when you use compatible toner cartridges. You will always enjoy your printer warranties, as stated by the manufacturer.
Those brands that threaten to lift warranties want to monopolize the cartridge market. They want to prevent you from buying other products. In the long run, they will have exploited you. They even charge more than double the cost of original toner cartridges.
Are Compatible Toner Cartridges Hard to Install?
Installation of compatible toner cartridges is in no way different from original ones. They come in the same shape and have all the original toner cartridges’ parts. If you can install original cartridges, you can also install compatible cartridges. Installation and removal are always the same. Just remember to always shut it down before removing or inserting the cartridges. That’s a rule of thumb for all types of cartridges.
Can I trust The Print Quality Of A Compatible Toner Cartridge?
Those manufacturers who understand their work can guarantee quality products. You might only face problems if you source from inexperienced manufacturers. Quality compatible cartridges allow you to allow more on a minimal budget.
Conclusion
Compatible toner cartridges do not cause printer damages. Issues may only arise when you buy the cheapest products out there.
We have been in the printing industry for a long time now. Our focus is on the manufacturing sector. We want to work with businesses and see them increase your profit margins. Our pricing is competitive. We also promise quality. We can send you some samples before you place your bulk order first.If you have any doubts about compatible toner cartridges, please feel free to contact us.
