Most printers notify their users when the toner is getting low. Yet, they are some that don’t. Even if yours is smart enough to inform you, it won’t be precise enough. Most of them alert you when 10-20% of the toner is left.
If you decide to replace at this point, you will lose some money. The 20% remaining toner could make a big difference in your profit margin.
That’s why knowledge on when exactly to replace the toner is essential. We cover that in today’s piece. We answer some of the frequently asked questions along the way.
When to Finally Replace the Toner Cartridge
Do not replace the toner cartridge immediately after seeing that low toner notification. Instead, take a keen look at the changes in the print quality. There is no point in changing the toner cartridge when the print quality is still acceptable.
After a while, you will find that the quality becomes light and sometimes streaky. It’s not something complicated to tell. If you find the warning and get low print quality, it is time to replace it.
It’s also worth noting the approximate number of pages you can get after the warning. This is important for planning purposes. It’s also necessary since the output differs from printer to printer. So once you get the low-toner alert, get a pen and note down the number of pages it prints well. That way, the next time you are running out of toners, you will know the approximate yield remaining.
But There Are Some Few Exceptions
Things could get pretty surprising. Anything could go wrong when dealing with machines. Sometimes, the toner cartridge runs out when you least expect it. There are times when it runs out even without warning. This is usually linked to defective cartridges.
If suddenly your printer stops printing, it might be helpful to inspect the last pages. If you find that most of the pages are light, it’s probably the toner running out.
That is why it’s worth having a backup plan. Entirely depending on software could cause sleepless nights. It is advisable always to have an extra toner or two. That way, should your toner end abruptly, you will be able to keep printing.
But don’t stock too much, especially when your environmental condition is inconsistent. Your toner may dry up, and you may suffer losses. There is a thin line between having a backup plan and running into losses. Be sure always to store your new cartridges in proper conditions. Always avoid extreme temperatures.
Factors that Affect the Frequency of Replacing Toner Cartridges
1.Pages vs. Time
Cartridge manufacturers rate their products based on their page yield. The number quoted is the approximate output when the toner is kept in its best condition. To enjoy the maximum result, you need to keep the toner in the right conditions.
You also need to ensure that the cartridge has not expired. With time, toner chemicals could deteriorate. When it does, it usually affects its performance. Using toners past their shelf life will prompt frequent replacements. You will have to replace them even before printing the indicated page yield.
2.The Page Coverage of Your Prints
The toner yield page is usually computed based on 5% coverage of A4 paper size. This is approximately six lines of text coverage. If you were to print this article, the first paragraph would account for one page.
;If you regularly print photographs, you will quickly deplete the toner. Also, if you’re frequently print documents covering a full-page, your toner will not last long. Printing large sizes of papers such as A3 also uses more toner. With that, you will regularly need to replace your toner.
Your toner could even yield half of what it’s indicated. If you don’t keep this in mind, you might think your supplier lied to you.
3.Printing in Inconsistent Temperatures
The toner is best stored in consistent and moderate temperatures. Temperature fluctuations from extreme hot to extreme cold will affect the toner. You would not be able to achieve the yield page indicated. And you will have to replace your toner frequently.
4.The Kind of Toner Cartridge Used
We have the Standard Yield and then the High Yield toner cartridges. The page yield between these cartridges usually varies. As the name suggests, High Yield cartridges produce the highest pages. Standard Yield cartridges print average number.
When you buy standard yield cartridges, you will have to replace them frequently. Similarly, using High Yield toner cartridges reduces the replacement frequency. The only challenge is that High Yield toners cartridges may seem expensive. But in general, they offer a lower printing cost per page, and it saves you money.
Frequently Asked Questions ;
My print quality is reducing, but my toner is not used up. What could be the issue?
There are cases of poor print quality even when the toner is not entirely used up. If you were using an inkjet printer, you would quickly run a head clean and likely sort the issue. Laser printing is different. They do not have that option for head cleaning as they do not use ink.
For lasers, priming the cartridge might help. You can remove the cartridge and shake it slowly. Do so a few times back and forth. This helps redistribute the toner inside the cartridge. It helps extend the shelf life.
Be careful while shaking, as toner may come out. It would be better to share over a trash can. Once you are done, you can now reinstall the cartridge and print again. Also, remember to wash your hands as toner might get in contact with your hands. Toner is poisonous when ingested. ; ;
I have a print job, and I don’t know if my toner will last. What should I do?
There are cases when you have a print job but do not know the remaining page yield. The last thing you want to hear is toner getting depleted along the way. The good thing is there is a solution for such issues.
If you are not the administrator, you can request the device’s administrative rights. Once you have that right, you can print the supply status report. This report will summarise the statistics on toners and page counts. You will tell whether the remaining toner can complete the printing job at hand. Page count is an essential resource for planning purposes.
Can I replace it with compatible toner cartridges if I’ve been using original cartridges?
Compatible toner cartridges work the same way as original cartridges. They come in the same make and same functionality. These cartridges will thus work well with your printer. ; ;
Conclusion
Be sure to only look for a good supplier. That way, you would keep the print quality and page yield at the top.
Talking of suppliers is where we come in. We run a compatible toner cartridge manufacturing factory in China. Our top priority is customer satisfaction. We make sure what you buy is what you have tested.
We can keep that promise by first sending samples to prospective buyers. Once they have tested and are happy with the product, we can ship them their final order.We ship our products globally. Contact us for your next order, and we will deliver.