Buy the By

Posted on: 12 April 2022

Copy machines are integral pieces of equipment in any office setting. In order for your copier to reliably duplicate documents, you need to have a quality toner cartridge installed at all times. Investing in replacement toners is something that many office managers may do without thoroughly researching all of their options. There are three major types of toner cartridges available on the market today. Understanding the difference between OEM, compatible, and remanufactured toner cartridges will allow you to make better purchasing decisions in the future.

OEM Toner Cartridges

An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) toner cartridge is one that was manufactured by the same company that manufactured your copy machine. OEM cartridges are typically thought of as being the best on the market. Since the same manufacturer produces both the toner cartridge and copy machine, OEM cartridges run most efficiently. The higher print quality and reliability of an OEM cartridge mean that you can expect to spend more money on these types of toner replacements. If you need your copied documents to be clean and crisp, then the money you spend on an OEM toner cartridge can be justified. If you are able to get by with documents that are of slightly lower print quality, you may want to consider a more affordable toner cartridge replacement.

Compatible Toner Cartridges

A compatible toner cartridge is still made to fit in a certain make and model of copy machine, but these cartridges are manufactured by third-party companies who aren't associated with the equipment manufacturer. Compatible toner cartridges tend to be more affordable than their OEM counterparts, but it's important that you don't just look for the cheapest cartridge available. Toner cartridges that are manufactured by third-party companies have the potential to cause your copy machine to malfunction. Do your research and buy only from a reputable company if you choose to invest in compatible toner cartridges for your copier.

Remanufactured Toner Cartridges

Some office managers confuse refilled cartridges with remanufactured ones. A refilled cartridge has simply had a fresh supply of toner added to its reservoir. A toner cartridge that has been remanufactured has been inspected and repaired to restore it to its original condition. Any damaged parts on a remanufactured cartridge are replaced before these cartridges are offered to consumers. As long as you purchase remanufactured cartridges from a proven and experienced supplier, these types of toner cartridges can offer you an affordable way to maintain your toner supply over time. 

For more information on which type of toner cartridge is right for you, contact a supplier, such as Printers Supply.