Here is the cardinal rule for toner. You can mix generic toner with OEM toner but you can create copy/print quality problems if you mix generics. That’s because generic toner companies base their engineering on OEM toner. In other words, if you put in a generic brand that’s different than the generic already in there you can have a service call to deal with. If you ever have a used copier or printer and aren’t sure what kind of toner is inside buy one cartridge of the higher priced OEM toner before switching to a good generic brand.
However, there are exceptions to the above. For example, historically Sharp copiers have not done well with generic toners and a user should stick with OEM. If you’re not sure about your make and model call us and we’ll find out. Our technicians have worked on a variety of brands over the years.
When bad toner causes print quality problems it can be expensive repair. Not only does the toner need to be vacuumed out but the developer needs to be replaced and some developers are expensive. If things were going fine until you added a generic toner you can bet it was the toner that caused the problem Unfortunately, it takes a technician to get the toner out at that point because it has already worked it’s way into the copier or printer.
The same goes for printers. You especially have to careful on color copiers or printers. However, with printers using rebuilt cartridges adds another variable. Since it is a rebuilt it may something other than the toner such as a drum cleaning blade malfunctioning. Most vendors will trade it out if you call. However, it the toner spill or whatever is now inside the printer you have a problem which will often require a tech.
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