Almost any major department store that carries computer accessories will also carry toner cartridge refills. Cartridge refills are for replacing the ink in computer printers. You can also get refills for copy machines and fax machines, but most of these come as all-in-one units on the market today. Chances are if the store carries the brand of printer you use then it will also carry ink cartridges and refill toner cartridges.
The difference between the ink cartridge and the toner is that ink cartridges are for ink jet printers and toner cartridges are for laser printers. If you have a laser printer then you are looking for a laser cartridge refill. By choosing to use refill toner cartridges instead of ready to use cartridges, you can save between 65 to 75% on your total toner costs. For people who do a lot of document printing this can be a big savings in black toner. For people who do a lot of image printing the savings in color toner is even better.
The savings depends on the number of times your particular cartridge may be refilled. On average refilling toner cartridges may be done between 2-4 times before needing to purchase a new cartridge. The do-it-yourself kits are also available at many online retailers. While dealing with ink and toner can sometimes be messy, the actual toner itself is not harmful or toxic. Toner is generally comprised of plastic, iron and a bit of pigment.
Some online sites also show how to refill toner cartridge step-by-step methods. One method that is claimed to be the easiest is the Òunplug and refillÓ method. This means there is no hole making required before being able to add new toner. The Òunscrew and refillÓ method is similar, but has the extra step of needing to unscrew the few small screws that hold the cartridge together. Then there is the Òmelt and refillÓ method that means you need to make a small hole in the top of the toner cartridge before you can refill it.
Once you have a hole, you then insert a long needle which is attached to the ink or toner refill bottle. You now refill your cartridge by squeezing the bottle to make the toner flow through the needle and into the cartridge. Refill kits come with all the equipment you need to make your refill including the tool you use to create a hole in your existing cartridge. Some kits even include a pair of latex gloves to help guard against toner spillage onto your skin.
Choosing to use a toner cartridge refill can save you or your company a lot of money in the end. Make sure you match the type of printer and existing cartridge being used to the type of refill package, to ensure the kit will work with your machine.
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