TONER REFILL INFO AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Toner Refill Questions Answers Secrets - FAQ
At Top Inks, we have tried our best to create a Internet site that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us e-mail (address at the top of this page).
TONER REFILLING METHODS AND INFORMATION
There are three common methods for refilling toner cartridges:
Method 1 - "Unplug and Fill"
If you are fortunate your cartridge will have a visible toner refill hole or slot sometimes covered by a plug or slider (like most Samsung and Brother toners). If this is the case all you need to do is remove the plastic plug / open the slider and pour in the new toner. You may need to use pliers or a screwdriver to remove the plug and you should be careful not to damage it or it will leak. It only takes a few minutes to refill an empty cartridge and you will find the cost of replacing toner is a fraction of the cost of buying a replacement cartridge so there's no reason not to try it.
Method 2 - "Unscrew and Fill"
Often manufacturers have designed the cartridge to make it difficult to refill (manufacturers make the majority of their profits by selling you their consumables so they don't really want you refilling toner cartridges with yourself) You may find a plastic cover “hiding” refilling plug (like on the Epson or Konica Minolta-QMS cartridges and the New Samsung ML-1610 / Ml-2010 and ML-2510) so you will have to undo some screws and remove a cover before you can get at the filler hole and you may even be forced to dismantle the cartridge (e.g. the Lexmark Optra T cartridges) before you can reach the plug however we have found that once you have successfully refilled once it only takes a few minutes the nest time.
Method 3 - "Melt and Fill"
A number of common manufacturers (particularly Hewlett Packard and Canon) have designed their cartridges to make them tricky to refill. A method has been devised and used for many years to easily work around these difficulties. This method is called the"Melt and Pour Method”. This means you generally have to melt a hole in the top of the cartridge to pour the toner powder in. Naturally the hole needs to be resealed with tape or a plastic plug before you use it however you can buy a melting tool which makes this job a lot easier.
How many times can I refill a toner cartridge?
With one or two exceptions the general rule of thumb is THREE REFILLS OF A NEW ORIGINAL CARTRIDGE before you will see a dramatic deterioration in the print output. This varies You'll then need to get the cartridge professionally remanufactured (which we can do for you). We sell quality remanufactured toner cartridges so when your cartridge finally reaches the end of its refilling life you can buy a new one and start over again, enjoying massive savings indefinitely.
How long can I store your toner?
The manufacturers state that since the toner comes in sealed bottles they will easily last 2 years (even more if you keep them stored in a dark place at temperatures not exceeding 30 degrees centigrade) so the typical office environment in this country is ideal. Simply shake the toner before using it, if it’s been left to stand for a while. Apparently it’s only in hot climates where the temperatures exceed 40 degrees that the toner will turn to a sticky tar so don’t keep it in a hot place or sit it next to a hot radiator. Also If you spill some toner whilst filling, the chances are it will be on both the cartridge and your work surface. We suggest if you're new to this you should try it outside first so you can blow away any spilt toner. A good idea is to have a dry paintbrush or duster handy to wipe off any residual powder, if you have toner on your hands or clothes wash with cold water only as hot water will melt the toner and it will set!
General Preparation
Please read the warranty and health and safety data before proceeding. In case you spill any toner place a few sheets of newspaper over your work area and keep a soft brush or duster handy to help clean up. Wear a pair of latex gloves and a dust nuisance mask. Give the toner bottle a GOOD SHAKE before opening. Remember toner powder pours like liquid so be careful DO NOT SQUEEZE THE BOTTLE, take your time and everything should be fine. If the toner stops flowing turn the bottle upright replace the lid and give it a gentle shake then continue pouring.
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