Toner 101 - What you didn't know you need to know about toner (repost)

Toner 101

Five things you didn't know you wanted to know about toner cartridges.

If you are reading this blog than, like most of us, you work around printers and toner everyday. But, you don't really think about toner unless you have a problem, or need supplies. Here i have listed some of the most common frequently asked questions about toner and brief answers to those questions.

What is toner anyway?
Toner is a powdery substance made from pigment dyes (black, cyan, magents or yellow) and plastic. Manufacturers use plastic because it melts as the paper is passed through the fuser to provide a sharp, lasting image on the paper.


What is a remanufactured cartridge?
A remanufactured toner cartridge is a cartridge that has been rebuilt using some components of a recycled toner cartridge, mixed with new parts. This allows manufacturers to recycle individual parts whilst only reusing the large core of the cartridge itself. Remanufactured cartridges, though purposefully given a bad name by OEM's (such as Lexmark or HP) are essentially the same thing as the OEM name-brand cartridges. In fact, many OEM companies include return labels in their boxes - what do YOU think they do with the returned cartridges? That's right, the remanufacture them and sell them as new. (seewww.envirotoneimaging.com/quality for more information on this process)

Do remanufactured cartridges perform as well as the OEM?
YES, in most cases they do. Assuming the company carries ISO9001 Certification and STMC Compliant status during manufacturing, you can rest assured a remanufactured cartridge will perform as well as the OEM brand name cartridge. They also yield the same number as pages as their OEM counterparts; in some cases more as remanufacturers might provide high yield and extended yield cartridges not available with "HP's" name on the box. (www.envirotoneimaging.com/quality)

Will a remanufactured toner cartridge void my printers warranty?
NO, though many OEM's claim otherwise, in effort to drive their own sales, using a remanufactured toner cartridge will NOT void your printers warranty. This is due to the Magnuson Moss Act (1972) which prohibits any manufacturer from requiring use of their end-user supplies unless they are provided for free. (www.envirotoneimaging.com/guarantee)

What is the best way to remove toner from my clothes?
Do NOT use hot water! Hot water will cause they plastics in the toner to soften and bind the pigment tot he fibers of your clothes. Rinse any toner with COLD water and avoid brushing or rubbing the stained portion of the clothing. Before rinsing, try to loosen the particles by removing form water and gently shaking.

For more information on toner cartridges, any questions, or to search for remanufactured (or OEM) cartridges at a great price - please visit
http://www.EnviroTone Imaging.com

So you want to go green?

You've heard the news:

Staples is building a new green retail stores.

GM and Chevy Release the Chevy Volt at 230 MPG.

General Electric just released the latest line of energy efficient lighting and low-flow water devices.

But, how does this affect you? What can you do to continually go green in YOUR workplace?

Sure, you can urge your boss to tear down the existing structure and build a leaner, meaner, greener workplace. Maybe you can convince whomever is in charge of your companies car fleet to turn in the Hummers and buy a herd of Chevy Volts. And, yes you can easily convince the building maintenance department to install energy efficient light bulbs and low-flow water saving faucets, cash willing. But, lets be honest with each other - that costs additional monies that most American companies don't currently have.

What if I told you that your company can start going green AND save money at the same time? No, I'm not going to tell you to make sales calls in the dark. Nor am I going to recommend that your accounting department send out a memo stating you can save $50 a week in water and sewage charges by only flushing solid waste. That would be plain silly.

Here are a few simple tips on how you can hello your company "go green" with out spending a penny.

- Unplug your "work-only" emergency cell phone charger.

- Don't print often? Unplug your printer. (Better yet, take it off your desk all together and use a community printer)

- Turn off that extra lamp you like so much that drowns out florescent lighting.

- Have a window? Turn OFF your light and open the window!

- Bring a live plant to work and put it on your desk. It will help remove Carbon dioxide from the air, every little bit helps.

- visit www.envirotoneimaging.com and save money and the environment when buying office (and personal) toner and printing supplies.

Now that you have a few ideas, bring them to your boss. Maybe he can help you make this a company-wide effort. Perhaps you'll get a promotion or perhaps that new fuel efficient company car you've been asking for.