Toner Storage

How should toner be stored to be functional and usable anytime? This is a question that many users like to buy in order to have a new cartridge at hand whenever they need it.

Often, so particularly cheap deals can be used and costs saved. Often, however, it is offices, smaller and larger companies, who want to know what to consider when storing toners. With a fleet of several laser devices, they must replace toner cartridges over and over again to ensure smooth operation during operation! It is understandable that orders are made here on a larger scale. We have compiled and answered the most frequently asked questions about toner storage for you:

Does toner have a sell-by date?

A sell-by date is rarely specified for toner cartridges. This is mainly because toner powder - unlike consumables such as food - contains no biological ingredients that can spoil over time. How long toner can be used, therefore depends primarily on the type of storage.

On most cartridges a date of manufacture is printed, on which users can orient themselves. For example, at HP, this measure is a numeric code, which, when read backwards, gives the exact date of manufacture.

How long is toner durable?

An absolute number does not exist - only a theoretical durability limit, which corresponds approximately to the guarantee period. When properly stored, this information may be exceeded by years: even after 10 years, toner may still be completely operational! However, caution is advised when the toner is counterfeit, the composition of which is unclear. Even unpacked toner or cartridges whose original packaging has been damaged may be affected in their durability.

Can I still use toner if the warranty has expired?

Toner from brand manufacturers, but also recycled toner is often supplied with a warranty of at least 2 years. High-quality alternative toners like those from Prindo even have a warranty period of 3 years. However, it is usually not a problem to use the cartridges after this time - provided they have been stored professionally and in their original packaging.

Is a toner broken at some point?

The airtight packaging of the toner basically ensures the greatest possible protection of all time-critical components; A cartridge can become unusable if stored incorrectly. The toner powder itself is very resistant: it consists of color pigments, resin particles, carbon, metal oxides and release agents such as silica, and unlike ink, it can not dry out.

Only the plastic parts can eventually become brittle and brittle. The rubber, which is processed in some lots, ages over time and then causes stripes and streaks in the printing process. But until that happens, more than 2, 3 years have to pass!

Where and how should I store toner?

Especially important when storing toner are temperature, humidity and light as well as the correct position of the cartridges:

  • The temperature
    For storage, a temperature of not more than 35 ° C and not less than 10 ° C is recommended. If the temperatures are too high, there is a risk of the toner powder starting to lump and becoming unusable! Be sure to avoid strong temperature changes as well. It may create tiny droplets in the cartridge that moisturize the powder and reduce its ability to function.

  • Humidity
    Between 30 and 80% humidity recommend manufacturers of toner for the storage room, ideally 40 to 50%. Good ventilation and sufficient air circulation also help to prevent the formation of mold and condensation. It should be noted, of course, that the information relates primarily to the storage of the unpacked cartridges - the airtight packaging of toner protects them usually from the influence of humidity in the environment.

  • The light
    Avoid direct sunlight and light sources with intense radiation during storage! Both can damage a toner cartridge: The black surface of many toners is very heat-sensitive and heats up quickly. Especially the resin particles in the toner powder and the sensitive photoconductors react sensitively to strong and continuous light incidence.

  • The location
    A toner should never be stored vertically, but always in a horizontal position - just as you later use it in the laser printer. If a cartridge has been stored edgewise before it is inserted into the printer, a gentle shaking is often enough to distribute the toner particles evenly and loosely in the toner.

Is there a difference in storage between Rebuilt Toner and Original Toner?

Not if one relies on reputable manufacturers of rebuilt toners such as Prindo: Here, the constituents and thus the requirements of the storage conditions are almost identical. Trusted vendors of alternative toner also make sure that all cartridges are as airtight and protected from light as the originals. This creates the best conditions for the correct storage and long-term use of the products.

What happens if I have already torn open the packaging film, but do not use the toner immediately?

Best place the cartridge horizontally back in the packaging and store it according to our instructions as well as the packaged goods. As long as humidity and temperature are right, the quality of the toner powder should not be damaged.

Is it harmful to my health if I store a lot of cartridges with me?

As long as toner is stored in the original packaging, there is no danger, no matter how many toners you have in stock. But even open toner is harmful to health only in large quantities: It is important that rooms are sufficiently ventilated with laser printers and the openings on the printer remain as closed as possible in order to keep the release of toner dust in the air low. In any case, the topic of toner dust only really relevant when the toner is unpacked and used in the laser device!