Is toner A equal to toner B?

[chssvl]

I have a Samsung ML-1740 monochrome laser printer (burn in hell inkjet for all the pain you cased me). Very happy with it but the toner is fading and it will need a refill. Now, I could take it to my local toner refill center where they would charge me extra to do it or I could just buy the toner and fill it up myself (doesn't seem so hard from these instructions).

But is toner "homogeneous" or are there different types of toners. In other words, could I go into a store and buy any kind of toner (maybe that meant for copying machines) or should I buy a specific type of toner?

[juppy]

I'm not sure about whether all toner is "created equal" so-to-speak, but just wanted to see if you've redistributed the toner that's already in your cartridge. Sometimes laser printer cartridges will start to fade and seem like they're getting low, but you can take the cartridge out and lightly shake it around a bit and it will redistribute what toner is in there and sometimes let you print quite a few more pages with the existing cartridge contents.

[TwoRails]

I doubt it. There is a big difference in printer ink jet inks, and there was a big difference in ribbons "back in the day." I don't see why things would change now... Low quality toner could mess things up just as easy as low quality ink jet ink.

[chssvl]

Thanks for the tip juppy although I already did so.

You do have a point there twoRails. However, wouldn't toner used in heavy duty super fast copiers (which have toner cartridges designed to be refilled) actually be better?

[glc]

Not necessarily. There are differences between toners, just like there are differences between inks. If you use a toner that is not compatible with the type of laser engine you have, you may have problems.

Nothing personal, but lasers are very economical to run anyway - why are you trying to cheap out even more? Use what's designed for it. Buy genuine cartridges or refilled ones certified for that printer. Just for your info, Samsung lasers are made by Brother - and they are pretty much throwaway printers like most inkjets. Parts are not easy to get and can cost more than the whole printer. When it screws up, it's trash time. Using the wrong toner can screw it up.

[chssvl]

Well, thing is that I'm somewhat low on cash (actually VERY low on cash) and I have to save every single cent I can. Thing is that I doubt that the people at the refill center are using toner which is any better that that I could buy myself. Although a friend of mine has the same printer and has refilled many times now without any problems.

[glc]

Then you should buy the same toner your friend has been using if it's proven to work without damage.

The point is - I'm sure the refill center is not using toner any BETTER than what you can buy, but there may be a TYPE issue.

Also keep in mind that there's a drum in that cartridge too - it will eventually wear out and the cartridge will have to be replaced.

[chssvl]

I guess you're right. I should just take it there and avoid future problems.

I am aware that it can't be refilled forever though. Although I've heard from different owners that it can be safely refilled 3 times

[Panama Red]

I have a Samsung ML-1710 and I just refilled a cartridge with a toner kit. Here's where I got mine.

http://www.tonerkits.com/

[glc]

3 times sounds about right - then the drum is shot.

As long as you use the right type of toner and do it correctly, you shouldn't have a problem. After all, the shops do it.