Canon® EX (LJ4/LJ5)

Reference Info
Laser Printers featuring the EX engine are among the best-selling workgroup printers and have been produced in higher numbers than any other printer in the 1990's. HP was the first to introduce the EX engine in the LaserJet® 4, an 8 ppm desktop printer featuring 600 dpi. Replacing the discontinued SX-based LaserJet III, the LJ4 offered more printer for less money than the SX ($2,199)improved paper handling, greater paper capacity, TrueType® compatibility and a smaller footprint. HP later introduced two 12 ppm models based on the EX engine; the LaserJet 4Plus (1994) and the LaserJet 5 (1996). Only two months after the unveiling of the LaserJet 4, Apple® introduced its version of the EX engine in the 8 ppm LaserWriter Pro® 600/630 printers. Like the SX cartridge, the EX cartridge made a significant impact on the remanufacturing industry in terms of the cartridge's wide-spread use and ease of remanufacturing. The cartridge has gone through several design changes over the years. A change in seal material and the addition of a post in the entry of the sealing channel prevented the use of insertable seals and fueled the need for a reliable splitting and sealing system. Changes in OEM cartridge pricing, capacities and packaging have been frequent.