Originally published in August 2024 Recycler Magazine: https://btpubs.co.uk/publication/?m=66190&i=826714&p=22&pre=1&ver=html5
 
In the rapidly evolving world of laser printer technology (electrophotography), the quality of toner plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency and robustness of printing processes. For remanufacturers, selecting the right toner for the application is essential to ensure customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Static Control, with over 37 years of experience in the remanufacturing of printer cartridges and 25 years commercializing monochrome and color formulations for the aftermarket, stands at the forefront of toner development. We pride ourselves on delivering top-notch toner products that meet the demands of modern energy-efficient printers. This article explores why not all toners are the same and highlights the distinctive features that set Static Control toners apart.

Proprietary Blend for Superior Performance
One of the primary reasons our toner stands out is due to a proprietary internal additive blend that is mixed with the other toner raw materials prior to extrusion. This unique recipe is the result of extensive research and development, ensuring that our toners provide consistent, high-quality prints regardless of the printer speed, fusing conditions, matching OEM performance. This Static Control exclusive premix not only enhances the toner’s performance but also ensures compatibility with a wide range of printers, offering a superior alternative to standard aftermarket toners. This advantage is crucial for remanufacturers seeking to offer reliable and high-performance products to their customers.

Optimal for Energy-Efficient Printers
The shift towards energy-efficient printers has posed significant challenges for many aftermarket toner providers. Most newer laser printers require toners that fuse at lower temperatures to maintain their energy-efficient operation. Moreover, OEMs continue to push desktop lasers to faster and faster print speeds while maintaining the same footprint. At Static Control, our toners are specifically designed to meet these aggressive lower energy requirements. This approach works exceptionally well in energy-efficient printers, ensuring that users can maintain their green initiatives without compromising on print quality. This compatibility is a testament to our commitment to staying up-to-date with technological advancements and market trends, providing remanufacturers with a product that meets current and future market needs.
 
Exclusive Availability
Our proprietary toner premix blend is a hallmark of Static Control and is exclusively available through our channels. This exclusivity ensures that our customers receive a product that is not only unique but also backed by our extensive toner development experience and quality assurance processes. By choosing Static Control toners, remanufacturers can be confident in the distinct advantages and reliability that our products offer, setting their products apart in a competitive market.

Anticipating Market Trends
As sustainability, energy savings and reuse gains momentum, especially in Europe, the demand for low-energy printers is expected to rise. Static Control is well-prepared to meet this growing demand. Our toners are designed to perform optimally in these eco-friendly devices, making them an ideal choice for businesses and individuals committed to sustainability. Additionally, our toners are formulated to mix well with OEM toners in select printers, providing flexibility and ensuring seamless integration with existing printing systems. This foresight allows remanufacturers to offer solutions that align with market trends and environmental standards.

High-Quality Cartridges
Static Control doesn’t just focus on the toner; we also ensure that our cartridges are filled with the same exclusive high-performance toner formulations. Our cartridge BOMs are designed around these robust recipes. This attention to detail guarantees that every print is of the highest quality, providing clear, sharp, and consistent results. Our comprehensive approach to toner and cartridge development ensures that users experience the full benefits of our advanced toner technology, giving remanufacturers a product they can confidently supply to their customers.

Rigorous Quality Testing
Quality assurance is at the core of our operations. Each batch of toner undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets our stringent performance standards. This meticulous testing process involves evaluating various aspects of the toner, including fuse grade, image density, background reflectance, consumption, transfer efficiency and overall print quality. By maintaining such high standards, we ensure that our customers receive a product that performs reliably and efficiently. This dedication to quality gives remanufacturers the confidence to deliver superior products.

Decades of Expertise
With over 37 years of experience in toner development and component expertise, Static Control has a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in creating high-performance formulations, from the binder resin to the colorant, to the release system and finally the complicated surface treatment package. Our long-standing presence in the industry has allowed us to refine our processes continually and stay ahead of technological advancements. This extensive knowledge base is reflected in the quality and reliability of our toner products, providing remanufacturers with a partner that understands their needs and challenges.
 
The Hidden Costs of Choosing the Wrong Toner: Why Quality Matters
When it comes to selecting toner for remanufacturing, the initial cost savings from choosing a lower-priced alternative can be tempting. However, the consequences of using inferior toner can far outweigh the short-term financial benefits. In this section, we explore the potential problems that arise from getting your toner choice wrong and how these issues can impact overall printing quality, efficiency, and cost.

Lower Page Yields: The Hidden Expense
One of the most significant issues with using low-quality toner is the potential for reduced page yields. Toners that are not specifically formulated for a printer can lead to high toner consumption and lower than desired transfer efficiency, requiring premature cartridge and/or imaging unit replacements. Although the initial cost of a cheaper toner might be lower ($/kg), the need to replace cartridges more frequently increases your overall expenses ($/cartridge). Static Control’s proprietary toners are designed to maximise page yields while achieving similar image density to the OEM new cartridge, ensuring that you get the most out of every cartridge and avoid unnecessary expenditures.

Poor Fusing: Compromised Print Quality
The fusing step, where the toner particles are melted into the paper fibers is a critical part of the electrophtographic process. Poor-quality toners often fail to fuse properly, resulting in prints that are prone to smudging, fading, and poor adhesion. This not only affects the readability and professionalism of documents but also can lead to reprinting, further wasting time and resources. Also inadequate fusing toners may become stuck to the fuser and/or back-up roll resulting in offsetting on subsequent pages or worse yet damage to the fuser from paper jams. Static Control’s toner is engineered to fuse like the OEM, particularly in energy-efficient printers that operate at lower temperatures, providing crisp, durable prints every time.

Increased Printer Wear and Tear
Using the wrong toner can lead to increased wear and tear on your printer. Inferior toner formulations can produce excessive dust, which can accumulate inside the printer causing jams. Over time, this can damage critical printer components, leading to more frequent maintenance and a shorter lifespan for the printer itself. Furthermore, low quality toner can wear out the photoconductor and/or mag roller prematurely or build up on the pre-charge roller, resulting in high background and print quality defects. This can increase the manufacturer’s costs by preventing the use of the OEM one-cycle components. The proprietary premixes that Static Control uses in its exclusive toner formulations are designed to mimic the OEM toner’s tribocharge characteristics and minimize dusting and component wear, protecting your printer and extending its life.
 
The Illusion of Savings: Quality Over Quantity
While it might seem like you are saving money by purchasing cheaper toner, the reality is that these savings are often illusory. The lower page yields, poor print quality, and increased printer maintenance associated with subpar toners can lead to higher overall costs per page. Businesses may find themselves spending more on additional cartridges, maintenance, and even printer replacements due to the accelerated wear and tear caused by inferior toner formulations.

Ensuring Top Performance with Static Control
Choosing Static Control toner ensures that you are investing in quality and reliability. Our toners are rigorously tested to meet the highest standards, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. By using a toner that is specifically formulated for energy-efficient printers and rigorously quality-tested, you can avoid the pitfalls associated with lower-quality alternatives.

Long-Term Benefits of Quality Toner
Investing in high-quality toner from Static Control offers several long-term benefits:

• Consistency and Reliability: Our toners provide consistent print quality, ensuring that all documents are clear and professional.
• Cost Efficiency: Higher page yields and reduced need for reprints and maintenance result in overall cost savings.
• Printer Longevity: By reducing wear and tear, our toners help extend the lifespan of your printer, providing better value for your investment.
• Environmental Impact: Fewer cartridge replacements and less printer downtime contribute to a lower environmental footprint, aligning with green initiatives.

Making the Right Choice
The choice of toner plays a crucial role in the overall efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of the printing process. While the allure of cheaper toner might be strong, the long-term consequences of getting your toner choice wrong can be costly and damaging. Static Control’s proprietary toner premixes, tailored for modern energy-efficient printers, ensures top performance, reliability, and value. By investing in our high-quality toner, you are making a choice that benefits your business, your printer, and the environment.
The quality of toner is not just about immediate cost savings; it’s about ensuring the best performance and longevity of your products and meeting customer needs. With Static Control, remanufacturers can be confident that they are making the right choice for superior toner products, ultimately enhancing their reputation and customer satisfaction.
 
Visit our customer portal to search our expansive toner offering.