Is a remanufactured laser toner cartridge as good as a new OEM cartridge?

Does a remanufactured laser toner cartridge have the level of quality of an original OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cartridge? This is a question that is repeatedly asked and yet has no definitive answer. There are two different camps of thought. The OEM camp will adamantly insist that an OEM cartridge is the best while the other camp insists that a  remanufactured laser toner cartridge is just as good and less expensive. To be sure there are merits to both ways of thinking and ultimately only you can decide what's right for you once you know the facts. 

What is a remanufactured laser toner cartridge?

A remanufactured laser toner cartridge consists of an original empty laser toner cartridge or OEM cartridge that has been cleaned, rebuilt with remanufactured or new parts, filled with toner and then tested to meet the specifications of the OEM manufacturer or the original manufacturer. That is the technical definition, however, the real world experience may be something less than that. 

Technically remanufactured laser toner cartridges meet industry standards but the reality is that there is a difference between remanufacturers as to which critical components of the laser toner cartridge are actually new and which are reconditioned. For example, is the organic photoconductive (OPC) drum within the cartridge new or remanufactured. What about the fuser unit? New or remanufactured? Most of the stainless steel and plastic components can be recycled almost indefinitely as well.   

Obviously, there are differences among remanufactured laser toner cartridge manufacturers and there are questions you need to ask such as:

• What percentage of the component parts are new and what percentage are recycled or remanufactured?

• Of those components recycled or remanufactured how good is the quality? Have industry standards been met?

• The critical components such as the OPC drum should either be new or rebuilt to the highest possible standards. Unfortunately, some manufacturers will try to cut corners and this could result in higher than normal failure rates.

For your next purchase you should now have a good idea as to what basic questions to ask.  A reputable merchant will always offer you a limited guarantee or money back offer in the event you are dissatisfied or your cartridge fails. Be sure to ask for it.  

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