What is an OEM cartridge?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM's such as Apple, Canon, Compaq, Epson, Hewlett Packard, and Lexmark are the companies that produce your inkjet printer as well as the printer cartridge that is used in it.

What is a remanufactured cartridge?

A remanufactured cartridge is a cartridge that has been disassembled and its worn parts replaced. The printer cartridge then receives a new print head, is refilled with printer ink, and is tested in the factory to guarantee print quality. Toner cartridges can be remanufactured several times. Remanufacturing is considered more comprehensive than recharging or using an ink refill kit.

Remanufactured cartridges should not damage the copy machine or printer.

What are the components in a toner cartridge?

There are 5 major components in most laser toner toner cartridges, and each has to function in tandem with the others in order to produce a quality page. Here is a brief description of each of these components:

Drum Unit - also known as the "photoconductor unit"  or "imaging drum", this part is essential to a quality image.

Wiper Blade - the purpose of this part is to remove any excess toner from the drum unit after the image has been transferred to the page.

PCR (Primary Charge Roller) - this part is responsible for charging the drum unit so that toner will be attracted to it.

Magnetic Roller - the job of this "magnetic" part, as it's name implies, is to attract toner particles that will be transferred to the drum unit.

Doctor Blade - the Doctor Blade ensures that an even distribution of toner is allowed to adhere to the Magnetic Roller. Unused toner remains in the toner hopper.

Will refilling my cartridge void the OEM's warranty on my printer?

NO! This is a common misperception by all printer owners. OEM's have threatened in the past to void printer warranties when cartridges are refilled (or non OEM cartridges are used). Antitrust legislation in the United States prohibits manufacturers from changing their warranties if remanufactured cartridges are used in their machines.

Who remanufactures Frogfile toner cartridges?

All Frogfile toner cartridges are remanufactured by West Coast Imaging in Burnaby, British Columbia. West Coast Imaging is a leader in high quality remanufactured toner cartridges (see more below). West Coast Imaging provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all remanufactured cartridges. Each cartridge is manufactured to exceed the Original Manufacturer's specifications.  

What is the process used in remanufacturing Frogfile toner cartridges?

Most people think that a remanufactured toner cartridge is just a “refilled” cartridge, but this is far from accurate, especially for the discriminating buyer. For Laser Toner Cartridges, there are 3 ways to remanufacture cartridges - each has it's merits and, the associated costs:

Class I - typically, only toner is added to this cartridge and no parts are replaced.  Best suited for "text only" printing, this cartridge offers low cost with the risk of early failure.  Westcoast Imaging offers this cartridge by request only, and offers no guarantees on performance.

Class II - the cartridge is completely dismantled and cleaned, and all parts are inspected and replaced as required.  If the cartridge has an OEM drum, then this is replaced with an after market long life drum.

Prime Compatible - similar to a Class II cartridge, it is dismantled and completely cleaned however all parts are replaced - drum, wiper blade, doctor blade, magnetic roller and PCR.  Only high quality toner is used to make this into a superior cartridge, capable of delivering the best performance possible.

West Coast Imaging only manufactures Class II and Prime Compatible toner cartridges.

Will I sacrifice quality with a remanufactured toner cartridge?

No. Remanufactured toner cartridges from reputable companies like West Coast Imaging with good quality control perform as well as, or better than, new cartridges. West Coast Imaging guarantees that the quality of their remanufactured toner cartridges exceed that of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This is accomplished by using better parts than the original components and applying proprietary technology in the remanufacturing process. It is the precision of the proprietary process for each component of the toner cartridge that makes the difference. West Coast Imaging developed this technology and is the only company in the world that uses it. In addition, the United States Government's Standards and Test Measurements Bureau tested West Coast Imaging toner cartridges and found them to be blacker, crisper and have a higher page yield than original cartridges. When a cartridge is found to be 10% better than OEM it is deemed “Superior Compatible”. When a cartridge is found to be 10% better than “Superior” it is judged “Premium Compatible”. The ASTMB judged West Coast Imaging cartridges to be true “Premium Compatible” quality and verified that they exceeded all OEM specifications.

This leading edge technology was developed by the chairman of Westcoast Imaging, Dr. Mehran Khanjian. Educated as a nuclear physicist, he was also the vice president of Hewlett Packard at 27 years of age. To address quality control, our production manager is a recognized international ISO consultant, who developed our 32-step quality control and product enhancement procedure. Consequently, we have achieved the following results:

• Eliminating the majority of  friction inside the cartridge; consequently producing a steady output of high quality prints.
• Rebuilding and enhancing the electrical properties of the components to greater than OEM specification, resulting in superior print quality.
• Enhancing the endurance of Drum, PC and MAG roller, doctor and wiper blades, to meet and exceed OEM specification; in so doing considerably reducing risk of defect.

How much can I save using remanufactured toner cartridges?

Using remanufactured toner cartridges can save you between 30% and 60% on a cost per copy basis than non-remanufactured cartridges! Our pricing is further discounted on the presumption that we will receive a used cartridge from you for each remanufactured cartridge purchased.

What are the environmental benefits of using remanufactured toner cartridges?

Remanufacturing toner cartridges not only reduces the amount of waste from this product, but also costs less than manufacturing new cartridges, which saves you money when you buy them. Sending your used cartridges for recycling also saves you money in disposal costs.

Approximately 97% of the combined components (plastic, metal, rubber, paper, foam, and toner) in toner cartridges can be recycled. If not recycled, the plastic, made of engineering-grade polymers, takes at least 1,000 years to decompose.

Remanufactured toner cartridges minimize the disposal of these materials, conserve natural resources by eliminating the need for virgin materials, and saves energy in the remanufacturing process.

What are some tips for maximizing printer performance?

To ensure that printing and copy problems are not unjustly blamed on the toner cartridge follow these printer maintenance tips:

• Clean copy machines and printers frequently
• Load the copier with clean, dry paper and always use the recommended paper stock. Paper absorbs moisture which can cause paper jams.
• Be careful when printing labels- labels can slip into the drum and render the toner cartridge useless. Never try to clean the photoconductive drum.
• Do not remove the cartridge from its package until ready for use. The shelf life of a cartridge in an unopened package is approximately 2.5 years, while an opened package is approximately six months.
• Never touch the drum surface of a toner cartridge and always protect it from light.
• Never expose cartridges to cold or warm temperatures or extreme humidity.
• Quality counts! A poor quality remanufactured cartridge will not perform well.
• Extend the life of toner cartridges and other supplies by conserving paper and practicing efficient printing methods.

Remanufactured toner cartridges exemplify the best in environmentally preferable purchasing. They save money, reduce waste, conserve energy, and close the recycling loop- all of which works towards a safer and healthier environment.