Glossary
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- Blue AngelBlue Angel is a German eco-label that certifies environmentally friendly products and services, meeting strict criteria for sustainability and reduced environmental impact. It promotes energy efficiency, resource conservation, and adherence to health and safety standards. The label helps(...)
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- Chemically Produced TonerChemically produced toner, also known as chemically-grown toner (CGT) or polymerised toner, is a more recent advancement in toner technology. It is manufactured through a chemical process, and the toner particles are chemically grown to precise shapes and sizes. The key features of chemically(...)
- ChipsMany modern toner cartridges come with a microchip or smart chip that communicates with the printer to provide information about the toner level and other cartridge-related data. This chip helps the printer monitor the toner level and provides alerts when the cartridge needs replacement.
- Cost Per CopyCost Per Copy (CPC) is a financial metric used in the context of Managed Print Services (MPS) or printer leasing agreements. It represents the cost incurred by an organisation for each copy or print made on a specific printing device, such as a printer, copier, or multifunction device.
- CounterfeitingProduct counterfeiting refers to the act of creating, distributing, or selling imitation goods that are designed to appear identical to genuine products, typically well-known brands. These counterfeit goods are made to deceive consumers into believing they are purchasing the genuine item when,(...)
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- Developer RollerThe developer roller is responsible for applying the toner powder onto the photoreceptor drum. It has a magnetic core that attracts the toner particles and delivers them to the drum surface.
- Doctor BladeThe doctor blade is a metal or plastic blade that controls the amount of toner on the developer roller. It ensures that a precise and consistent layer of toner is applied to the roller, promoting uniform toner distribution on the drum's surface.
- Dye-Based InkDye-based ink is the more traditional and commonly used type of ink in desktop inkjet printers. It is made from water-soluble dyes that dissolve in the ink carrier (usually water) to create a coloured liquid. Dye-based inks are known for their vibrant colours and smooth colour blending, which(...)
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- Empty CartridgesEmpty Cartridge (virgin): A virgin empty printer cartridge refers to an OEM-branded used laser or inkjet cartridge that has not been previously remanufactured or refilled. It is essentially a used empty cartridge shell without any ink or toner inside. Empty Cartridge (non-virgin): A(...)
- ETIRAETIRA is the European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association. It represents companies involved in remanufacturing and refilling printer cartridges in Europe. ETIRA promotes the environmental benefits of remanufactured cartridges and advocates for the industry at the EU and national(...)
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- False AdvertisingFalse advertising refers to the practice of promoting goods, services, or products through deceptive or misleading information. It involves making false or exaggerated claims about the features, benefits, quality, or performance of a product or service to entice consumers into making a(...)
- Fuser AssemblyA printer fuser assembly is a crucial component found in laser printers and photocopiers. It plays a vital role in the printing process by permanently fusing the toner powder onto the paper, ensuring that the printed images and text remain fixed and do not smudge or rub off easily. The fuser(...)
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- Inkjet CartridgeThere are primarily two main types of inkjet printer technologies: thermal inkjet and piezoelectric inkjet. Both technologies work based on the principle of ejecting tiny droplets of ink onto the paper to create images and text. However, they employ different methods to achieve this. See(...)
- Inkjet Printer InkIn desktop inkjet printers, two main types of inks are commonly used: dye-based ink and pigment-based ink. Each type of ink has its unique properties and characteristics, making them suitable for different printing needs. See dye-based ink and pigment-based ink.
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- Magnetic RollerThe magnetic roller, also called the toner supply roller, helps regulate the flow of toner from the toner reservoir in the cartridge to the developer roller. It ensures a consistent and controlled supply of toner during the printing process.
- Managed Print ServicesManaged Print Services (MPS) is a comprehensive approach to managing an organisation's printing infrastructure and document output needs more efficiently and cost-effectively. It involves outsourcing the management of printing devices, supplies, and document workflows to a third-party provider.
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- Nordic SwanNordic Swan is an eco-label used in Nordic countries to certify environmentally friendly products and services. It considers factors like resource conservation, energy efficiency, emissions control, and waste reduction. The label helps consumers choose sustainable options and encourages(...)
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- OPC DrumAn Organic Photoconductor (OPC) drum, also known as a photoreceptor or imaging drum, is a critical component used in laser printers and copiers. Its primary function is to capture and hold an electrostatic image of the document or image that needs to be printed or copied. The OPC drum is a(...)
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- Passing OffPassing off is a legal concept related to intellectual property and unfair competition. It occurs when one party misrepresents or falsely presents its goods, services, or business as those of another party, causing confusion or deception among consumers. For instance, passing off a new(...)
- Piezoelectric Inkjet TechnologyPiezoelectric inkjet technology is less common in consumer-grade printers but is often used in industrial and commercial applications where higher print volumes and specialised requirements are necessary. This technology utilises piezoelectric crystals to eject ink droplets from the print(...)
- Pigment-Based InkPigment-based ink is an alternative type of ink used in some desktop inkjet printers. It contains microscopic solid pigment particles suspended in a liquid carrier. Pigment-based inks offer distinct advantages, such as increased durability and resistance to fading, making them suitable for(...)
- Primary Charge RollerThe primary charge roller (PCR) is used to apply a uniform electrostatic charge to the photoreceptor drum. It ensures that the drum's surface remains positively charged before the laser or light exposure creates the latent image.
- PCRThe primary charge roller (PCR) is used to apply a uniform electrostatic charge to the photoreceptor drum. It ensures that the drum's surface remains positively charged before the laser or light exposure creates the latent image.
- Print Head MovementAs with thermal inkjet printers, there are two options where either the print head moves across the paper, depositing the ink droplets in precise patterns to create the final image or text. Or, page-wide ink printing, also known as fixed print head technology, is a relatively newer and(...)
- Pulverised TonerPulverised (Conventional) Toner: Pulverised toner is the traditional type of toner that has been used in laser printers and copiers for many years. It is made through a mechanical process that involves grinding and crushing larger toner particles into fine powder. The key features of(...)
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- Residual ValueResidual value, also known as salvage value or residual worth, is a financial concept that refers to the estimated value of an asset (copier, printer etc.) at the end of its useful life or lease term. It represents the expected worth of the asset after it has been fully depreciated, used, or(...)
- RoHSRoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances and is an EU directive that restricts hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment to reduce environmental and health risks during disposal and recycling. It limits the use of specific substances, promoting the development of(...)
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- The RecyclerThe Recycler is a publication and online platform dedicated to the imaging industry and the printer consumables sector. It provides news, insights, and analysis related to printer and copier technology, recycling, remanufacturing, and the aftermarket industry.
- Thermal Inkjet TechnologyThermal inkjet printers are the most common type of inkjet printers found in homes and offices. This technology uses a heating element to create small vapour bubbles inside the ink cartridge, leading to the ejection of ink droplets onto the paper. Here's how it works: Ink Cartridges: Thermal(...)
- Toner CartridgeA toner cartridge is a replaceable component in a laser printer or copier that contains the toner powder used to produce images and text on paper. The specific parts of a toner cartridge may vary slightly depending on the printer model and manufacturer.
- Toner HopperThe toner hopper or reservoir is a compartment in the toner cartridge that holds the bulk of the toner powder. The toner is stored here until it is needed for printing.
- Toner PowderThe toner powder is the primary component of the toner cartridge. It consists of fine, dry particles that carry the pigments or dyes responsible for creating the images and text on paper. There are different types of toner powder. See pulverised and chemical toner.
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- Waste Toner ContainerSome toner cartridges have a waste toner container, which collects excess toner that is not used during the printing process. This container needs to be replaced or emptied when it becomes full.
- WEEEWEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. It refers to a category of waste that includes all electrical and electronic equipment that has reached the end of its life or is no longer useful. WEEE can encompass a wide range of items, such as printer consumables, printer(...)
- Wiper BladeThe wiper blade is a rubber or plastic blade that cleans excess toner from the surface of the photoreceptor drum after each printing cycle. It ensures that the drum is free from residual toner before the next image is formed.
