TITLE
    LaserWriter: Toner Cartridge Life
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		18014
6/26/95
9/21/98
TOPIC

    Why is there such a difference between the rated life of the LaserWriter toner cartridges and the actual life that I experience?

DISCUSSION

    It is nearly impossible to provide accurate toner cartridge life information because there are many variables affecting the toner requirements for a document. The formatting of the document, font type, and the inclusion of graphics significantly change the toner requirements.

    To provide information about the average life of a toner cartridge, many manufacturers provide consumers with the expected number of pages that can be printed assuming a specific toner density. For instance, the LaserWriter 16/600 PS toner cartridge is expected to last 6,000 pages at 5% coverage. An average double-spaced Letter or A4 page using a single, monospaced font has a density close to 5%. Making a simple modification to the document, such as changing the font or making it bold, may increase the actual density value to 6% or 7%. Changing from a double-spaced to a single-spaced format doubles the amount of toner used.

    Because most customers print a variety of different documents, the actual page life of a toner cartridge may vary significantly. For example, with a page density of 5%, the LaserWriter 16/600 PS has a rated life of 6,000 pages. However, if a solid black page (100% density) is printed, then the cartridge will run out of toner after approximately 300 pages [6,000 pages/(100%/5%)]. It is unusual to print solid black pages during normal use so most customers will experience a toner life somewhere between the two extremes.

    Many laser printers also have the capability to adjust the toner density using a manual adjustment or software tool such as the Apple Printer Utility. Consult the printer's manual for more detailed information on changing the settings.

    The chart below provides the approximate number of pages for the toner cartridges in each of these LaserWriter printers listed.
    Printer
    Part #
    Yield (5% coverage
    LaserWriter Pro 810 (Extended Capacity)
    M3602G/A
    13,000
    LaserWriter Pro 600, 630, and 16/600 PS
    M2473G/A
    6,000
    LaserWriter 12/640 PS
    M4683G/A
    6,000
    LaserWriter II series
    M6002 (new)
    4,000
    M2795G/A (remftd)
    4,000
    LaserWriter Select 300, 310, and 360
    M1960G/A
    4,000
    LaserWriter and LaserWriter Plus
    M0180
    4,000
    Personal LaserWriter LS, SC, NT, and NTR
    M0089LL/A
    3,000
    Personal LaserWriter 300, 320, and 4/600 PS
    M2045G/A
    3,000
    Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS
    Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS
    Cyan M3757G/A
    4,000
    Magenta M3760G/A
    4,000
    Yellow M3758G/A
    4,000
    Black M3756G/A
    4,000
    LaserWriter 8500
    M5893G/A
    High-Capacity Toner Cartridge
    14,000

Document Information
Product Area: Printers
Category: LaserWriters
Sub Category: General Topics

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