You cannot produce a quality cartridge without the utilization of quality components and sub-assemblies. The Quality Assurance and Quality Control departments lead the remanufacturing industry by embracing world class quality management system and by using tried and true inspection techniques. Components that do not meet our manufacturing standards (which exceed industry standards), are unacceptable, rejected, and the supplier is given notice by way of a request for corrective action. MSE cartridges will never compromise quality, regardless of cost.

Our manufacturers research has concluded that a number of aftermarket PCR’s and magnetic sleeves do not meet our acceptance standards, further; the reuse of OEM components is risky and unpredictable. MSE’s Mechanical and Chemical engineers developed a proprietary multi stage treatment process that produces a better and more consistent print than any other aftermarket or reused OEM component combination. Our chemically treated components have been qualified to perform in multiple duty cycles, but are still only used once.

Toner serves two purposes in the image re-production process: a) the formulation adheres to the paper by being thermally fused, creating the graphical images and text; and b) it also acts as a lubricant to reduce friction between moving parts such as the spinning OPC drum and the semi-abrasive surfaces that it comes into contact with. While “conventional” toner may be satisfactory in most cases, manufacturing specifies what we consider to be a superior grade of Toners. The resulting proprietary formulas are finer, (consistent particle size that supports better resolution), adheres to the paper better, (leaches into paper fibers that anchors the toner), and lubricates the drum, (that maintains print quality and extended life) for optimal performance. Our custom formulated toner is chemically and electrically matched to each cartridge engine system.

We do not reuse or recoat OPC drums. We feel that a high quality replacement drum provides a dependable method to assure quality; so we replace every cartridge we manufacture with a brand new drum. Manufacturing uses only grade “A” drums. We do not accept factory seconds, off spec versions, flawed, or knock-off substitutions. In many cases, they negotiate directly with drum manufacturers to produce drums to our exact specifications. This kind of business relationship affords us the exclusivity of these drums and thereby is not available to anyone else.

Our manufacturing replaces all wiper blades, doctor blades, and sealing blades with new ones. These blades are produced to our design criteria; they furnish drawings produced by their engineers that are furnished to the suppliers that produce them, their quality assurance inspectors and production personnel, to assure compliance. Statistical samples are placed under first article inspection, and functionality life testing. In addition, each new wiper blade is treated with our manufacturing proprietary Anti-Flip Lubricant.

Every (empty) cartridge received is scrutinized and sorted into classifications. Those cartridges found to have damage or evidence of previous remanufacturing are segregated from the virgin empties, and are subjected to further inspection, and subsequent cannibalization. There are inspection personnel that are independent from manufacturing, and have direct access to top management regarding inspection activities and grading methods. Cartridges are pre-qualified, packaged, palletized, and stored in a manner that is designed to maintain the reliability of the cartridges. Although these cartridges will be inspected several more times before shipment, this pre-qualification supports material requirements planning, and consistent productivity.

Our manufacturing evaluates every batch of toner prior to manufacturing. We require a disciplined lot control management system from our suppliers, which includes the retention of “Hold-Back” samples at the suppliers location for traceability on delivered lots. We also require unique lot numbers on each toner container. When a new toner lot arrives it is staged in a bonded and securely controlled location. Random samples are removed, poured through a military specification sieve which will display indications of foreign material and or unacceptably large toner particles. If found acceptable, the affected toner is loaded into its corresponding cartridge(s), some toner will react differently depending on which cartridge is used. Engine speeds, feed rates, voltage levels, and melt points must be evaluated on a “by cartridge” basis. Any irregularities discovered require an independent set of testing by manufacturing’s Toner Laboratory which determines the root cause of the subsequent rejection.

As previously stated the Primary Charge Rollers (PCRs) are thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and tested for conductivity, (intermittent voltage or a high resistance will dramatically affect print quality). We also perform eddy current, Foucault testing (to detect minute surface variations), and powerful microscopic visual inspection. This chemical treating process has strengthened these PCRs to be able to last through two additional life cycles. MSE guarantees that these PCRs will perform beyond expectation in the most extreme printing conditions.

Every wiper blade, doctor blade, sealing blade, and toner hopper seal is installed by a trained, qualified assembly technician, or is under the direct supervision of a team leader and or a company training officer.

All new manufacturing employees are trained in each aspect of the cartridge assembly process from the very beginning to the last step. Existing manufacturing employees receive refresher training when quality becomes an issue or when a team requires cross training for an unfamiliar or new cartridge release. Every new product release includes written build instructions with diagrams or photographs to ensure that each step is completed correctly. Each assembly station or cell is held accountable for the performance and quality of every cartridge that they build. Every assembler, technician, and inspector at manufacturing is encouraged to review the previous assembly step before performing their function. Accept and reject data is collected, rendered graphically, and shared with the production teams. A dynamic compensation program based on productivity and the percentage of acceptance motivates team members to perform at remarkable rates that are competitive internationally.

When filling a toner hopper we have discovered that more is not necessarily better, in some cartridges over-filling the toner hopper may sound like a good idea, but consider the waste hopper and its’ capacity, it is designed to hold only so much toner residue. When it becomes full, any excess toner after that will begin to accumulate in the printer cartridge bay. That is precisely why we have our cartridges weighed before and after filling; even though our manufacturing process utilizes calibrated, automated filling machines that regulate toner loads.

We replace components wherever an existing component could affect print quality or operational functionality.

Every premium cartridge is print tested, twenty or more pages consisting of solid area density, (Black), Background Haze, (White), text, graphics, grey scale, and five percent test patterns which are then examined by the post production print tester, and re-evaluated by an independent quality control inspector.

Each completed cartridge undergoes a multiple-step final inspection process including as applicable: shutter door operation, turning and visual inspection of the OPC drum, verification of the type, operation of, and location of the page count and print status memory chip, visual inspection of the various blades and seals, the general condition of the cartridge, end-pieces, hardware, aesthetic condition, and then a vigorous shaking of the cartridge is performed to determine if the toner hopper has been compromised, or if any toner remains from the post production print test.

For our premium line of cartridges manufactured by MSE, at the packaging stations the cartridge is again looked-over to verify cartridge integrity, and the test pages are reviewed one last time before the packaging process begins. Our cartridges are sealed in easy-to-open moisture and light proof bags, and then placed in easy-to-open, full color, lithographic boxes. Custom molded (foam in place) end-caps are produced on demand in real-time. They are created in molding fixtures designed to fit each cartridge. This packaging method is robust, cost effective, and safeguards the cartridges all the way to the end-user. Included in every applicable carton are fuser wiper wands, and product specific instructions. The easy-to-open pull strip allows the box to be opened without the use of any implements. In addition, it is re-sealable, no tape is required when repackaging. All MSE branded toner products clearly state information about our full warranty on the outside of our packaging.

To ensure that our premium products continue to meet or exceed OEM grade expectations, products are removed from our finished goods inventory, post packaging, final inspection, and directly from the production lines. The cartridges are randomly selected and manufacturing dates and batch numbers are recorded. Life testing is performed, where a cartridge is placed into a printer, and paper is printed out until the toner is exhausted. During this life test, a series of differing test patterns consisting of a solid black, solid white, text and graphics are printed out at intervals between a five percent coverage page consisting of alphanumeric characters evenly spaced across the entire printable area. This combination of Test Targets is designed to reveal print defects ranging from ghosting, (a background haze on the white page), drum defects, (on all pages, but exemplified on the black page), and many other defects that repeat at measured intervals, and reveal anomalies related to one of the major components in a cartridge engine. Premium cartridges also go through battery of tests for cartridges that place them under extreme conditions. Engineers perform testing in severe temperature cycles, varying percentages of humidity, atmospheric pressure and vacuum. We wants to be sure that our premium cartridges will perform well in any environment not just under standard office conditions. Our manufacturing has formulated toner that exhibits performance characteristics that perform consistently better than conventional ones in these extreme conditions. They also simulate conditions that reflect shipping and transportation environments. Our box and foam end-cap combination is designed to survive 30 foot drop tests. We have a fixed displacement vibration table that exceeds the vibrations of any turbulent flight, rutted or potholed road. Whether we’re shipping across the county or overseas, our product will arrive intact.

TMA Laser Group’s manufacturer, MSE, recently received certification for Standardized Testing from the International Imaging Technology Council. This STMC certification includes:

• Package Integrity per: ISTA 1A
• Standard Practice for Determining Toner Usage for Printer Cartridges, (ASTM F 1856)
• Density Measurement, Geometric Conditions for Reflection Density, (ANSI IT2.17)
• Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Larger Area Density and Background on Electro-photographic Printers, (ASTM F 2036)

Most recently we have become ISO 14000 compliant, and eventually receive third party accreditation. Many materials used to produce TMA’s products that are not sold, such as: ABS plastic, paper, cardboard, and secondary waste materials are recycled. And we are pleased to produce a product that has a seventy-five percent post-consumer valuation.

I recently spoke to an IT manager at a major University who told me “I only use new HP cartridges!” It amazes me how many professionals who spend thousands of dollars on HP Laserjet cartridges each month still think they are getting a brand-new product. Let me be clear, HP makes a great product – but it is not brand new! Don’t take my word for it, grab a box and look for these words, “Designated parts that meet HP’s original design specifications for high quality and reliable performance may have been selectively recovered through HP’s return and recycling program.”

You will find this disclaimer on most (maybe all) of the monochrome (black and white) toner cartridges HP sells. I haven’t seen this on the color cartridges yet but I’m sure it’s close behind. I’ve also included a picture that I took with my trusty iPhone while I was at my local office supply store. If HP did not hold the patents on these cartridges, they would have to be called… Re-Manufactured!

Do you want your child’s doctor to be a member of the American Medical Association? Your attorney to be a member of the State Bar Association? Your taxes prepared by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or at least a Certified Tax Preparer (CTP)? The answers to these questions should all be YES!! ISO – International Organization for Standardization, is the world’s recognized association for manufacturing standards. You may be familiar with the certification ISO 9001. ISO was formally created in 1946 with the intention of setting reliable standards for products that are used worldwide.

If you are reading these words, you probably have something to do with the buying of laserjet cartridges for your company. You are sick of paying the high prices of HP and other OEM brands but are concerned about the quality and page output of aftermarket compatibles (ie: remans, refurbs, recharges…) This is where ISO comes in. HP brand cartridges are ISO certified for quality, waste management, and page output. Instead of using good o’l trial and error, why not use a compatible cartridge that is also ISO certified? After all, they are the experts when it comes to manufacturing standards. If a factory is not ISO certified I have to wonder why. Maybe they re-use too many components to achieve consistent quality and page output. There are four ISO certifications you will want to keep an eye out for regarding toner cartridges. They are: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 19752 and ISO 19798.

HP LaserJet cartridges are very expensive, but the last thing you want to do is have some low budget re-manufacture blow up in your printer and cause you a bunch of headaches when you already have a ton fire to put out as it is. So… you continue to pay the outrageous HP prices knowing that you can rely on the same great quality and page output most every time. Right?! Have no fear ISO is here! What if you where able to buy a compatible cartridge with the same ISO certifications as HP, but at a significant cost savings? Would that relieve some of your worries? The answer is YES! Let a 50 year old international manufacturing authority tell you if the cartridge can be relied on or if you should stay away!

Here is what to look for:
ISO 9001 = Certified Consistent Quality
ISO 14001 = Certified Green Manufacturing
ISO 19752 = Certified Black & White Page Yield
ISO 19798 = Certified Color Yield

HP cartridges carry all four. That being said, if you can find a compatible with the same certifications, it will have a higher reliability than one without an ISO cert. So the next time someone tempts you with a super low priced compatible cartridge just ask: “Is it ISO certified?”

TIER 1: Premium
Made in an ISO 9001 certified American factory. Other additional certifications – ISO 19752 (b/w yield), ISO 19798 (color yield), ISO 14001 (green company). This cartridge has most or all brand new components. The shell has been used only once before—at the most. The cartridge comes with a multi-year warranty and a printer replacement guarantee. Use this type of cartridge whenever possible!

TIER 2: Very Good Cartridge
Made overseas or in Mexico. This cartridge contains new and used components, the shell may have been used multiple times and typically the warranty is for six months. It is important to have a trusted adviser when purchasing a tier 2 product due to quality variations overseas. Make sure this cartridge comes with a printer replacement guarantee!

TIER 3: Local Remanufacturer
Typically, a small local company will acquire a batch of used toner cartridges and literally refurbish them. The cartridge is taken apart, the components are cleaned, it is refilled with toner, reassembled and then resold. The cartridge may have some new components but typically just the bare minimum. This type of cartridge often leaks and has a very high failure rate. These companies will often sell a maintenance contract so the low-quality cartridges can be cleaned up after. Price per cartridge maybe low but price per page will be high!

TIER 4: Drill and Fill
Just like tier 3 but much worse. Get a cartridge, drill a hole, fill with toner, sell for cheap. This type of cartridge is very hard on your printer. Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid!

Remember those word problems from math class? Well, here’s one for you:
“If toner cartridge A prints 10,000 pages with a price tag of $96.00 and toner cartridge B prints 15,000 pages with a price tag of $125 which toner cartridge is less expensive?” Cartridge B of course! Cartridge B is .0083 cents per page. Cartridge A is .0096 cents per page. To figure this out is a very simple formula: Price of cartridge ($125) divided by the page output (15,000) equals the price per page (.0083). Stop Looking at The Wrong End of The Equation! I’m confident most IT managers and purchasing agents can easily do this simple math although, most do not take the additional time because of the high volume of work they are responsible for. Take the time, it can save your company thousands of dollars each year – or more

The question often arises, “How do I know that a toner cartridge really produces what it says on the box / the salesman tells me?” There are three ways:
1) Trust the salesman.
2) Do your own page counts. (Consult your printer’s owner’s manual)
3) Use a cartridge that is ISO 19752 (B/W) or ISO 19798 (Color) certified.

My suggestion is number 3. Your time is valuable and there are many great ISO certified cartridges on the market.

An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) is a company that builds a product that it sells under its own company name and brand. An OEM, such as HP or Epson, will manufacture the product and assign a unique part number to that product. We provide the OEM part number to assist you in finding a compatible cartridge.

There are two types of compatible cartridges: the first type is “compatible” with most Copiers, Fax Machines, Ink Jets, and Printer Ribbons and is brand new, the only difference—it is manufactured by a different company. The second type of compatible cartridge is made from recycled plastic and parts.

A remanufactured cartridge is a cartridge that has been recycled to OEM specifications. The process includes inspecting the old cartridge, replacing all worn parts, and print testing the cartridge for quality.

All of our compatible or remanufactured cartridges are manufactured according to OEM specification, and will print the same or greater page yield as their OEM counterpart.

TMA Laser Group offers a wide selection of compatible cartridges from “Apple to Xerox.” Our compatible toner cartridges are guaranteed to perform as well as the originals and will never void your warranty. TMA Laser Group works with many of the top manufacturers in the industry. In addition, some customized products even outperform the originals. All toner cartridges sold through TMA Laser Group come with a manufacturer’s 1 year 100% warranty.

No! Your manufacturer cannot void your machine’s warranty for using cartridges other than theirs. However, it may void your contract if you have a binding agreement to use their supplies.

All US made cartridges are individually tested during manufacturing and must pass through a Triple Quality Control inspection before they get shipped to you. Our stringent quality standards include testing each component prior to manufacturing, during production, and even after our products are on the shelf. We even subject our products to extreme conditions such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and simulated shipping conditions to ensure the product performs perfectly in every situation, every time. The result is a high-performance product that produces darker prints and sharper graphics.