| Most toner cartridges, whether OEM, compatible | | | | the printer is not used at least weekly, toner |
| or re-manufactured and even toner refill for that | | | | powder loaded with cartridges does not |
| matter are shipped with a shelf life of 18 to 24 | | | | deteriorate nor produce print defects even when |
| months. These products come tightly packed and | | | | the laser printer is only used intermittently. The |
| stored in moisture proof packages, obviously to | | | | TN-460 toner cartridge loading the Brother HL |
| prevent heat, moisture and light from intervening | | | | toner cartridge, 1250, 1270N laser printers for |
| with the laser toner performance. But the 18 to | | | | example did not turn out defective printouts |
| 24 months expiration date will not endure if toner | | | | when used intermittently over a period of 5 |
| particles are left exposed indefinitely. Heat can | | | | years. This only goes to show that when toner is |
| cause toner to prematurely fuse while moisture | | | | stored in a favorable environment, the particles |
| can turn the toner particles soggy and too much | | | | could last until the cartridge dries up. Its shelf life is |
| exposure to light can totally erase the | | | | therefore not dependent on the number of years |
| photosensitive properties of toner. Any of the | | | | it is put on hold. |
| three - toner, moisture and light exposure, would | | | | The concept of refilling used toner cartridges with |
| render the toner powder particles unfit for laser | | | | compatible toner is a plus factor for users. For |
| printing. | | | | one, the loaded toner can be used to print |
| Durable packaging however is not foolproof. Even | | | | indefinitely and without regard to any expiration |
| when tightly packed, toner will prematurely fuse | | | | date as long as temperature and humidity |
| and clump together when left around excessive | | | | requirements are conformed to. Moreover, in |
| heat environments. No amount of shaking then | | | | recycling cartridges, the serviceable life of the unit |
| could free the toner particles from the clump. In | | | | can be extended for up to 3 print cycles. Another |
| this case, toner could no longer be used for laser | | | | aspect that encourages the consumable's |
| printing because the particles are intended to | | | | patronage is the pricing of the toner refill kit. While |
| move freely into the crevices on the | | | | the OEM TN-460 cartridge is retailed at $80, the |
| photoreceptor drum surface. However when | | | | refill package is sold for only $14.95. |
| toner is contained in tightly packed containers and | | | | Next time the TN-460 cartridge runs out of toner |
| stored in an ideal environment (75degrees | | | | just order a compatible Brother toner refill kit and |
| Fahrenheit at relative humidity of 50%), the | | | | don't mind the expiration date printed on the pack |
| product can outlast the recommended shelf life | | | | for this will not affect the performance of the |
| and be fit for use even beyond 10 years. | | | | product as long as ideal storage conditions are |
| Unlike the ink in inkjet cartridges where the jet | | | | observed. |
| nozzle suffers the most and tends to clog when | | | | |