“Finding Out More About Printer Toner”

What exactly is printer toner - is it like inkjet ink?

Toner normally comes as a fine powder that’s been pre-mixed by the manufacturer and sealed inside the toner cartridge. The only time you’ll normally see it is if you have the misfortune to spill any - and then you’ll know how difficult it is to clean up. So always handle a toner cartridge gently and try not to drop it!

Well if it’s not a liquid, like ink, what is it made of?

Printer toner is a combination of everyday ingredients. The basic elements are plastic and wax, iron oxide (like rust) and a type of sand.

Rust?! Are you serious?

Yes - the iron oxide has magnetic properties, so the toner is attracted to a static charge on the drum inside the printer cartridge - this forms the pattern of the text or image to be printed. The paper lifts the toner off the drum (also by means of an electrical charge) and heat is applied. The wax and plastic ingredients cause the toner to quickly melt and fuse onto the paper, making the image permanent. That’s why the copies are warm when they come out of the printer.

What’s the purpose of the sand?

That’s to keep the toner flowing freely and to prevent lumps from forming inside the cartridge. Other ingredients are often added as well, such as extra dye or pigment.