Laser printer cartridge expiration date

Problems with laser printer operation and print quality may be due to the expiration date of the cartridge. However, it is difficult to even approximately determine when it will fail. Printer materials and parts are made by different manufacturers using different raw materials and technologies, and the exact lifespan of each printer can vary significantly from one machine to another.

How to determine the expiration date of a laser printer cartridge

We can say with confidence that the shelf life of toner in powder form before refilling is several years, provided that the storage rules for the material are observed (dark, cool and dry place). For laser printers, it ranges from two to three years, or more precisely, you can tell only by finding out the name of the company. Unpacked toner can be used for a year; later it will become unusable. Typically, the year of manufacture and time of use are marked on each product.

Note! The printer can become unusable with infrequent use, so it is important to use and refill it regularly.

Differences in expiration dates of cartridges from different manufacturers

If it is not possible to determine “freshness” with certainty, then it is useful to know for what period of time products from the main manufacturers in the world of laser printing are designed.

• HP (Hewlett Packard).Maximum storage time is 30 months from the date of manufacture indicated on the packaging;
• Xerox. The end of the toner is usually stamped with the date of manufacture on the stamp. The first four digits of the stamp are the time of issue. The term is three full years;
• Epson. The manufacturer indicates on the toner not only the production date, but also the date after which the toner cannot be used;
• Canon. In some cases, laser cartridges indicate the production date, and sometimes the time by which it must be used. The period is three years.

To maintain high print quality, it is recommended to purchase only fresh cartridges and not allow the printer to stagnate. Regardless of the manufacturer, the shelf life will be at least twelve months, during which the cartridge can be safely used.