What Is the Difference Between OEM MICR Toner, Aftermarket and Remanufactured MICR Toner Cartridges?

What are OEM MICR Toner Cartridges?

OEM, or "original equipment manufacturer" MICR toner cartridges are those which are manufactured by the same company which manufactures the brand of printers in which they are used. Because MICR cartridges are a very specialized type of magnetic ink cartridge, in some cases, printer manufacturers do not manufacture OEM cartridges themselves; instead, the manufacturing may be subcontracted to a qualified manufacturing facility. Like any other type of OEM product, OEM cartridges meet a rigid set of quality standards and specifications to ensure they provide the best printing quality.

Most printer manufacturers encourage consumers to use OEM MICR cartridges from the same company. Hewlett Packard, for example, encourages businesses and individuals using HP printers for MICR check line printing to also use HP-made or endorsed MICR cartridges. The reasoning for this is that HP's OEM MICR cartridges are made according to tight specifications specifically for HP printers. In theory, the printer manufacturer, such as HP, has the best product data and can therefore manufacture better printer cartridges compatible with its own brand than other, non-OEM manufacturers.

What are Aftermarket and Refurbished MICR Toner Cartridges?

Aftermarket MICR cartridges are toner cartridges manufactured by companies not affiliated with the cartridges' printer brand. Any third party manufacturer with the right equipment and resources can manufacture MICR toner cartridges, usually at costs much less than OEM cartridge manufacturers. However, for this reason aftermarket MICR cartridges can range quite widely in terms of quality. Some aftermarket manufacturers may adhere to sloppy specifications and low levels of product testing, while others manufacture cartridges that perform as well or better than OEM MICR cartridges.

One of the reasons some aftermarket toner manufacturers offer significantly lower pricing is because they are able to sell refurbished cartridges. Refurbished cartridges use some recycled components from previously used cartridges, cutting down on both material costs and overall carbon footprint.

OEM vs. Aftermarket MICR Cartridges: Quality Counts

While OEM cartridges are likely the safest bet in terms of product quality, it's not necessarily true that aftermarket and refurbished MICR cartridges can't offer the same quality and performance. Some aftermarket MICR cartridges use a combination of new and recycled cartridge components, offering the best in cost-savings and precision. Having virgin cores is the most important factor for accurate, quality printing, and cartridges made with recycled outer casings and virgin cores offer exceptional value at half the cost of OEM cartridges. The best aftermarket MICR toner manufacturers in the industry use OEM specifications in their operations.

With so many different MICR cartridge brands available, choosing the right manufacturer can be difficult. If quality is a main concern, be sure to research manufacturers' quality standards, facility accreditations and testimonials. Toner manufacturers that are adhering to high quality standards will likely be the most willing to volunteer this information.

Dan DeKorne is the owner of MICR Toner USA, a supplier of US-made refurbished, OEM quality MICR toner cartridges. Mr. DeKorne and his team help businesses and individuals equip their standard printers with fully compatible MICR toner cartridges, including HP MICR toner, Brother MICR toner and many other printer brands. Visit www.micrtonerusa.com to learn more.