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HP Supplies - Storage and Care of HP LaserJet Toner Cartridges

Introduction

HP LaserJet toner cartridges contain components that are sensitive to light, temperature, and humidity. HP recommends that users follow these guidelines to ensure optimal performance, highest quality, and longest life from a new HP LaserJet toner cartridge.

Storage guidelines

Store toner cartridges in the same environment in which the printer will be used. This should be in a controlled environment where temperature and humidity are kept within the bounds of the printer’s environmental guidelines. For recommended environmental guidelines specific to the printer, refer to the User Guide that came with the printer.
When storing toner cartridges, use the following recommended guidelines:
  • Keep the toner cartridge in its original box and packaging material until needed to protect the toner cartridge from light, excessive humidity, and dust. Opening the toner cartridge packaging prior to use can dramatically shorten its useful shelf and operating life. Light especially can degrade the photosensitive drum inside the toner cartridge.
    Figure : Photoconductive drum on the underside of the toner cartridge
  • If the toner cartridge is removed from the printer, follow the guidelines below to store the toner cartridge properly until ready for use.
    • Store the toner cartridge inside the protective bag or clamshell packaging in which the toner cartridge was originally shipped.
    • If the original packaging is not available, cover the top opening of the toner cartridge with paper and store it in a dark cabinet or dark area with no light sources.
    • Store the toner cartridge horizontally lying flat (not vertically standing on end) in the same direction as if it were installed in the printer (with the photoconductive drum facing down).
  • Do not store toner cartridges in any of the following conditions:
    note:
    Due to the changes of HP’s toner formulation over time, exact environmental guidelines will vary slightly from one printer and toner cartridge model to another. For example, some toner cartridges that were manufactured several years ago might have a slightly different toner formulation and environmental guidelines for storage and care. For exact guidelines, refer to the toner cartridge packaging.
    • Temperature greater than 40°C (104°F)
    • Humidity range less than 20% or greater than 80%
    • An environment with extreme changes in humidity or temperature
    • Direct sunlight or room light
    • Dusty places
    • A car for a long period of time
    • An environment where corrosive gases are present
    • An environment with salty air

Care and Handling guidelines

When handling toner cartridges, use the following recommended guidelines:
  • Do not touch the surface of the photoconductive drum in the toner cartridge.
    Figure : Photoconductive drum on the underside of the toner cartridge
  • Do not expose the photoconductive drum in the toner cartridge to light sources.
  • Do not expose the toner cartridge to unnecessary vibrations or shock.
  • Never manually rotate the drum, especially in the reverse direction. This can cause internal damage and toner spillage.

Environmental guidelines

For exact environmental guidelines for the toner cartridge and the printer, refer to the toner cartridge packaging and the User Guide that came with the printer.