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Lexmark Toner Goes Under The Microscope
Posted by Rob Errera on 04/30/2023
Curiosity about the appearance of toner under a microscope is common and understandable. After all, exploring the microscopic world can be fascinating and revealing.
So, have you ever wondered what your toner looks like under the lens? If so, you're not alone. Delving into the intricate details of toner particles can offer intriguing insights without any need for embarrassment.
Under The Lens
A study in the Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure looked at Lexmark laser printer toner with a scanning electron microscope and the results were amazing.
The study aimed to achieve printer forensics by investigating whether a scanning electron microscope could differentiate types of toner and identify the specific machine on which they were printed.
The answer is a resounding yes. The study utilized a scanning electron microscope to analyze the surface of the toner samples, although some prior preparation of the samples was likely required.
The study analyzed a total of 21 printouts from the Lexmark laser printers and laser multi-functional devices. Sixteen printouts were obtained using original toner cartridges, while five printouts were obtained using non-OEM printer cartridges.
All printouts were printed on A4 paper format. Only black toner was tested.
The Imaging Process
The imaging process was carried out in the following sequence, for all samples. First, a single letter was imaged in a low magnification. In the next step, the irregularities on the surface of toner were tested.
In higher magnification, two types of specific areas are visible: solid surface and granular surface. Finally, the surface of a single grain in a very high magnification (more than ×100,000) was examined.
The black toner on the printouts differed in all cases. Such surface creates a characteristic and unique pattern for every single printout.
The bottom line is, each printer and toner combo has a unique topography. Every page you print is unique — and can therefore be traced back to — you and your printer!
Solids and Grains
Two types of specific areas are visible: solid surface and granular surface. The granular surface tends to form small or large clusters of a varying density.
The surface of the toner was observed to be differentiated in terms of distribution in these two areas. In some printouts, the granular layer prevails, and in others, the solid one.
In other cases, the ratio of both surfaces is approximately equal, depending on the device used. In the case of printouts made from the same type of device, the structure of the toner surface is the same.
It appears that the toners contained not only the different shapes of grains but also different structures of the surface. The grains adopt different shapes.
Some look like perfect spheres, others are irregular with sharp or rounded edges or look like a “potato” or “a grain of rice,” while others are more or less elongated.
A characteristic feature of the toner is the distribution of grains and the appearance of clusters, which are frequently in the middle of the line of print or on the inside line of the print and the manner in which the grains are connected: clusters, aggregates, and chains.
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The many shapes of microscopic toner remind of a deep dive into the human body, or a peek into deep space.
SEM images of the solid surface of toner on the printout obtained from color laser multifunction devices: (a) C540/C543/C544, (b) X543/X544, (c) X920de, (d) X940e/X945e, (e) X950de
The images above were produced with non-OEM replacement toner. The microscope sees the difference...can you?
SEM images of the granular surface of toner on the printout obtained from different Lexmark printers: (a) E260/E360, (b) MS 610dn, (c) T650n/T652/T654n, (d) C734/C736, (e) X264/X363/X364, (f) MX410, (g) X654de/X656de, (h) X463/X464/X466 (i) X658de, (j) MX710/MX810, (k) X860de/X862de/X864de, (l) C540/C543/C544, (m) X543/X544, (n) X920de, (o) X940e/X945e, (p) X950
Rob Errera
Rob Errera is an award-winning journalist embedded in the world of printers and printing supplies. Rob has nearly two decades of experience writing about cutting edge technology, business trends, and the ever-evolving industry of printing.
