Brother toner vs Drum
What's the difference between a drum unit and a toner cartridge? What exactly is the waste toner box and transfer belt unit?
If you have a laser printer, you should know the difference between a toner and a drum unit so you can buy the right consumables.
The drum and toner in most laser printers (e.g., HP/Canon) are one piece, thus you just need to buy the toner cartridge. Others, such as Brother/Samsung, are assembled, installed, and sold separately, leaving you perplexed as to which to purchase.
The distinction is fully described on the Brother website. The drum unit and toner cartridge are two separate consumables. Both consumables are required by the Brother machine.
What is the difference between a toner cartridge and a laser toner cartridge?
Toner (powder) is utilized to create letters and images in the toner cartridge. When the toner runs out or the print quality degrades due to toner deterioration, the toner cartridge must be replaced.
For example, the Brother Monochrome Printer HL-2240 uses the TN-450 toner cartridge.
For Brother Color Laser Printer HL-3140CW, Toner Cartridge Pack TN-221/TN-225
What is the difference between a drum set and a drum kit?
Toner is transferred to paper via the drum unit. The laser printer loads toner onto a roller within the drum unit known as the "photosensitive drum," and then uses heat and pressure to adhere the toner to the paper.
Please be advised that the drum unit is a consumable item with a limited page yield; you will need to replace it if your prints appear overly darkened or if you receive a notification requesting that you replace the drum. A drum unit can often last three to four times as long as a toner.
Brother Monochrome Printer HL-2240 Drum Unit DR-420, for example.
Brother HL-3140CW Color Laser Printer Drum Unit DR-221CL
What are the steps for putting the toner and drum together?
The toner is held by the drum, which clamps onto the back of the toner. Please see the video below for an example of how to put the toner and drum together or separate them.
How to Setup Brother HL-2240 Printer with TN-450 Compatible Toner
How to Setup Brother HL-3140CW Printer with TN-221/225 Compatible Toner
What is a Belt Unit, and how does one get one?
To improve color registration accuracy, certain color laser printers employ a revolving belt known as a "transfer belt unit." It's a big revolving belt that transports a combination of toner particles in various colors. The cartridges will then accurately apply each toner layer to the belt, which will then uniformly apply the combined layers to the paper. After a certain amount of time, you may need to replace the belt unit. Underneath the toner and drum is generally a belt assembly.
Brother Color Laser Printer HL-3140CW Belt Unit BU-220CL, for example.
What is a waste toner box?
Toner trash is collected in a waste toner box. The box collects any powder that remains after the printing process. The printer will cease working after the waste toner box is full, and you will need to replace it.
Brother Color Laser Printer HL-3140CW Waste Toner Box WT220CL, for example.
