Recycling Times Magazine
RecyclingTimes The magazine by the industry, for the industry.
Publisher & Managing Director Tony Lee Directors David Gibbons Sabrina Lo Senior Consulting Editor Art Diamond Editorial Team Doris Huang Doris.Huang@iRecyclingTimes.com Ivana Lai, Jane Yu, Keon Huang, Wendy Lee Graphic Designers Miracle Wei, Kevin Deng Sales Team Anna Liang Anna.Liang@iRecyclingTimes.com Kevin Zhu, Sally He, Tobee Deng Marketing Team Jessica Yin Jessica.Yin@iRecyclingTimes.com Tracy Zhang Operations Team Charles Lee Charles.Lee@iRecyclingTimes.com Betty Lee, Joy He, Sunny Zhang Regional Offices 6B Xinhai Commercial Building, 104 Yuanlin Road, Jida, Zhuhai 519000, China Tel: +86 (0)756 3220716 / 3919266 Fax: +86 (0)756 3220717 24 Ardley Ave Kellyville, NSW, Australia 530 West Ojai Ave., Suite 108 Ojai, CA 93023-2471, USA Email: info@iRecyclingTimes.com Website: www.iRecyclingTimes.com
Front Cover Photo: Arnald Ho taken by David Gibbons. Columnists
RecyclingTimes
David Gibbons
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Art Diamond
Steve Weedon
December 2012
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Mike Josiah
Tony Lee
editorial
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For traditional printer OEMs, 2012 has definitely been one of the most painful years. They witnessed a drastic slump from the global printer industry. Worldwide printer shipments in the first half of 2012 fell 8% over the same period last year. And the second half revenues only brought more woe. Canon saw its profits decline 35.6% in its 3Q report. Other OEMs are facing similar circumstances: Lexmark’s fell 11.1%; and Xerox fell 12%. Cutting back on their full year expectations, most of the OEMs have blamed the slow recovery in the US economy, uncertainty caused by the European financial crisis and the slowing growth of Asian markets (including China). But if the poor economy were not enough, further crushes came from the exponential take up of mobile devices forcing the OEMs to search for new opportunities in management, technique, strategy and marketing aspects. The most stunning moves came from Lexmark and HP. Acting like the ancient warrior who cut off his own arm to prove his sincerity, Lexmark took the initiative to exit the inkjet business and focused on workforce laser printers and Managed Print Service (MPS). HP, aiming to regroup its sales resources and find new potential customers earlier, has combined its PC and printer departments. In addition, new printers with cost-saving and wireless features have also become common strategies for the OEMs. As tough as the competition in the printer market is, it did not stop new players from joining the race, some of whom have actually scored well. Memjet, for example, has ramped up its march towards commercial printers, with partners confirmed in major markets. Pantum recently enjoyed successful launches in the UK, Russia, India and the Middle East. Aetas is aiming at a brand new printer kingdom with its own 120 LED printer patents. Sindoh is also preparing for its own brand printer and channels based on its years of experience as a manufacturer for Lexmark. These new players has brought more imagination to the industry. For the aftermarket, 2012 has also been one of the toughest years. First of all, the expansion of Chinese remanufacturers in the past several years has caused an over supply in products, which then drags down prices and the profits of the companies. Secondly, the uncertainty of the world economic environment, and the weaker cash flow from the European and American companies are affecting the whole industry, causing more of an intense atmosphere than ever before. Thirdly, OEMs are actively pursuing their intellectual property rights, and raising the technical barrier of the products, to protect their market shares. The surviving space for the aftermarket has never been so small, and has shattered the confidence of some in the industry. Finally, the new market has not yet brought productivity, forcing many to find new opportunities. While facing the rapid market change positively, there are also many companies adjusting their market strategies. Some of them seize the chance to increase investment, establishing their advantages while others retreat. Some others are accumulating technical strength and waiting for the next round of market opportunities. 2012, What’s your view on the year?
Tony Lee Publisher & Managing Director
All rights reserved. © 2012 by Recycling Times Media Corporation. The contents are not be to copied or republished without official written consent. The editorial content does not represent official positions of Recycling Times Media Corporation.
Recycling Times Magazine
contents
2012: The Year in Review
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December marks the end of 2012—a perfect time for reflection. Recycling Times asks industry leaders to review this turbulent year.
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Just a Minute
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Tell them YOUR Top 10 Printer List Blade Manufacturers
This Directory offers information regarding those non-OEM producers offering various types of blades—wiper (cleaning), and doctor (metering)—to aftermarket dealers, distributors and remanufacturers.
Money From Home
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Kyocera’s Loose Cannon 31
Establishing Quality Control Protocols
Keeping Up
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Everyone talks about quality, but few actually follow through on the goals expressed in their rhetoric. For anyone looking to better understand how to qualify a cartridge supplier, this article should be instructive.
Stop the World I Want To Get Off
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Industry Updates
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SCC Files another Counterclaim in its Patent Lawsuit with Steven Miller Company Green Project: The Last Defendant Settles
Named No.1 in Color Quality Survey 12 MSE 6 Million Empty Cartridges Collected by GreenOFFICE
Directory
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Blade Manufacturers
Is a Price Hike Coming for Ink Supplies?
13 Recycling Cartridges for Veterans Product Release
Profiles
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Arnald Ho: What Makes Him Different?
Xerox Offers Remanufactured Cartridges
15 Utec Releases Compatible Cartridges for OKI Printers In Map Launches New MPS Assessment Software Faroudja Offers Toner and Chips for Xerox MFDs
17 Jet Tec Launch 17 New Toners to Meet the Demand Pointrole Releases Toners for Brother and Samsung Printers
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UniNet Releases Unique Solution for Lexmark Cartridge Remanufacturers
OEM News HP to Unveil Biggest MFP Launch in 7 Years
39 Lexmark Releases 42 New Printers OKI Suggests, “Stop Printing!”
41 Pantum Targets 5% Printer Share in India
IDC: Wireless Devices Continue to Show Growth
Lexmark Launches “Most Advanced Toner”
Tech Zone Features
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2012: The Year in Review
43 Establishing Quality Control Protocols Remanufacturing the Brother HL 4150 Series Toner 47 Cartridges TN-310/315 Color Toner Cartridges www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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Recycling Times Magazine
Just a Minute David Gibbons
Tell them YOUR Top 10 Printer List I was interested to read what PC Magazine considered to be the Top 10 Printers. Consumers wanting to purchase a printer for home or the office are faced with a huge dilemma. They have a tough time trying to work through all the hype to know what to buy. And of course a young person wanting to print some photos at home has different needs to the office manager who has two monochrome printers on each floor of the office for 80 employees. So that’s why PC Magazine published a list this month of what they consider to be the top 10. They tested hundreds of printers, from the cheapest inkjets to the priciest workhorse lasers in their own PC Mag Lab. I was not surprised that eight printers are laser, and just two, are inkjet. Black and white printers, or monochrome, are the cheapest to run—costing between 1.2c and 3.2c per page. Inkjet printers are much more expensive to run
at 10-19 cents per page—important information for consumers who often don’t think past the cost of the purchase of the printer itself. So
often the cheapest printer you will buy, may cost you the most to run on ink. BUT I did find other results to be interesting. HP has three, and Brother also has 3 printers in the top 10 list. And the second largest printer
manufacturer in the world, Canon, has no printers on the list! Another big surprise: a Kodak inkjet at $69 is there (the cheapest printer in the list) and yet according to Kodak’s recent announcement, they are getting out of inkjet printing. Hmmm. But this got me thinking. You would have a top 10 list of your own. You know what will work best for consumers. Why not publish that list on your website, or on a leaflet? Give consumers some help. Let them know they can get the best support—from you.
Read the full list of PC Magazine’s Top 10 printers.
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Recycling Times Magazine
Money From Home Art Diamond
Kyocera’s Loose Cannon In a classic case of reality denied, Kyocera’s Vice President for Customer Service, Mr. Deepak Agrawal, has blogged to the world that all aftermarket (AM) cartridges not only deliver poor quality prints, but also cause severe damage to the printer or copier in which they are installed! This is the most incredible line of propaganda I have yet seen published and presented on the Internet! I suspect it might have legal consequences should Kyocera be penalized for supporting this overzealous sales person. Indeed, if such a dishonor was being bestowed, my vote goes to Mr. Agrawal for earning the Loose Cannon of the Year Award! He is doing a disservice not only to Kyocera’s good name, but to ever y enduser who has learned that buying quality reman cartridges is an excellent way for any business to save money. The term “loose cannon” has a nautical derivation dating back three centuries when wooden warships carried heavy cannons onboard. In order to avoid damage from their enormous recoil when fired they were mounted on rollers and secured with rope. A loose cannon is one that breaks free of its restraints, rolls dangerously about the deck, and is capable of firing a cannonball, unpredictably, in any direction. Agrawal’s “head in the sand” announcement not only defies the truth, but also violates the rules of fair competition. Is it eligible for legal action for product defamation and unfair competitive practices in the United States? Certainly, not all AM cartridges perform up to the standards of an OEM product, but many actually deliver a higher page yield, while others
offer the consumer an upgraded cartridge with longer useful life and higher print quality. What is patently unfair and may be slanderous in nature is his thesis that every “compatible” (a term he fails to define) cartridge will do serious damage to the copier or printer into which it is inserted. Of course, there is no independent certification of this madcap claim. No sideby-side comparison with a top-of-the-line quality MSE or Clover reman cartridge, just his
unbridled rant against those who compete with Kyocera’s original replacements. Kyocera is one of the imaging industry’s most innovative and ingenious producers of electrophotographic (EPG) printers, copiers and especially inorganic photoreceptor drums. This company has done much to advance the art and science of EPG imaging. There really is no excuse for their sales organization to soil the reputation of the company’s leading scientists, engineers and inventors with the disparaging remarks Mr. Agrawal is blasting. Here’s a recent Agrawal blog: “Dear all friends and users–Please immediately stop using
compatible laser cartridges in Kyocera printers. They will soon spoil your machines and you will end up in spending huge sum of money on repairs later on.” This is grade school behavior; totally unprofessional. It does not belong in our industry. Untrue is Mr. Agrawal’s claim that “All the OEMs have stopped the service and spares/ supplies support to any customer found using compatible/local/spurious items because of frequent breakdowns and high running costs emerging from the failures of drums, development and fuser modules.” These scare tactics and fear mongering is an affront to an entire industry.” It has already been established that OEMs are responsible for their warrants and guarantees whether or not aftermarket supplies are used. ETIRA, the European trade association of cartridge remanufacturers, also confirmed that Mr Agrawal is wrong: ETIRA Manager Vincent van Dijk underscored that it has been standing legal doctrine for years that the printer manufacturer guarantee is not void simply because non-OEM cartridges are used. Only in the case that a non-OEM cartridge is the single cause of the printer’s malfunction, could the guarantee perhaps be quesioned. This doctrine is even confirmed by most OEMs on their websites or in their user manuals. Maybe Mr Agrawai has not yet read the materials published by his employer. In other words, the end user is entitled to have a choice between OEM or AM paper, toner, ink, etc. That’s the way it is and will be in a society where fair competition has long been protected as it favors the consumer and advances an industry. www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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Keeping Up Steve Weedon
Stop the World I Want To Get Off It was voting time in the USA last month, and as a result nothing will be quite the same. We will see a change either for worse or for better as a result of how people voted in the presidential elections. Regardless of political persuasion “change will happen”. People are excited about it but some people are dreading it. The outcome will not have pleased everyone but everyone will be affected by the outcome, whether you live in the USA or not! World economies are not looking good for 2013, there is uncertainty in everything, and so naturally everyone wants it to be better in the future than in the recent past. The question is how should it be done? I remember back in 1992 just after I had launched The Recycler Magazine in Europe I held an open conference for anyone involved in cartridge remanufacturing at a hotel in High Wycombe, UK. Over 80 people attended from all over Europe, which was absolutely amazing. I got the conference going talking about the need for an industry association, so we could have a voice that government officials and lobbyists would listen too. Within 30 minutes the room was split into two groups. Just like the USA election. Battle lines were drawn that became insurmountable. One group insisted that only remanufacturers could join and the other group wanted to allow distributors and resellers to join since in those days they were the only ones with any money that could contribute more to make something happen, so two associations were formed that day. UKCRA (UK Cartridges Remanufacturers Association) emerged as just for remanufacturers and the now defunct FECRS (Federation of European Cartridge Remanufacturers) emerged as an “everyone welcome” group. The FECRS didn’t make it because no one wanted to devote their time and considerable effort, to make it happen. After a few well intentioned but meaningless meetings it
dissolved. I have to give credit to UKCRA who are still strong today and have achieved much during the last 20 years. But, I wonder what would have happened had we been able to agree to become one single association that day, what more could have been achieved. “Those with the loudest voices get heard” it is said. And it‘s true. But it doesn’t mean they are right!! Bullies will be loud and be heard if they have a mind too, but it doesn’t make them right. The interesting thing is that today UKCRA and ETIRA (European Toner and Inkjet
Remanufacturers Association) represent remanufacturers, distributors and resellers alike and are working together in harmony trying to make this a better industry for all of us. They are fighting our corner against new standards designed by the OEM’s that make it almost impossible for remanufacturers to meet. For fair tenders to include remanufactured cartridges, they are listened too and have been very successful in making a difference. We all want to see our remanufacturing
industry do better in 2013 than 2012. But just because a “Bully” is heard doesn’t mean he is the one to follow. No one in the remanufacturing industry has had great results this year. Even OEM’s have all had a tough year and have had to re-forecast their expectations. Aftermarket toner companies have reported a difficult year. Product vendors are reporting that life is tough in 2012. But there are some exceptional companies and individuals that are working hard to bring new opportunities for you in 2013, that will make it better year. New choices for chips, where today you have no choice, new choices for polymerized toners with prices that will stun you, new choices for components you need with performance standards you must have. We are fortunate there are many individuals and companies who want to invest and develop new products that everyone needs to prosper next year and beyond. I have had the good fortune to work with these companies and individuals this year and I am amazed at the talent and investments being made to ensure we have a healthy prosperous future ahead of us. There is already a good deal of pessimism and optimism following the US Presiential elections and over the next four years we will witness the consequences of our voting actions. Change is not always good, just ask the next Dinosaur you meet, but it is inevitable. The moral of this story is, don’t listen to Bullies, they are often wrong, see no one else’s point of view but their own, they like the sound of their own voice too much and can divert the course of events that affect you and your destiny. Make informed decisions in business, be open minded, see what’s new and how it can help you prosper and have a better year in 2013. INSANITY: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. (Albert Einstein 1879-1955) www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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Industry Updates
SCC Files another Counterclaim in its Patent Lawsuit with Steven Miller Company Static Control Components (SCC), the remanufacturing industry’s largest supplier of cartridge components, chips and consumables, fired back at the Steven Miller Company in an ongoing patent lawsuit. SCC is claiming ownership to the patents it licensed from Steven Miller. Although there are times when the two adversaries worked together, Court battles between them have never ceased since 2005. According to Actionable Intelligence, SCC recently continued its counterclaims after being sued by its one time partner. In 2007, SCC
obtained licenses from Steven Miller Company to use several patents in its manufacturing operations. In March 2012, several firms owned by Steven Miller sued SCC for breaching the patent contract. In return, SCC counterclaimed the patents were invalid and sued the companies for creating a damaging rumor. While the Court hasn’t ruled yet, both parties were going against each other throughout the year. On October 23, the case saw an important update when SCC filed a counterclaim against Steven Miller for failure to pay the maintenance
fees required to keep the patents in full force. Steven Miller should be disqualified and lose ownership, SCC argued stating that it had paid the fees, and therefore should be assigned ownership. The Steven Miller companies, on the other hand, continue to ask for dismissal of SCC‘s counterclaims. To turn the case around, Steven Miller companies asked the Court to disqualify SCC’s attorney, claiming the attorney used to work for Steven Miller.
Green Project: The Last Defendant Settles Green Project (Hacienda Heights, California) has reached a confidential settlement with Canon that allows the remanufacturer to lawfully continue its sales of remanufactured Canon cartridges. According to Green Project, the dispute was resolved in the International Trade Commission (ITC) and U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The OEM and the remanufacturer now agree the issues between them—in which Green Project was alleged to have infringed Canon's U.S. Patent Nos. 5,903,803 and 6,128,454—have been resolved. Terms of the settlement remain confidential. Green Project will stipulate to a Consent Order from the ITC and a Consent Judgment and permanent Injunction from the Southern District of New York. The remanufacturer will be prohibited from making, using, selling and offering for sale in the U.S., and from importing into the U.S., any toner cartridges which Canon claims to contain infringing components. Green Project said in its press release,
"Green Project is pleased to be able to continue lawfully meeting all of its customers’ needs for environmentally friendly high quality products with its complete line of remanufactured inkjet
and toner cartridges. Green Project is unfailingly committed to providing the highest quality, genuine remanufactured products and customer service to its customers."
For Green Project, the last defendant, a settlement was announced soon after Canon’s resolution with Clover—another remanufacturer many believe to be the world’s largest. Roy Fan, Green Project’s Chief Executive Officer told Recycling Times, “We didn’t settle with Canon until now because we wanted to fight for the right of existence for the remanufacturing industry and let people know the importance of legal remanufacturing. Through our settlement, we can see that the OEM will approve of it as long as you respect their patents and legally remanufacture their cartridge.” About Green Project Green Project says it is an award-winning, international imaging supplier with a focus on providing environmentally friendly, high quality inkjet and toner cartridges. The company’s recycling facilities are located overseas as well as in the USA. A complete line of aftermarket inkjet and toner cartridges are available for distribution. www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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Industry Updates
MSE Named No.1 in Color Quality Survey MSE ( Van Nuys, California), a global leader in cartridge remanufacturing has been voted the No. 1 supplier of aftermarket color toner cartridges by U.S. dealers. The ranking was made in a recent survey conducted by the Cameron Consulting Group, Inc. as part of a study entitled, “2012 Reman Color– An Emerging Market Investigation.” The survey covered in excess of 200 U.S. dealers regarding their confidence in color offerings in the marketplace.
MSE color toner was rated as the highest quality product and inspired the most confidence among dealers. “Many claim leadership in the color market, but this independent study corroborates what we have always believed regarding our color solutions and technologies,” said Yoel Wazana, President of MSE Global. MSE has long been eyeing the growth opportunities in the 20-plus billion dollar color market. These years have also witnessed its efforts and investment in technologies and patented solutions, which it claims has addressed many historical issues associated with color. “I am confident that our products provide the best vehicle to penetrate and to retain those hard-won color customers. The study also pointed out areas where we will endeavor to improve, which is equally valuable to affirm our position as a true leader in color.” added Luke Goldberg, Senior Vice President of MSE Global.
6 Million Empty Cartridges Collected by GreenOFFICE South African based print consumables supplier GreenOFFICE, the largest collector and reseller of empty cartridges in Africa, has recycled over 6 million empty printer cartridges from corporate businesses, schools and charities. The company supplies over 400 different inventory product lines. Cartridges are
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remanufactured and sold to its customers, including other remanufacturers, retailers or consumers around the world. Ink and Laser Core Manager, Bevlen Sudhu says: “To be the best, you have to join the best. With the biggest Remanufacturers and Collectors in the world dealing with us, we create relationship and follow core values of integrity, focused and take ownership in the service we offer”. GreenOFFICE attained Standardized Test Method Committee (STMC) accreditation in 2003. In 2010, GreenOFFICE restructured its empty ink inspection facilities with sophisticated CBR ink testing machines which it claims will give customers confidence on its product quality.
Is a Price Hike Coming for Ink Supplies? Many printing suppliers are complaining that the cost of raw materials for inks is peaking. Will this lead to a major price hike for ink products as well? Hubergroup, a subsidiary of Michael Huber München, GmbH and a leading ink supplier, recently announced its plan to raise the price on inks beginning on January 2013. It says in view of the rising cost of raw materials, energy, transport and logistics, this is the only way for them to survive. Earlier in March 2011, Hubergroup’s UK arm, Stehlin Hostag—increased prices and said its latest round of increases would affect the offset inks sector. “We are no longer in a position to offset this enormous increase in costs in almost all areas and still meet the high demands with respect to quality and service,” explained Hubergroup Europe Group Managing Director Heiner Klokkers. A month ago, the British Coatings Federation (BCF) warned suppliers that the cost of the chemicals needed for ink production are at an all-time high. According to industrial analysts, raw materials account for around 50% of the total cost of producing printing inks. The BCF said suppliers of binding agents and pigments had increased their prices by 80% over the previous two years. However, other suppliers have a different reaction. Sun Chemical and Ultrachem both said that they have no plans to raise prices while others including Flint Group and Digital Ink said they would try their best to keep the price hike to a minimum.
Recycling Times Magazine
Industry Updates
Recycling Cartridges for Veterans A new U.S. organization named, Recycle 4 Vets LLC (R4V ), based in Westport, Connecticut and owned by a service-disabled veteran, is selling remanufactured cartridges to help veterans. The non-government organization (NGO) recently launched its new ecommerce site www. Recycle4Vets.com The site provides more than 12,000 remanufactured ink and toner printer cartridges for veteran-friendly corporations and U.S Government Contracting Officers. The company
claims that these eco-friendly TAA (Trade Agreement Act) compliant products can help consumers save up to 35% to 80% compared to OEM consumables. R4V promises all the profits will be used to improve the lives of homeless Veterans and Veterans suffering from PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Brendan Reilly, R4V Chief Operating Officer, said, “Our goal is to positively impact as many U.S Veterans in need as we can. Our ongoing collaboration with The Fisher House, The
Woodruff Foundation, The Helping Heroes Foundation, and the Wounded Warriors Project will ensure that all of our profits go back to Veterans.” Retired Staff Sergeant and disabled Veteran John Mangan, R4V President, commented “There are currently over 70,000 homeless Veterans in the U.S and hundreds of thousands of Veterans deeply affected by PTSD, we want to help and we are excited to start by launching our ecommerce platform today.”
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Product Release
Xerox Offers Remanufactured Cartridges Xerox announced the rare release of its remanufactured cartridges for nonXerox printers. The product lineup, called “Environmentally Responsible,” uses a certified remanufacturing process and can save 50% on cost for customers, Xerox claims. According to the company, the cartridges are compatible with most OEM laser printers such as Brother, Canon, Epson, HP, IBM, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Lexmark, O K I a n d Panasonic. Xerox claims the cartridges are made from 90 percent of the original cartridges, using an
ISO 9001 certified remanufacturing process. Patrick de Jong, Business Manager of Xerox Document Supplies (Europe), commented, “The cartridges are manufactured using the same high-quality standards Xerox uses for all its products. With our brand behind these cartridges, users can be confident of superior performance”. Compared with OEM cartridges, Xerox says at least 50% cost can be saved by switching to Xerox remanufactured products. The company also promises quality will be excellent from the first page to the last.
Utec Releases Compatible Cartridges for OKI Printers Utec, a Macau-based printer consumables supplier, has introduced a comprehensive collection of laser cartridges, promising them to be cost-effective and to embody a patented design. The product line includes toner cartridges for mono printers, all with smart chips included. Compatible OKI B4400 BK is suitable for OKI B4400/ B4400N/ B4600/ B4600N printers. Compatible OKI B410/ MB460/ 470 BK are designed for OKI B410DN/ B420DN/ B430DN/ B440DN/ MB460/ MB470/ MB480 devices. The product line also includes compatible OKI B4600 BK for OKI B4600/ B4600N printers. Compatible cartridges for color printers include OKI C5500/ C5800 and OKI C5650/ C5750 models. The former ones are suitable for OKI C5500 and C5800 models, while the latter cartridges can be used for the OKI C5650. All cartridges are sold with smart chips included. According to Utec, the products boast
excellent print quality, cost efficiency and feature a patented design.
About Utec Union Technology International (MCO) Co. Ltd. (UTec) is a marketing and sales company specializing in supplying high quality aftermarket printer consumables and imaging supplies to worldwide markets. The company is positioned as the master distributor of PrintRite imaging products for export markets. Located in Macau, Utec enjoy proximity to Zhuhai, the “capital” of China’s printer consumables industry. The location also allows Utec to access the excellent infrastructure, facilities and other resources available in the nearby international city of Hong Kong.
In Map Launches New MPS Assessment Software In-Map (Gloucestershire, UK), the leading developer of automated sales proposal software, has announced the launch of a new cloud based software which combines fleet management functionalities along with sales analysis and reporting on one platform under a common user-interface dashboard . The Version 2 MPS Assessment Software brings enhanced features for the process, including automatic order confirmations and reporting capabilities. In-Map launched version 1 of their software earlier this year. According to the company, the product was very well received by the MPS community. Now, enhanced features have been added to further automate the assessment processes. In-Map already displays detailed printer asset information including workflows, etc. on the end user’s own internal floor plan. An iPad application is also available to assist in the audit process for the initial placing of devices at customer’s premises for MPS engagements. Automated MS Word and PowerPoint reports are delivered from the system and are designed for presentation to the end user. After further development, In-Map now has additional capabilities to assist companies in achieving their MPS goals, including: End-user login with Dashboard view Automatic quotations (made from My Device folder data) Automatic order confirmations Lead generation Customer Business reviews Automatic quotations for Supplies Fleet Management views www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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Product Release
Jet Tec Launch 17 New Toners DCI/ Jet Tec announced the expansion of its toner offerings with the addition of 17 new laser toners for Brother, HP and Samsung printers. According to Jet Tec, the launch will raise the company’s product offering to over 250 toners. New toners to be included in the expansion include, the Brother TN2210 and TN2220. The CLT-K/C/M/Y5082L/ELS and CLP-K/C/ M/Y660B/ELS will be added to the Samsung Series and the CB380/1/2/3A, CE390A, CE250A and CE260A will be added to the current HP Series.
Phil Sneath, Commercial Manager at DCI/ Jet Tec commented, “We have continued to invest to develop our growing remanufactured toner range in line with our customers demand. Like other products in our range, the 17 new toners are all remanufactured at DCI/ Jet Tec in the UK.” As a solely British manufacturer, Jet Tec promises complete control over quality and production, guaranteeing high quality, reliable, and cost-effective products to its customers. All toners manufactured by DCI/ Jet Tec are now supplied in FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified packaging, which, it says, shows their constant commitment to the environment. FSC is an independent, international NGO organization committed to the responsible management of the world’s forests.
Pointrole Releases Toners for Brother and Samsung Printers Toner manufacturer Pointrole Information Technology Co., Ltd. of Wuhan, China has released new toners for Brother and Samsung printers, offering cost-saving products of highquality. It provides various ranges of products to customers worldwide. Pointrole’s toners for Brother printers include, models TN720/750/780/3335/3385/ and 3395, which can be alternatives for HL-5445D/ 5450DN/6180DW and MFC8520DN/8510DN/8515DN printers. According to Pointrole, less than 0.02 grams per page are required for printing. Pointrole’s new compatible toner for the Brother LT-316 features a Black Image Density (BID) of 1.45, a low toner consumption of 0.02 grams per page, a high transfer rate of more than 97% and a print yield of 2,600 pages with
stable and high quality performance. Pointrole’s Samsung MLT-D101S toner can be used for Samsung printer models that include: ML2160/2161/2162G/2166W; ML1660/1666; and SCX- 3201/3218/4321/ 4521/4521F, etc. About Pointrole Wuhan Pointrole Information Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise emphatically supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Pointrole is specializes in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of electrostatic developing materials such as toners. The company works under its philosophy that “Stability is Uppermost” and constantly supplies the newest and best compatible toner to satisfy its customers.
Faroudja Offers Toner and Chips for Xerox MFDs Faroudja Toner of San Carlos, California has released toner and chips for Xerox MultiFunction Devices (MFDs). The new color toners are designed for use in the Xerox WorkCentre 7425 Color MFD and the smart chips are for the Xerox 7500.Color MFD.. “Xerox has these new machines, and the cartridges are outrageously priced”, explained Marketing Director Tim Farrell. “We believe the Xerox 7425 is a big opportunity for rechargers, and we have the complete solution.” This toner is sold in 10 Kilogram (22 pound) bags for all four colors. “Many customers have been inquiring about these chips, as none were available” asserted Farrell. “Again, we are first-to-market, and Faroudja has become an industry leader in chip development.” The chips are available for all four color cartridges, and can be purchased in any quantity. In addition to the toner chips for the Xerox 7500, Faroudja also supplies smart chips for the 7500 OPC drums.
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Product Release
UniNet Releases Unique Solution for Lexmark Cartridge Remanufacturers A Universal Conversion Cover has been released by UniNet, offering a cost saving solution for the Lexmark cartridge remanufacturer. According to UniNet, the Universal Cover can transform inexpensive Optra S or T520, T630 or T640 cores into a cartridge that works in over 100 different printer models, including 100% universal cartridges, when using a Universal Superchip.
UniNet explains that with the use of the new Cover, readily available Optra S & T cores can be converted into the more expensive T630 and T640 cartridges. The cartridges will work in every model in this series including Lexmark, Dell, IBM and Toshiba, as well as in any global region. With empties a major issue today, this solution would help lower costs, reduce inventory, and
best of all, only two cartridges are needed to produce a high yield, or extra high yield.
Lexmark Launches “Most Advanced Toner” Lexmark has launched a new product called Unison Toner which it claims to be the most advanced monochrome toner in 10 years. After its decision to quit the inkjet business, Lexmark focused on toner development. The result is Unison Toner which is compatible with Lexmark/ s recently-released 42 new laser printers. “This new toner is proprietary to Lexmark,
and many of the great new features and benefits of these new devices are a result of Unison’s special formulation,” said Lorin Polley, General Manager of Boulder Operations and Technology. Lexmark says that Unison Toner, unlike other products, can work separately with imaging components and thus lengthen their lifetime. Further, its novel formulation minimizes the
toner waste rate. The company also emphasizes the user-friendliness of the toner. Shake-free design, for example, means no user action is required to get maximum page yield. Lexmark claims the advanced properties of Unison Toner can be attributed to its 5-years of R&D along with continuous performance testing.
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Art Diamond, Senior Consulting Editor Summary Problems & Promises It was a year that began with more problems than plans and ended with more promises than progress. In January, Kodak filed for protection under the Bankruptcy Act, America’s feuding political parties held the government in gridlock and Eurozone Nations were in a financial free fall. Canon filed for lawsuits against 34 respondent remanufacturers, but Static Control Components came roaring back with a solution for its customers that circumvents the Canon patents. PrintRite (UTec), Ninestar and Future Graphics followed SCC with similar solutions. Finally, of note, Kodak and Lexmark pulled out of the inkjet printer business. As 2012 draws to a close, China’s departing leader, Hu Jintao, promised corruption will be severely punished and the growing gap between the haves and have-nots will be minimized. In his acceptance speech after winning a second four-year term as President, Barack Obama promised a bipartisan leadership with America’s lawmakers. Optimistically, Obama promised a better deal for low- and middle-income American families, by declaring, “The best is yet to come.” Over the past year, severe financial issues continued to plague Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal and other European nations. In the United States on the eve of Election Day (November 6), unemployment stood at 7.9% (although this has been a major issue in the presidential race, it is still
significantly lower than in the Eurozone where an estimated 11.6% of eligible workers remain unemployed). Economic recovery continues to crawl forward at an agonizing pace, but, it is clearly moving in the right direction. New jobs are being generated at rates above 150,000 per month. Existing home sales are relatively static, but according to the National Association of Realtors, inventory continues to tighten and the national median home price recorded its 7th back-to-back monthly increase over a year earlier, Thus, as 2012 draws to a close, the signs of recovery are positive in the USA, although the movement is painfully slow. Election 2012 With the election results now tabulated, the Democrats can boast important gains apart from Barack Obama’s stunning victory in both the popular and electroral vote counts. Overall, the Democrats were seen as sweeping the race, but whether there will be bipartisan cooperation in the coming two months is a nagging question. Unless the two parties can come to some compromise by year-end, America might suffer a fateful fall over the “Fiscal Cliff ” that looms ahead. Fiscal Cliff The Fiscal Cliff is a frightful financial disaster waiting to happen. It pits the current Budget Control Act of 2011 against the reality of issues including the hair-raising deficit, tax increases and spending cuts that automatically take effect on January 1, 2013 which could inhibit growth and plunge America into a recession. The question everyone is asking is www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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Features whether the new U.S. government can override its partisan dysfunction and make the necessary compromises to avert an economic collapse. General Recycling Times Brings OEMs & AMs Together While original equipment makers (OEMs) and aftermarket (AM) remanufacturers have battled each other for market share these past 25 years, they held joint discussions on Sunday, September 23, over at least one area of common interest: cleansing the market of counterfeit cartridges. Called by a variety of names—clones, new molds, compatibles—these unauthorized products, many of which infringe on OEM patents, are draining sales income from OEMs and rechargers alike. In the brief history of its CIFEX/RemaxAsia Expo series, Recycling Times Media has built the event to its current awesome size. Today, it boasts not only the largest number of visitors of any imaging consumables trade show on the planet, but also the ability to bring OEMs and AMs together in a precedent-setting event. Kodak Files for Protection under Chapter II On Januar y 19, Eastman Kodak Company filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Act of 2005. The filing was anticipated by many observers as the 131-year old American icon has been struggling since 2004 to reclaim its once leading position in the imaging industry. Unfortunately, it simply ran out of cash. Kodak’s downfall is attributed to its inability to make the leap from analog to digital photography, i.e., from chemistry to electronics. Digital photography decimated the demand for traditional roll film. However, Kodak perseveres, negotiating to sell its huge portfolio of patents and pressing ahead with its line of affordably-priced ink jet inks. Kodak also quit the manufacture and sale of digital cameras and in September announced plans to quit the ink jet printer business in 2013, focusing instead on its lucrative consumables and high-end digital production printing businesses.
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Marketing Russia Emerges as a Major Growth Market Russia could become the “dark horse” in the race for market growth among printer consumables. InfoTrends is predicting rapid growth for Russia in production copying and printing applications over the next 5 years, with an overall CAGR of 23.3%. With a retail value of all hard copy in 2011 at an estimated $0.66 billion, InfoTrends expects that figure to increase to $1.8 billion in 2016. “Russia’s Print on Demand growth is outpacing Western Europe and the USA with placements increasing at 11.7% CAGR and print volume rising at an average of 24.4% CAGR,” InfoTrends reports. Lexmark Exits InkJet Printer Business In late August, L exmark announced it will exit the inkjet printer business and jettison some 1,700 jobs, about 13% of the company’s workforce. The news came following a report of gloomy financial results for the first half of 2012. Those figures showed revenue from inkjet hardware sales underwent a sharp decline of 66% and ended up with Lexmark lowering its full-year forecast. Lexmark officials indicated they were restructuring the company and would change its focus from ink jet to laser printing. Kodak Quits Digital Camera & InkJet Printer Businesses In February this year, Kodak announced that it would exit the digital camera business as part of its bankruptcy reorganization plan. On September 28 the onetime leader in photographic equipment and consumables declared it would wind down its inkjet printer business in 2013. According to an article published in The New York Times (September 30, 2012), Kodak’s CEO, Anthony M. Perez declared, “Kodak is making good progress toward emergence from Chapter 11, taking significant actions to reorganize our core ongoing businesses, reduce costs, sell assets and streamline our organizational structure,”
Recycling Times Magazine
Features What Kodak did not release, abandon or sell is their inkjet ink business, a rewarding income generator with products Kodak will continue to offer for its own printers as well as competitive machines.
December marks the end of the year of 22012 — a perfect time for reflection. RRecently, we ask industry leaders to review this turbulent year.
Memjet Goes Global Memjet continued to commercialize its revolutionary color inkjet printing technology. According to PR Newswire, on May 4 Memjet announced an agreement with Silverbrook Research Pty., Ltd. of Sydney, Australia that resolves the differences between the two parties on some 4,000 issued and pending global patents. “We’re pleased that this agreement has been reached,” said Len Lauer, President and CEO of Memjet. “With all litigation now resolved between the parties, Memjet is positioned to move forward and focus on bringing its disruptive technology to commercial, industrial and office printing markets worldwide.” Memjet has already partnered with some of the world’s leading OEMs, including Delphax, Hasler, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Lomond, Neopost and others. Patent & Legal Canon Sues, Settles, Sues, Settles. . . In a hur ricane of patent infringement actions on January 23, Canon rained down upon 34 defendants alleging they infringed its two twisted gear coupling patents: U.S. Nos. 5,903,803 and 6,128.454. Green Project was the last defendant to settle this dispute (see “Green Project: The Last Defendant Settles,” elsewhere in this issue). Among the terms of the settlement—most of which remain confidential—Green Project is prohibited from “making, using, selling and offering for sale in the United States, and from importing into the U.S., any toner cartridges which Canon claims to contain infringing components.” It is likely that the 32 other settlement agreements (NuKote was eliminated as it no longer exists) contained the same or similar restrictive language. If this is true, one wonders whether Canon will later attack those reman companies that have substituted non-twisted gear projections as being infringing components. For its customers, Static Control Components came roaring back with a perfect solution: a gear coupling projection with
Industry Voices ... China
Arnald Ho Chairman of Print-Rite Holdings Limited
I think the most influential industry event is the crazy price war this year especially with the clone laser toner cartridges, which makes the whole supply chain difficult to earn money, from drum, toner, parts, real remans, legitimate compatibles to fake remans which some call clones. No one can earn good money and I think many have lost money. Print-Rite is full of exciting news. We’ve successfully launched Jumpr+ cartridge and our NoTwist drum gear USA patent has been granted. I foresee big challenges next year as we expect OEMs will take more legal action and I believe our value will be shown at that time.
Bobo Wang President, Aetas Technology (ZhenJiang) Co., Ltd.
The Zhuhai Remax Asia Conference definitely made an impact. It is my first experience in Asia to meet folks from the cartridge recycling industry and to understand the issues and trends. It’s a wonderful experience. To identify the "Blue Ocean Application- Medical Image Printing" is the most important thing for Aetas. These new applications can give maximum leverage to our company's High-Resolution/High-Fidelity strength. Compared with other alternatives, Aetas’ print solution has clear advantages in quality, cost and speed. (Continued on P27...)
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Features Zero-Twist™ that side-steps Canon’s claims. It was then the industry learned that SCC had been tracking Canon’s patent application filings for several years. By doing so, SCC was prepared to offer a patented solution of its own when Canon pounced on 34 respondents with claims of patent infringement. Print-Rite (UTech), NineStar and Future Graphics followed in SCC’s wake with their own alternate coupling designs. At least for now, the Canon challenge has been met and successfully quashed. The recent, rapid settlement of all of Canon's patent infringement lawsuits against Clover Technologies and 33 other defendants raises some interesting questions, especially with details of the settlements remaining undisclosed. One is left to wonder whether an impending copyright case, scheduled to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this coming spring, was a motivating factor. That copyright case could affect the Jazz Photo ruling that enables permissible repair (reman) of a product protected by a U.S. patent provided the first sale of the item was made on U.S. soil. But, the Jazz Photo ruling was mute on any first sale in a foreign land. If that condition is revisited and patent exhaustion with any first sale, regardless of location becomes law, the buyer of a spent cartridge would be free to reman a patented cartridge with no obligation due to Canon. If the first sale doctrine is not revisited and Canon deems the non-twisted, alternative gear couplings are indeed infringing components, the next group of defendants must decide whether or not to challenge the validity of the two Canon patents being cited. At least one expert with whom we discussed these patents believes those disclosures contribute nothing to the technology. One issue, that the contorted coupling configuration reduces torque is not supported by any data ciited in the patent specification. As Attorney Edward F. O’Connor notes, the Canon patents, “May not stand up to a legal challenge.” Perhaps Canon fears this and as a result has been disposed to settle rapidly, for terms less than harsh. Technical Aetas Launches Unique LED Printers Aetas Technology Co., Ltd (Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China) launched two of its revolutionar y LED digital printers: a full color printer identified as S2005/N at the
Office Automation 2012 expo in January and, a red and black printer SR2010/N in May. Aetas claimed its full-color printer is the first of its kind during a new product launching ceremony in Zhenjiang Technology New Town. The ingenious CEO of Aetas Technology (Zhenjiang), Dr. Bobo Wang, demonstrated the creation of color prints from the new printer. The Aetas S2005/N Color Printer, combines color LED technology with DCJ (DC Jumping) imaging and IOI (Image on Image) structuring, and also applies Accurate Color Registration (ACR) technology ( Japanese patent No. 3,672,035 B2), producing more precise and distinct color. At a hardware cost of roughly $200, Mr. Wang predicts the new Aetas printers will revolutionize toner-based, color electrophotography. Color Memjet vs Aetas = Ink vs Toner With both Memjet and Aetas signing up licensees and offering commercial products in 2012, the battle lines are now drawn between fixed nozzle array inkjet and fixed LED array printers. What are the pros and cons of each? For Memjet the main advantages are high printing speed driven by 70,000 nozzles, high resolution and relatively low cost of ownership (LCO). The Lomond EvoJet™ Office 2, launched in the UK on October 17, incorporates Memjet printhead technology. It has been described as the world’s fastest color printer at one A4 page per second. One disadvantage, however, is the great difficulty paper mills are having in deinking office waste paper bearing inkjet images comprised of nanosize pigment particles. For the Aetas LED array printer, positive factors include extremely low cost of ownership for relatively high resolution and a low cost per page. For both processes, the unanswered question is how they will perform in the field in terms of failure rate, consumable cost, and service and maintenance requirements. Thus, the industry looks ahead to performance data to be reported in 2013 for a better assessment of the demand these new printers will generate. Memjet is regarded by many as competitive against marketleading digital presses such as the Xerox iGen4 and HP Indigo. It is also marching into production digital printing, "We have partners today that are aimed squarely at those markets and those competing machines” said Memjet CEO Len Lauer. “Both www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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Features Industry Voices (Continued) Colordyne and SuperWeb have 'production digital' solutions that deliver lower hardware costs and attractive running costs." Demand Grows for Color Printing With color toner sources gradually boosting their product quality and consistency, and with dealers and distributors developing the know-how to properly advise and service their customers, the market share for color in production printing operations continues to grow. “Continuous-feed inkjet color, and, to some extent, the expected new B2 devices, are responsible for this growth,” claims InfoTrends Analyst Rolf Schlozer. In July, he predicted an 18.5% CAGR over the years from 2011 to 2016. That compares with an earlier projection of almost 15% that InfoTrends made in 2011. Biotoner & Bioplastics Demand for Biotoner Grows Slowly Sales of biotoners continue to grow at a snail’s pace for desktop printers. Still, both OEMs and independent producers are pursuing research and development efforts to build the biocontent of their products up above 30% to qualify for the U.S. Government’s preferred vendor programs ( www.biopreferred.gov ). Among the barriers to development and marketing a high biocontent toner are: matching petro-based resin performance; the high cost of certain proprietary bioresins; and, reluctance of consumers to pay the extra cost for a biotoner. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established a minimum biobased content standard of 20% for toners used in copiers and printers operating at speeds greater than 25 pages per minute (ppm). For machines operating below 25 ppm, the minimum biocontent that qualifies a biopreferred toner is 34%. For products not listed in the program, companies may apply for the Certified Biobased Product label if the product or package contains a minimum of 25% biobased content.
U.S.A.
Velliyur Sankaran President of Sankaran Consulting
Aetas Technology launched two LED digital printers in January 2012 claiming the color printers to be the only ones of their kind. Dr. Bobo Wong generated and showed color prints from the new printer, which uses a color LED with DC Jumping and image on image feature with a ACR (accurate color registration)--this produces a precise color with wider color gamut. The new product will revolutionize toner-based color technology. Meanwhile, Kodak and Lexmark exiting from ink-jet technology leaves a big question mark on that technology. Sankaran Consulting has poised itself nicely on both types of technology, namely toner-based EP technology and ink-jet technology. The next couple years will of great interest as the emerging technologies mature. As a technologist, we can embrace either one or both technologies and meet all the challenges.
Kennard S. Cloud Product Manager of Pantum International
2012 will be marked as notable for the coming of age of Managed Print Services for more than just large enterprise operations. Industry events such as the equipment vendor focused Lyra Imaging Symposium held in January to Conference@2012 held in Zhuhai, have highlighted how MPS will make printing more affordable and more manageable for office print users in small and medium sized businesses as well as large Enterprise and government accounts. This opens up a new opportunity for vendors and suppliers of printing solutions to get closer to their customers and help them make the most of their printing resources and save money in the process. This is perfect timing for Pantum International’s strategy to bring affordable printing to all businesses as we globalize our printing business. www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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India
Australia
Anil Kishnani
James Douglas
Director of Insta Impex Pvt Ltd
Director of Advanced Consumable Technologies
For sure the RemaxAsia 2012 held at Zhuhai was a deal clincher moment for the Imaging Industry where the buyers from all over the world got a one-stop exposure to the major aftermarket manufacturers. To be able to bring most of the industry stalwarts under one banner at the one location made this event extremely memorable and worthwhile. At Insta, we highlighted our business format of "Remanufacturing of Imaging Consumables" at the Giftex Mumbai 2012 show to more than 10,000 visitors showing hoe they can increase savings by reducing business expenses as well as doing their bit for the environment by reducing the amounts of plastic being transported to the landfills.
Domestically, the change of ownership of Cartridge World Supplies was the biggest thing to happen. This change improves conditions for over 75% of the total number of refill stores in Australia. Improvements to any store will help the image of the total industry. Internationally, the ruling on toner empties in the USA was influential. It’s good that factories are getting cheaper empties, but this will make it tougher for small retail stores refilling toners as the price of imported finished goods drop. We’ve structured Advanced Consumable Technologies’ operations, made major investments in new equipment and fittings, and made closer links with industry partners. The most important change for us was the addition of OCP ink to our range. Netherlands
Sanjeev Mahajan Vice President of NAND ipl
In my mind the market domination and pervasion of the compatibles mostly from China/Taiwan is the most profound development in 2012 as remanufacturing units have almost stopped local manufacturing activity in many countries, including developed markets like USA and Europe. 2012 was the “Year of Acceptance” for our NAND technology, products and prices. We reached 57 countries with our 20 newly developed toners for different applications.
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Gerhard van Klaveren CEO of Van Klaveren CCC
We collected more cartridges than ever before in 2012. Our customers are very satisfied and rated our services with an average 9 out of 10 points. We are extremely proud of this and we hope to get the same score in 2013 as we expand the amount of empty cartridges we collect in 2013 in the rest of Europe. Besides this, 2013 will be the symbol of a new ERP system. The implementation of this system will make us even more efficient, effective and will make us handle faster.
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Russia
Sergei Zubkov CEO of Umacs
Nikolai Yakimchuk Managing Editor of RechargEast Magazine
Domestically, the Business Inform Expo 2012 in Moscow in June, was a most remarkable industry conference and expo due to its reach in Russia and CIS countries. It gave an opportunity for cartridge remanufacturers to talk to the Russian public sector. Internationally, the RemaxAsia Expo in September was a true platform to meet leading business not only in China, but all of Asia. The growing interest in the industr y and its consequent expansion helped us decide to organize a new expo to be held in Kiev, Ukraine, in spring 2013.
For several years, the introduction of Chinese “clones” to the Russian market has meant every street corner now has nicely packaged, and price attractive Chinese cartridges for sale. But that’s not the end of the story: the unnaturally low price of the “clones” will play a bad joke back to these intruders. Such manufacturers cannot stay afloat without using “tricks” (like taking away fuser cleaning roller, or making the cartridge a one-cycle device). With so many “clones” showing deterioration and poor quality, we expect a revival for Russian reman. The most important event for our company Umacs was an international trade show “Business-Inform 2012” which was held in the beginning of June in Moscow. Together with our strategic partners Ramis (Moscow) and A-Plus (Zhuhai) the show provided a practical, positive dialogue between the Russian public sector and cartridge remanufacturers for the first time in Russia.
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Directory
Blade Manufacturers ACECO TECHNOLOGIES ACECO Technologies, based in Zhuhai, China, manufactures products for the Office & School Supplies industries. We specifically deal in Fuser Film Sleeves, Cleaning Blades, Lamps, Upper/L ower Rollers, Toner, and other parts and supplies for copiers and printers. Since August 2008, ACECO has been a member of Tradekey.com, an online Business-to-Business market place specializing in facilitating global trade. It primarily engages
APEX APEX is focused on the research, development, manufacture and sale of aftermarket cartridge components, creative chipping systems and complete chip resetting solutions. Its wide range of products include inkjet and laser printer chips, inkjet inks, toners, OPC, DR, MR, SR, PCR, doctor blades and cleaning Blades. APEX is dedicated to providing the finest, fastest and fullest component solutions for the global imaging
KUROKI INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. Kuroki Co., Ltd. produces flexible PU (polyurethane) products for a variety of industrial and R & D uses, including the manufacture of flexible mechanical parts, accessories and other products. Kuroki has more than 20 years of experience in product marketing around the world and among leading international corporations. With the highest standards for quality, service and technical expertise, Kuroki serves customers from all walks of life. Its Taiwan PU products manufacturing plant is the largest of its kind in the plastics industry. Meticulous efforts toward diversification now enable Kuroku to provide its customers the most complete and professional service. Constantly striving toward "innovation and novelty", the Blackwood technical team can undertake all types of PU flexible products requiring unique specifications, dimensions, hardness and other properties. It has often achieved customers' goals to raise product
P.U. TECH Founded in July 2002, Zhuhai Pu-Tech Industrial Co., Ltd is a hitech private enterprise specialized in the manufacture of elastomers. Its products mainly include Doctor Blades and Wiper Blades for laser printers, copiers, laser facsimile machines, multifunctional printers, high-performance fittings for industrial equipment, and raw chemicals. Contact Individual: Mr. Binren Wang, Manager
in helping importers and exporters worldwide find new business opportunities. For additional information, please feel free to contact us. Contact Individual: Ms. Ammy Sun, Sales Address: Wanzai, Zhuhai, Guangdong, CHINA 519030 Phone: +86-756 8658 136 Email: askacm@acmtech.com Website: http://www.acmtech.com/
aftermarket industry. Contact Individual: Mandy Jiang, Regional Sales Manager Address: 7/F, Unit 04, No.63 North Mingzhu Road, Zhuhai, P.R China Tel: +86-756 333 3768 Ext. 258 Email: mandy.jiang@apexmic.com Website: www.apexmic.com
quality, reduce development costs and enhance market competitiveness. Fully aware of the global village in which the company takes "environmental protection� is our social responsibility. It constantly works toward preserving energy and promoting company-wide awareness of the need for environmental protection. Kuroki understands the importance of developing green products and believe that the conservation of energy and the use of renewable of resources will contribute to the long-term survival of precious environment. Contact Individual: Mr. Handel Fei, Vice President Address: No. 236 New Tucheng City Tucheng Industrial Area, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Phone: + 886-2 2267 9922 Email: sale1@kuroki.com.tw Website: www.kuroki.com.tw
Address: No.18,2nd Jinheng Road, Jinding Industrial district, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China 519085 Tel: +86-756 331 9600 Fax: +86-756 331 9606 Email: brwang@pu-tech.com Website: www.pu-tech.com
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Directory STATIC CONTROL COMPONENTS Headquartered in Sanford, North Carolina, USA, Static Control Components, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of imaging components and supplies for the global laser and ink jet cartridge remanufacturing industry. With over 100 patents and 200 engineers, Static Control is the global leader in research, development and manufacturing of imaging systems for the printer cartridge recycling industry. Static Control designs, develops and manufactures in-house nearly 10,000 different component parts and offers a full product catalog of more than 15,000 parts. Static Control excels in intellectual property (IP), scientific research, system development, cartridge chip development, cartridge components engineering, production equipment engineering and fabrication,
TUICO PRODUCTS CORPORATION. The Tuico Group was formed in 1962 with its headquarters and R&D facilities located in Taipei, Taiwan. Tuico has two factories located in Guang Dong, China and Ho Chi Min, Vietnam. Tuico specializes in all kinds of polyurethane and rubber products in various configurations, using such compounds as FKM, NBR, Silicone, EPDM, Neoprene, etc. O-Ring & Oil Seal to ASTM and JIS standards. Tuico produces precision, custom molded parts for worldwide markets. With over 40 years experience in product and process refinement, TUICO has achieved 100% vertical integration of it production operations with more than 1,000 technicians and operators collaborating as a working team, and supported by a brilliant cadre of R&D Consultants in Taiwan. The Tuico
multiple manufacturing processes, comprehensive quality assurance, automation design and manufacturing, and vertical integration. Static Control supports ONLY genuine cartridge remanufacturers and does not support new build compatible manufacturers. Contact Individual: David Donaldson, Sales Manager Address: STATIC CONTROL, 22/F Tower II, Metroplaza Kwai Fong, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2419 1110 Fax: +852 2419 6677 Email: info@scchongkong.hk Website: www.scc-inc.cn
100% in house formula philosophy provides customers cost effective products. With competitive and diligent sourcing of raw materials and all tooling designed and built in-house, Tuico is a highly efficient vendor of these unique products. Contact Individual: Mr. Chin-Ping, Sales Address: 11F-3, No. 112, Sec. 2, Chang An E. Road Taipei, Taiwan 10491 Phone: +886 22506.8245 Fax:+ 886-2 2507 9003 Email: service@tuico.com Website: www.tuicovn.imb2b.com
Importance of the Doctor Blade in Laser Printer Cartridges Roderick Boone, Senior Research & Development Engineer, Static Control Components Doctor Blade Basics The doctor blade, also known as the “metering blade” or “leveling blade,” is made of a flexible metal blade either coated or non-coated with a thin polymer material layer attached to a rigid metal stamping. The blade is very thin. Depending on the printer the thickness of the blade can be from about 0.004 to 0.014 inches. It ranks among the most critical components in the printer cartridge and is one of the most prone to damage and failure due to wear and abrasion forces. The doctor blade uniformly meters the amount of toner reaching the developer roller while also imparting the proper electrical charge to the toner. The charging process begins with a constant flow of electrical charge from the primary charge roller (PCR) to the surface of the OPC drum, which produces an even charge on the surface of the rotating
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OPC drum. As the OPC drum rotates, a focused laser beam discharges the drum to mirror the image of the printed material, leaving a lower charged “latent image” on the OPC drum surface. Simultaneously, the toner, attracted to the developer roller, collects and “tumbles” against the edge, or the “nip,” of the doctor blade, creating friction that charges the toner particles. Meanwhile, the doctor blade pressure against the developer roller also creates a thin uniform level of the charged toner on the developer roller before it transfers to the OPC drum surface. Any changes or irregularities in the doctor blade’s construction, configuration, alignment or pressure on the developer roller can create variable and non-uniform nip forces that could result in any number of print defects. In this regard, the doctor blade would be considered the most critical and vulnerable component in the system.
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Directory Unique requirements of color Color systems are more complex than monochrome. The role of the doctor blade in color systems is, likewise, more critical. In addition to properly leveling the toner pile height on the developer roller, the doctor blade for color systems plays a far more critical role in achieving the appropriate charge to the toner particles than in monochrome systems. The most technically challenging color cartridges today operate on extremely tight tolerances. These systems are not able to withstand any variations in these critical tolerances. Slight disturbances in these systems can result in component damage and consequently produce serious print defects. If the doctor blade is damaged, then the developer roller can be damaged. Use of the doctor blade for a second cycle, in particular, is extremely risky. Reliance on visual inspection of empties to find the best blades, for example, typically results in substandard print performance. Efforts
to clean this component produce unreliable results as well. Over cleaning can damage the surface or remove the doctor blade coating and damage the blade’s charging and leveling properties. Under cleaning often leaves toner build up or inconsistent coating levels, which produce non-uniform charging of the toner. Wiper (Cleaning) Blade Basics The wiper blade cleans the surface of the OPC drum after the toner transfers to the page. This blade is not capable of cleaning 100 percent of the remnant toner, wrong sign toner, residual toner additives or paper dust from the surface of the OPC. Nevertheless, the wiper blade must remove enough residual debris from the OPC to maintain print quality. It exerts some contact pressure against the surface of the drum and either wipes or deflects toner off the OPC and into the waste bin. The effectiveness of the wiper blade depends on its shape, pressure, or angle of interface with the OPC.
This Directory, compiled by Recycling Times magazine, represents the best information currently available to us regarding those non-OEM producers offering various types of blades—wiper (cleaning), and doctor (metering)—to aftermarket dealers, distributors and remanufacturers. We plan to review and update this list on an annual basis. Your comments, additions, deletions and suggestions are most welcome as they will enable us to expand and certify the information presented. We’ll publish the directory of smart chip manufactures in next month’s edition of Recycling Times. If you want to be on the list, feel free to send your company profile to Mr. Keon Huang at: keon.huang@irecyclingtimes.com.
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Arnald Ho: What Makes Him Different? The Remanufacturing Giant’s Secret to Success David Gibbons, Director of Recycling Times Media Corporation Thirty years ago, an energetic 22-year-old young man figured out he could make printer ribbons quicker and better than anyone else. He realized the petite, nimble Chinese workers’ fingers could be more efficient. He was sure he could successfully beat any of the best ribbon manufacturers in the world. Arnald Ho set up his first printer ribbon factory, Tian Wei (the Chinese pronunciation of Print-Rite)—in rented premises (pictured)—in Zhuhai with two technicians and 15 staff. It was 1988. Ho could never imagine the business he had created would become the largest aftermarket consumables manufacturer in the world. Humble Beginnings “Thirty years ago, my dream was to earn myself a living,” Ho whispers humbly. “It was that simple. Laser and inkjet remanufacturing did not exist at that time.” Ho studied the world’s ribbon makers and concluded that, from nation to nation, all the manufacturing processes for dot matrix printer ribbons were the same. “But I did notice something different: their workers’ fingers were just too big to put the ribbon into the cartridge quickly, that’s when I realized their efficiency must be much lower than that of our workers in China.”
Today, Print-Rite continues to make ribbons for dot matrix printers. Many banks and government authorities still rely on the use of impact printers. Ho says there is a good margin to be had, because there is less competition in ribbon production than in laser and inkjet production. In the first 10 years, Ho expected his company could become bigger because all competitors were in Western and First World countries. He saw the “drill and fill” toner cartridge techniques come and go in the 1990s and quickly realised he could remanufacture a quality cartridge more efficiently and economically for the world. That’s what makes him different. Tougher Competition In the last 10 years, Ho has seen the launch of hundreds, if not thousands, of other Chinese startups. His labour-cost advantage quickly vanished and Print-Rite, which employed up to 5,000 workers, did not have the flexibility of the newer, smaller companies, as was the case when he only had 50 to 100 workers. Ho also witnessed the demise of many companies during the tough global economic conditions of the last few years. “I know many people are fighting to keep their businesses, while others are losing their businesses and their markets. Our size gives us the ability to survive through the tough economic storms. In the first half of 2012 we actually continued www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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to gain, but tough times meant lost margins. It has hurt us, but did not destroy us. We are still strong and able to survive in business!” Have the good times gone forever for cartridge remanufacturing? Ho believes they have. “It’s not as attractive as it was 2, 3, or even 5 years ago. Initially, a lot of attention was given to this industry because everyone considered it as a gold mine, with lots of opportunities.” Ho says the industry has matured and it’s not a gold mine any more. It’s going through a phase, he says where successful companies show their real capabilities. Competing Successfully in a Mature Market “Here at Print-Rite, we have planned ahead for this day,” Ho boasts. “We make all the key components ourselves. Colour toners, monochrome toners, blades, drums, microchips and more. Everything!” Ho says by doing this, he can control the prices and costs more effectively. If you are going to compete, you must find some advantage over everyone else — it’s called differentiation. If you assemble only, then you are competing with 80% or 90% of the industry.” Ho explains. To be more flexible, to have more control over quality, to be able to set its own premium standards, Print-Rite makes its own components. “At the same time,” Ho adds, “we can provide good quality toners, drums, components to the market at very competitive prices.” Ho opened his Zhuhai-based ICMI (China) toner production factory— a division of Print-Rite—back in 2003. Today, after investing US$20 million on a fully automated facility, ICMI produces 7,000 metric tonnes of toner per year. It’s the largest and most advanced toner plant in China. The entire production line is monitored, and all 5,000 individual tasks are controlled separately by touch screen icons in a centralized control room. (a full report on this facility was published in the June 2012 edition of Recycling Times Magazine). Automation has given ICMI a key difference. It has reduced the number of workers significantly, cutting costs while maintaining a higher level of productivity. Ho also notes his 2010 acquisition of the AEG Photoconductor Shanghai drum plant has put Print-Rite in a unique position. Print-Rite has become a vertically integrated aftermarket consumables supplier in the market. The OPC drum factory in Shanghai is now experiencing its best turnover, and thanks to smarter operations, is functioning at 110% capacity to meet internal, domestic and international demands. Awards and Philanthropy Print-Rite has received honour after honour, particularly in the last 8 years (see table 1), Environmental awards. Business awards. Manufacturing awards. Quality awards. Personal achievement awards.
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3 Just 12 months ago, hundreds of the elite Hong Kong business world proclaimed onto Arnald Ho, the coveted title of Business Owner-Operator of the year. Such honours validate not only Print-Rite and its founding chairman, but have a ripple effect throughout the business world in accepting and legitimizing aftermarket consumables as a valid industry in its own right. Ironically, very few know of the behind-the-scenes support Ho has given to more than 22,000 Chinese children. For every valid empty cartridge collected from donors, Print-Rite donates HK$15 to rebuilding schools. To date, HK$13 million has been spent on rebuilding 52 primary schools in China! Intellectual Property Ho has every right to be proud of Print-Rite’s success. As he reflects on the highlights of the last 30 years, a smile comes to his face. “We were the first laser and inkjet remanufacturer in China,” he states proudly, “and we have never compromised on quality. We still use the highest standards for our plastic components while many of our competitors use inferior grades. It costs us more to do it, but it gives us a premium product. That’s more differentiation.” Print-Rite takes intellectual property very seriously. Ho says the biggest achievements of his career are owning more than 2,000 registered and applied for patents and inventions. “I don’t think there is any other aftermarket company with such significant numbers of patents,” he observes. 2012 has been a year where original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have taken scores of remanufacturers to court for infringing their patents. “You have to respect the intellectual property of OEMs. You must not infringe!” Ho warns. “But it comes at a huge cost to your business. You must invest millions into re-engineering, designing, and endless research if you want to sell into the USA.” Ho says once a solution is found, it must be sent to their Chinese attorney to confirm that it does not infringe. Next, it must be sent to a US attorney to seek another opinion. “Though we have been asked, we will never build, sell or promote cartridges which infringe on OEM or other patents,” Ho says, explaining that even though 80% of their research is to discover “design around” solutions to avoid infringing OEM or other patents. One successful “design around” solution for the compatible ink cartridge 86T, was awarded a China Patent Gold Prize in 2005 by the China’s State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization ( WIPO). The other 20% of their research budget is spent on new inventions. “We invest in patents where we believe the OEMs may go in the future. We try
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5 to foresee the direction where they may go. And we hold those patents. That’s part of our future planning.” Again, it’s what makes Print-Rite different. Arnald Ho raises a finger. “Of course, the OEMs must learn to respect the intellectual property of the aftermarket too. It works both ways.” Recently Seiko Epson Corporation attempted to invalidate Print-Rite’s long-registered patents for a Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS).” Ho believes this is the first time ever in the printer consumables industry where an OEM has formally sought to invalidate patents owned by an aftermarket consumables manufacturer! “While we spend a lot of money, it’s the way to do business in our industry. This is something that many other companies are not doing.” Instead, there are “copycats” ruining the industry by making infringing clones. They are not remanufacturing, they are not inventing their own non-infringing solutions, they are not investing in quality. Their cartridges cannot be reused, and in the last 5 to 10 years, they have taken more than 50% market share. Ho was awarded by SIPO as one of the “Excellent People in IP Management of Enterprises of PRC” in 2011 for his commitment and contribution to intellectual property protection. About the Future Ho laughs as he ponders the future, “The last thing we will ever, ever do is make printers. Everyone knows most printers have to be given away. The bread and butter business is in consumable supplies.” Ho believes it’s possible for the aftermarket to have a much larger share of the printer consumables market—even as high at 50%. But he says there are two factors which prevent this: Consumer education is not good enough: users still do not realize they have a choice which is safe, provides quality and yield, is better for the environment, and saves them money; and The difference in quality among products coming from different remanufacturers confuses consumers. When consumers find a consumable doesn’t work—after having paid less to buy the cheaper product—they tend to go back to the OEM. Most do not change to another aftermarket brand. Most consumers mistakenly believe all aftermarket products are alike. Even though the printer consumables business is tough, Ho believes many opportunities are still out there. For example, Print-Rite invests heavily into textile printing. “Very few people know we were the first in China, 15 years ago, to invent fabric ink,” Ho adds. “There will always be a demand to print.”
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Photos
No.1: Tian Wei (Print-Rite) Printer Ribbon Factory: Arnald Ho’s first business in rented premises in Hong Kong. No. 2: Arnald Ho with his small team in the early 1980s. No. 3: Arnald Ho opens Stage 2 of his ribbon manufacturing plant. No.4: ICMI (China)—the fully automated, robotic factory is the largest and most advanced toner operation in China. No.5: Arnald Ho helps kids have a future: More than US$1.7 million donated to rebuild 52 primary schools throughout China. No.6: Arnald Ho receives the coveted Owner Operator award by elite Hong Kong Businesses No.7: Government officials continue to take note of Print-Rite’s successes Table 1: Print-Rite Awards 2012
Hong Kong Award for Industries: Technological Achievement Award
2011
Quality Award of Guangdong Provincial Government
2011
Hang Seng Pearl River Delta (PRD) Environmental Silver Award
2011
Arnald Ho—Owner Operator DHL/SCMP Hong Kong Business Award
2010
Hong Kong - Guangdong Cleaner Production Partner -Manufacturing
2010
Capital Entrepreneur Green Enterprise Award
2010
Green Medalist Hang Seng-Pearl River Delta Environmental Awards
2010
Hong Kong Most Admired Knowledge Enterprise (MAKE) Award
2010
Outstanding Knowledge Management (KM) Project Award
2010
Hong Kong Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Silver Award-Manufacturing
2010
Hong Kong Award for Environmental Excellence
2009
Hong Kong Award for Industries: Productivity and Quality
2009
Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence – Manufacturing
2009
Hong Kong - Guangdong Cleaner Production Partner –Manufacturing
2009
CAPITAL Magazine Outstanding Green Excellence Award
2009
Hang Seng Pearl River Delta (PRD) Environmental Silver Award
2009
IECQ HSPM QC 080000 certification (first printer consumable company to be awarded)
2008
Hong Kong Enterprise Environmental Achievement Award
2007
Hong Kong Eco-Products Bronze Award
2005
First Class Science & Technology Award of Zhuhai Municipality
2005
9th China Patent Gold Medal Award
2004
Innovation-Knowledge Enterprise Award www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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Recycling Times Magazine
OEM News
HP to Unveil Biggest MFP Launch in 7 Years Though widely recognized as the world’s Number One printer manufacturer, HP is not as dominant in the MFP segment. According to HP, it only commands a 12% share of the market in the laser MFP area. In 2011, $45 billion worth of multifunction printers were sold worldwide. “ While competitors like Xerox, Canon and Ricoh all made strides in this market, HP has held on to an existing portfolio that has aged over the years,” said Keith Kmetz, an Analyst with market research firm, IDC. H P ’ s C E O, M e g W h i t m a n , blames it on lack of Research and development in the struggling company. “We haven’t had a new product lineup in 7 years,” she said. “It was very obvious that we had a product gap here. We were not a part of the fastest-growing
segment of the market,” added Whitman. The new printers under development at HP, priced around $2,500 to $3,000, are primarily targeted at small businesses. Some models aim to replace more expensive laser printers with cheaper but equally robust inkjets. These multifunction machines also use software that could help manage the print process. HP has not disclosed either the name or the launching date of the new products.
Lexmark Releases 42 New Printers Lexmark introduced its biggest product launch with 42 new laser printers, including major upgrades in print speed and cartridge usage. Todd Hamblin, President of Lexmark Canada, says that the product launch is one of the largest in the company’s 21-year history. Mr. Hamblin also mentions that the company has done a “complete overhaul” of its monochrome line, and significantly updated its color printers. One of the key features of the products is an increase in print speed. The MX812 monochrome laser MFP, for example, can print 70 pages per minute, with the first page delivered in only four seconds. The move shows Lexmark’s focus on business printing after its exit from the inkjet printer business on August 28, 2012. The new printers also feature upgrades in user convenience. The control panel
can connect to the Internet without using a computer. The panel can also be used to keep track of print jobs and delete part of the schedule when needed. This, according to Hamblin, will make workplaces more efficient and less wasteful. For the old printers that have been sold, Lexmark offers 76 upgrades in service. Cartridges, for example, can be automatically ordered by the onboard control panel when the toner is depleted.. In general, Hamblin says that the new products and upgrades are designed to, “Take a few steps out” of the printing process.
OKI Suggests： “Stop Printing!” OKI, a world leader in digital printing products, launched a Stop Printing! campaign at the GITEX Expo in Dubai October 14-18. The operation was intended to raise awareness of the growing print waste across the globe.”If you’re not printing efficiently and effectively, don’t print at all!” OKI proclaimed. “Some printer companies are telling you to print twice as much for the same cost, but we’re suggesting if you print less by printing more wisely, you can save money and the environment,” says John Ross, General Manager, OKI Middle East, Africa & India.”Using a combination of green technology and basic sense, organizations can waste less paper, save energy, and save real money.” A report by the Economist shows at a conservative level, the worldwide daily printing volume equals 319 trillion A4 pages. “If we consider 10% of that is produced by PC-linked printers and 10% of that in turn is wasted, we are wasting over 3 trillion A4 pages of print every day”, emphasizes Ross. With its products regarded as energy saving solutions by businesses of all sizes, OKI is now marching aggressively into critical markets and aims to double its sales in EMEA. “As a carbon neutral company, we maintain a strong commitment to the environment and are dedicated to helping companies reap the benefits of green technology. Our latest products are in compliance with the latest European regulations and will help businesses reduce costs and their carbon footprint simultaneously,” added Ross. www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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Recycling Times Magazine
OEM News
IDC: Wireless Devices Continue to Show Growth The brightest spot in the overall worldwide hardcopy peripherals (HCP) market during the third quarter of 2012 (3Q12) was wireless devices, with its showing of 2% year-overyear growth in a challenging economic environment. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker, total worldwide hardcopy unit shipments declined 12.7% year over year to nearly 27.4 million units, the fourth consecutive quarterly decline. Technology Highlights • Despite a contraction of 15% year over year, inkjet remains the dominant technology with 16.7 million units shipped and a 61% share of the total HCP market in 3Q12. The wireless inkjet segment in mature markets continued to exhibit growth, resulting in 1% year-overyear gain in the third quarter of 2012. • Laser declined 8% year over year in 3Q12 to 9.6 million units resulting in a 35% share of the total HCP market. The wireless laser segment experienced year-over-year growth of 9% and 22%, respectively, in the emerging and mature markets. • The monochrome laser market declined 9% year over year to 7.9 million units. This was the lowest year-over-year growth for monochrome laser in any quarter since 3Q08. The color laser segment declined 3% year over year to 1.7 million units in 3Q12. • The wireless segment in mature markets outperformed emerging markets with 6% year-over-year growth versus a decline of 9%. Vendor Highlights HP – Despite year-over-year growth of –24.1% in 3Q12, HP remained the leading vendor in the total hardcopy peripherals market with 37.3% share, down from 42.9% one year ago. The vendor's wireless segment
also experienced a year-over-year decline of 16%. Canon – Canon strengthened its position in the number 2 spot with more than 5.7 million units shipped, resulting in an increased market share of 20,9%, up nearly 3 points from 3Q11. The vendor grew its wireless volume 48% year-over-year. Both emerging and mature markets exhibited strong gains in the wireless segment, with year-over-year growth of 64% and 46%, respectively. Epson – Epson finished the quarter with 5.9% year over year growth, which was notable better than that of the top two players. With more than 4.1 million units shipped, Epson captured a 15.2% share of the total hardcopy peripherals market, up more than 2 points from a year ago. With 69% growth, Epson had the best year-over-year performance in the wireless segment. Similar to Canon, wireless volume in both the emerging and mature markets experienced significant year-over-year growths, 97% and 66%, respectively. Brother – With a 10% year over year improvement in shipments, Brother’s 3Q12 performance was the best among the top 5 vendors. Brother captured 7% overall market share on 1.9 million units. Brother also did well in the wireless segment, posting 30% year-over-year growth. Samsung – Samsung's share of the total HCP market slipped to 5.0% on shipments of nearly 1.4 million units in 3Q12, enabling it to remain a top 5 player. The vendor also enjoyed double-digit growth in wireless volume, with 48% year-over-year growth in the emerging markets and 55% in mature markets. Source:www.idc.com
Pantum Targets 5% Printer Share in India According to Recycling Times reports, Chinese printer OEM Pantum aims to capture a 5% share of the laser printer market in India by December 2015. Pantum is now busy finding distributors to march into different markets around the world. The US, UK, MENA (Middle East and North American) markets have already been opened and now the emerging Chinese printer manufacturer is focusing on the SMB and SOHO segment in India. “As per IDC, the Indian laser printer market is estimated to be about 1.7 million units currently and is pegged to grow to 2 million units by 2015...About 45 to 50% of this is the SMB and SOHO segment,” said Jackson Wang, Pantum International President. The company selected Rashi Peripherals as its national distributor and Indian sales partner. Pantum is confident that it will penetrate 64 top cities in India by the end of this year and over 100 cities by the end of 2013. “Russia, China and Europe are major contributors to our revenues,” Wang said. “In the next few years, we are looking at expanding the contribution from emerging economies and India will play a crucial role in this. We expect India to contribute 10% of our revenues by 2015.” This year, Pantum is targeting a global shipment of 300,000 units and expanding it to one million units by 2015. www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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Recycling Times Magazine
Tech Zone
Establishing Quality Control Protocols Making Ongoing Commitment to Consistent Excellence Luke Goldberg, Senior Vice President, MSE Everyone talks about quality, but few actually follow through on the goals expressed in their rhetoric. For anyone looking to better understand how to qualify a cartridge supplier, this article should be instructive. I tell any dealer looking to qualify a cartridge supplier that they should do more than ask for a suppliers QC process—they should go see it for themselves. I find it incredible that something as critical to a dealer’s business profitability plan as toner is often taken as a commodity that doesn’t require the same due diligence as software, hardware, or other office products. Toner consumables vary greatly from one supplier to another. But you shouldn’t take my word for our quality. Come see it for yourselves, and make sure you do the same with anybody with whom you are placing your trust. When you visit a factory, quality is a palpable attribute you can see, feel, and touch. It should be evident in every aspect of a company’s operations and part of their DNA. If you visit the same factory once per year, you should see
an ongoing investment in quality that tells you where your dollars are being spent. If you visit MSE, you will definitely see where your dollars are going. If you visit every 90 days, you will see a company that never rests on its laurels; you will see genuine reinvestment in an effort to be the market’s truest alternative to the OEM. MSE’s Quality Control (QC) processes continually evolve as our industry changes.
Changes in technology, printer features, and user expectations necessitate QC being an organic, adaptable entity poised to take on the challenges of our industry at any point in time. MSE has developed an arduous, 5-step QC protocol that is the foundation of our 99.2 percent product success rate. In this article I will discuss what is involved in these steps from a process, equipment, and testing protocol standpoint. MSE’s founder, Yoel Wazana, has insisted that Quality Control (QC) processes continually evolve as our industry changes. Changes in technology, printer features, and user expectations necessitate QC being an organic, adaptable entity poised to take on the challenges of our industry at any point in time. Because of this, MSE has developed an arduous, 5-step QC protocol that is the foundation of our 99.2 percent product success rate. In this article we will discuss what is involved in these steps from a process, equipment, and testing protocol standpoint. www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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Tech Zone
Step 1: Qualification and Ongoing Performance Tests of Critical Raw Materials. I come from a 20-plus-year background working in the raw materials manufacturing and distribution side of the industry. MSE was one of my customers, as were most of the other major manufacturers of aftermarket cartridges. MSE was always a very difficult company to sell to because of the extensive testing to which they subjected raw materials. In today’s raw materials market, there is so much price pressure that the manufacturers cannot possibly test the components to the same extent that MSE can. MSE has great relationships with its raw materials suppliers, often resulting in codeveloped custom formulations. However, we still are required to stress their materials to the breaking point when we qualify them and when we test them on an ongoing basis. When MSE qualifies a bill of materials (BOM), a number of tests are run on critical parts. Toners are tested with a system for melt points, print quality and yield. We also analyze toner for both initial qualification and ongoing consistency using a Coulter Counter for precise particle size measurement. This enables us to make sure that the particle size distribution of a given toner is the same as those values we initially qualified, and that each lot is consistent according to a manufacturer’s specifications. Once a system is qualified, rigorous stress tests are conducted to determine quality tipping points. MSE conducts accelerated aging tests to ensure quality over time by stressing the cartridge heat/cold extremes for specific time frames. This tells us how the cartridge system will withstand these extremes (e.g., Will the
toner characteristics change? Will adhesives hold? Etc.). In addition, MSE offers a market-leading 3-year warranty. This warranty is corroborated by MSE’s accelerated aging test process to ensure that our cartridges will perform for up to three years after their production date with no degradation in quality. MSE is one of only a handful of manufacturers with two, full-time, walk-in environmental chambers running low temp low humidity/high temp high humidity 18 hours a day. MSE not only uses these to quality a system, we use them on an ongoing basis for post-pack analysis, which we will detail in Step 5 of our QC protocol. Vibration tests are run to approximate shipping stress, and then print tests are run to determine whether the vibration altered print performance. MSE also conducts tests on other components to determine critical properties such as torque, seal-pull force, and wiper blade nick tolerances. Step 2: 100 Percent Post Production Print Testing on the Reman Line There is nothing unique about this test. Every manufacturer of any size conducts a final print quality test. It’s what happens afterwards that brings MSE up to the next level of quality. Step 3: MSE’s QC Loop After post-testing, 100 percent of MSE’s cartridges travel to a secondary QC area staffed by experts who conduct tests on 100 percent of MSE’s production. All of MSE’s cartridges are bar-coded, which provides data on critical visibility features such as post-test Inspector, BOM information, and critical attention check points. As the QC loop Inspector scans the code, check points come up (showing images) which might include as many as 20 points to inspect. In addition, 100 percent of all cartridges will undergo inspection of the test prints to make sure nothing was missed in the initial post-test. Other inspections, such as shake tests, will also take place here to ensure seal integrity.
Step 4: After the QC Loop, Cartridges Travel to Packaging with Test Prints Here a final Inspector reviews the prints for an unprecedented third time prior to final packaging! Step 5: QC Post Pack Audit Inspection Our final quality checkpoint involves destructive testing of finished, packed stock done in varying percentages based on model volume, difficulty, and release date. Many manufacturers conduct varying types of post pack audit tests, but MSE takes this stage to the next level when it comes to the types of tests being conducted. Most manufacturers run destructive tests using continuous printing to end of life. This is a good test when running page yield comparisons against the OEM. In fact, MSE uses the ISO yield standards ISO 19752 and ISO 19798 for color. The issue is that continuous printing isn’t real world. This would be like determining the longevity of the drive train in your car by testing it at 90 Km per hour without stopping until the engine dies. In this scenario, your engine would last for 500,000 Km. Try driving in Shanghai, or, even worse, Mumbai, or the 405 freeway in Los Angeles for a few months, and you will see that your engine will be lucky to last for 100,000 Km. MSE runs at single-page mode, which places the most stress on critical parts. This creates a true, real world stress test. In addition, sample cartridges are placed in environmental chambers and tested; samples are placed in accelerated aging chambers and tested. . .In short, all of the stress tests we conduct during initial qualification of a model and BOM are conducted on an ongoing basis in this final stage of QC. It might seem unusual for a manufacturer like MSE to share this type of information with the rest of the world. We do so for the fundamental reason that IF others follow our example of leading with quality, it will be better for the aftermarket as a whole. If we lead with quality, then it will help abate the ceaseless downward pricing spiral and allow us to compete fairly with the OEM as a quality alternative. www.iRecyclingTimes.com
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Tech Zone Mike Josiah
Remanufacturing the Brother HL 4150 Series Toner Cartridges TN-310/315 Color Toner Cartridges The Brother HL-4150 printer engine is based on a new 25-30 ppm black and color, 2400 x 600 DPI color LED engine. The machines come standard with 128Mb expandable to 384Mb of memory, and all run off a 400 MHz processor. All models come standard with duplex built in and some have wireless interfaces. With print speeds of up to 30ppm and street pricing starting at $289.00, these machines have become very popular. The toner cartridges do not have a reset chip on them, but do have a reset gear that must be positioned properly for the machine to accept it as a new cartridge. The proper reset position of the gear will be covered later in this instruction. The gears themselves can be a bit confusing as there are different configurations worldwide. Basically it comes down to this. For High yield cartridges (3.5 or 4K) color or black use a Grey reset gear. For Extra high Yield cartridges (6k) color or black use a Black reset gear. Starter cartridges are considered to be a Standard yield and do not come with a reset gear. Any starter cartridge can be converted to a HY or EHY cartridge. In different areas of the world different yields are available so there is not a separate color reset gear nor a separate black reset gear. Below is a chart of which cartridges are used in what location, the part numbers and yield. The gear that should be used for each is indicated by the yield. North, South, Central, America Region (USA Brother. com) • SY = TN310 C / Y / M (1,500pages) • SY = TN310 BK (2,500 pages) • HY = TN315 C / Y / M (3,500 pages) • EHY = TN315BK (6,000 pages) • European Region (Germany Brother.com) • SY = TN320BK (2,500 pages) • SY = TN320C / Y / M (1,500pages) • HY = TN325BK (4,000 pages) • HY = TN325C / Y / M (3,500 pages) • EHY = TN328 BK / C / Y / M (6,000 pages) Asia, Oceania Region (HK Brother.com) • SY = TN340 BK (2,500 pages) • HY = TN345 C / Y / M (3,500 pages) • EHY = TN348 BK / C / Y / M (6,000 pages) • Asia, Oceania Region (Australia Brother.com) • SY = TN340 BK (2,500 pages) • SY = TN340 C / Y / M (1,500 pages)
• EHY = TN348 BK / C / Y / M (6,000 pages) • Japan Region ( Japan Brother.com) • SY = TN390BK (2,500 pages) • SY = TN390C / Y / M (1,500pages) • HY = TN395BK (4,000 pages) • HY = TN395C / Y / M (3,500 pages) • Middle East (United Arab Brother.com) • SY = TN340 BK (2,500 pages) • SY = TN340 C / Y / M (1,500 pages) • HY = TN345 C / Y / M (3,500 pages) • EHY = TN348 BK / C / Y / M (6,000 pages) When the printer senses a new toner cartridge, the bias voltage is set to a high voltage. As the cartridge is used, the bias voltage is reduced gradually down to a lower voltage. This process is necessary because according to Brother, a new toner cartridge has a tendency to print light. As the cartridge is used, the density increases (Lower voltage = higher density). To keep the density level even throughout its life, the density bias voltage is reduced accordingly. Each time a new cartridge is installed, the reset gear engages the gear train. The rib on the reset gear pushes down on the new toner sensor. The bias voltage is then reset, and the cartridge page count is reset to zero. HY cartridges have different stages set for the bias voltage than an Extra high yields cartridge does. That’s why there are two different gears While the cartridge yield is stated in pages printed, it actually is based on the revolutions of the developer roller. The larger the run, the better the yield. There are roller cycles for every print job and automatic ones too. There is the warm-up cycle, color registration cycle, developer bias cycle etc. As these cycles are normally run once per job, the bigger the print job, the better the yield. There are multiple revolutions for each cycle and some will run upon turning the printer on or opening the front cover. They can range from 35 rotations to as much as 262 rotations for each function so you can see how they can add up quickly. Brother has charts that cover different sized print jobs and how they relate to the total effective yield. Current machines released so far are: • HL-4140CN • HL-4150CDN • HL-4570CDW
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Tech Zone
Figure 1
• HL-4570CDWT • MFP-9460CDN • MFP-9560CDW • MFP-9970CDW Other consumables used in these machines are the: Drum Unit 25,000 pages • DR-310CL Belt unit 50,000 pages • BU-300CL Waste toner box 50,000 pages • WT-300CL Figures 1 & 2 show a broad overview of the printing process and the different component locations. As you can see these machines use a single pass type system. How to run test pages and cartridge trouble shooting will be covered at the end of this article. Required Tools • Toner approved vacuum. • Phillips head screwdriver • Small jewelers type common screwdriver Required Supplies • Brother HL-4150 Toner: Choose the correct color and gram weight for your cartridge
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Figure 2
• Reset gear for the starter cartridge (See text above) • Lint free cotton cloths
Recycling Times Magazine
Tech Zone
Move the white plastic locking tab on the right side of the developer roller to the up position.
step >
5
Pry off the white developer roller bushing.
step >
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Va c u u m t h e e x t e r i o r o f t h e cartridge. Be careful not to damage the developer roller as it is exposed.
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Remove the E-ring.
7
Remove the large white drive gear and the developer roller gear.
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Gently pry off the black bushing on the opposite side of the developer roller. Be careful not to lose the spring!
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3
Remove the three screws on the left (gear side) end cap.
Remove the reset gear and spring.
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Remove the three remaining small white gears.
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Remove the screw and contact side end cap for the developer
roller.
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Remove the end cap.
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8
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step >
step >
Remove the fill plug from the toner cartridge. Dump the remaining toner and vacuum/blow out the cartridge. There will probably be a label over the fill plug. It comes off with a little alcohol and a lint free cloth or cotton swab.
2
13
Carefully remove the copper contact.
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Remove the developer roller.
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step >
step >
step >
Clean the developer roller with a lint free cloth. Do not use any chemicals to clean the roller. A dry, clean, lint free cloth will work fine.
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step > step >
step >
Inspect the developer roller felts. If they are compressed, (shiny) gently rough them up with a small screwdriver.
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step >
step >
Vacuum/blow the doctor blade. We do not recommend that the doctor blade be removed as the developer roller felt seals will be disturbed. Once a new blade is available, great care will have to be taken not to tear the seals causing a leak. The doctor blade can be easily cleaned by blowing the excess toner off, and wiping down with a lint free cloth. Be very careful not to leave any lint behind and do not use any chemicals to clean it!
Clean the gears, making sure that they have no toner on them. This is a good time to also check the gear shafts to make sure there is enough grease. If the shafts appear dry, or the grease is contaminated with toner, clean the shaft and inside of the gear. Replace the grease with white lithium grease. Install the three small gears as shown.
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24
Install the developer roller gear and the drive gear. Install the E-ring.
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Turn the white magnetic roller lock down so the tab locks into the hole.
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step >
step >
Carefully vacuum/blow the cartridge clean. Note the tape on the middle of the blade to keep it flat. Use only low pressure air! (High pressure air can cause leaks in the seals). Be sure to rotate the foam feed roller so it is fully cleaned.
15
Install the spring and bushing. Make sure the bushing moves freely.
step >
step >
Re-install the developer roller keyed end to the gear side, and white lock pointing up. Make sure the white lock fits into the groove. Turn the lock towards the doctor blade until it locks in place.
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Install the copper contact.
Install the end cap and screw.
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Tech Zone
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Install the developer roller bushing.
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step >
Install the gear cover plate, and three screws.
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Fill the cartridge with the appropriate color and amount of Brother HL-4150
step >
Toner.
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Replace the fill plug.
Wipe the cartridge down to remove any remaining toner dust.
show the reset gear for an EHY (Black) reset gear.
show a HY (Grey) reset gear.
Install the developer roller cover. This is important as the developer roller is exposed and is easily damaged or contaminated. step >
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step >
step >
step >
step >
step >
step >
Set the reset gear and spring as shown. The tail of the spring fits into a notch at the base of the gear. Starter cartridges do not come with this gear, but it can be added and the starter cartridge use as a HY or EHY cartridge.
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Brother TN-315 toner start
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Tech Zone Printing Test Pages Printer setting pages: Press the OK button 3 times while the printer is in the READY state. The printer will show “Print Settings/printing” on the LCD. Some machines will run 3 pages, some will run 4. Resetting the toner cartridge If for some reason a machine will not reset using a reset gear, the machine can be reset through the menu. This procedure should never be given to a user though as it entails going into the service menu and if they go into the wrong menu and press the wrong buttons, damage to the machine can and will happen. This should only be performed by qualified technicians and only if the reset gear on the cartridge does not work. • Open the front cover • Press the SECURE and CANCEL buttons at the same time • “Reset Menu” should appear on the display • Press the up or down arrows to select the cartridge you want to reset the count on. • Press the OK button • Once “up arrow Reset down arrow Exit” appears on the display, press the up arrow button • The developer roller counter is reset • Close the front cover
NOTE: If there is no operation for 30seconds or more, the printer automatically returns to step 1. Here is a list of the cartridges that can be reset and how they appear in the listing. Starter/standard Black developer roller reset • K.TNR-STD High Yield Black developer roller reset • K.TNR-HC • K.TNR-S.HC Extra High Yield Black developer roller reset Starter/standard Cyan developer roller reset • C.TNR-STD C.TNR-HC High Yield Cyan developer roller reset • • C.TNR-S.HC Extra High Yield Cyan developer roller reset Starter/standard Magenta developer roller reset • M.TNR-STD High Yield Magenta developer roller reset • M.TNR-HC M.TNR-S.HC Extra High Yield Magenta developer roller reset • Starter/standard Yellow developer roller reset • Y.TNR-STD High Yield Yellow developer roller reset • Y.TNR-HC • Y.TNR-S.HC Extra High Yield Yellow developer roller reset Repetitive Defect Chart Developer roller
30.0mm
OPC Drum
94.0mm
Upper fuser roller
78.5mm
Lower Pressure roller
78.5mm
2013 Event Calendar January 26-29
February 21-23
March 5-7
Paperworld
ReIndia Expo
Paperworld Middle East
Frankfurt, Germany www.paperworld.de
Bangalore, India www.rechargermag.com
Dubai www.paperworldme.com
April 17-18
May 16-17
May 21-23
ITEX 2013
RechargEast CIS Expo
BUSINESS-INFORM 2013
Las Vegas www.itexshow.com
Kiev, Ukraine www.rechargeastexpo.com
Moscow, Russia www.sforp.ru
June 18-20
July 9-11
October 17-19
Reciclamais South American Expo
World Expo 2013
RemaxAsia & iPrint (China) Expo
Sao Paulo, Brazil www.reciclamais.com
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Las Vegas www.worldexposhow.com
Zhuhai, China www.iRecyclingTimes.com