1. Production process

All components used by us are tested for their mutual compatibility. Continuous inspection of all incoming cartridges enables us to ensure perfect functioning of the single components.

During production the cartridges are dismantled into their single components and pressure cleaned. Visible parts of the casing are cleaned in an ultrasonic bath. Components critical for printing quality such as the magnet roller and the PCR (Primary Charge Roller) are always given a new coating. All dismantled parts are inspected for consistent quality according to a prescribed quality control procedure before being reassembled. The cartridge is then assembled. The photoconductor and drum cleaner blade are always replaced. After assembly, each cartridge undergoes a final 100% quality inspection (test printout). The standard for our quality is the OEM product.

2. Taking back empty cartridges

The empty cartridges collected by our customers are registered electronically as they arrive. The goods are processed chronologically by a team of 10 well-trained workers. The toner and ink cartridges are unpacked and undergo a quality inspection for visual signs of damage. The cartridges are sorted according to the following criteria:

Empties for which payment is made: All virgin modules (once-used OEM modules) which are on our list of cartridges and show no signs of damage.

Empties to be disposed of: Unfortunately, other objects besides cartridges are sent to us from time to time. We have to dispose of these objects in compliance with the relevant environment laws.

All empty modules which are suitable for production are deposited in a semi-automatic production line / storage system and subsequently conveyed to the appropriate production units. This system later forms the basis for the robot-controlled cleaning of the disassembled module components. More information on this can be obtained from the home page of our subsidiary Collecture GmbH (www.collecture.com)

3. Dismantling and cleaning

4. Sealing and filling

Prior to filling, each cartridge is sealed with a new #cellular sealing strip then filled in high-precision filling units based on QS guidelines. Prior to the filling process, each type of toner undergoes stringent quality controls. Apart from simple printing tests, special devices are used in order to establish whether the toner produces the expected values in combination with the OPC (organic photoconductor). Only goods which are in perfect condition are used in production.

5. Permanent quality control

Our permanent quality control is a key feature in the production of our products. We always perform a quality test on each assembly, thus assuring a continuous high standard of quality in the final product.

6. Assembly

All components are assembled. The photoconductor drum, cleaning blade and PCR are always replaced with brand-new components during this process.

7. 100% final quality inspection

Each cartridge is tested according to a prescribed procedure (quality agreement for FREECOLOR cartridges). Each cartridge is installed in the applicable printer and several pages are printed. The pages are inspected for blackness, toner consumption, printing defects (dots, lines) and mechanical defects. At the same time, several cartridges are taken from each production lot for long-term testing. These tests are conducted using a variety of printers (HP, Brother, Canon, ...). This is necessary for the earliest possible detection of potential compatibility problems with a component.