consumables - oki service · 10/2009 introduction this document provides an informative guide about...
TRANSCRIPT
Presenting a watertight case for using Original Consumables instead of non-OEM imaging supplies
The Essential Guide to Original Consumables
Consumables
� 10/2009
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Overview of the argument in favour of Original Consumables . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Claims and counter-claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Buyer beware: the hidden agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Cost of ownership model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Quality and technical issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Evaluation testing and results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Toner cartridge testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Ribbon testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
10/2009 � �
Introduction
This document provides an
informative guide about
the advantages of Original
Consumables over non-OEM
(Original Equipment Manufacturer)
imaging supplies . The content
will be of specific interest to OKI
Printing Solutions Regional Sales
Managers, their distributors
and resellers .
For some two decades we have
only been able to scratch at the
surface of the threat to our business
and potential damage to our
customers’ printer hardware from
non-OEM supplies .
Although we have made significant
inroads to the threat of counterfeit
product through our own intellectual
property initiatives and our
strategic alliance with the Imaging
Consumables Coalition of Europe
(ICCE), we have not been able to
achieve the same level of success
against non-genuine supplies .
Now, that is about to change . We
have tangible evidence that non-
genuine supplies are, generally,
inferior to Original Consumables .
Also, we have feedback from
customers who have experienced
a range of print quality issues after
they opted for non-genuine product
instead of the recommended
Original Consumables .
We have real ammunition to fire
now as we raise the bar in the
battle against non-OEM product .
Consumables EMEA Division is
producing a range of materials
to assist all channel partners to
convince customers that there is
no sensible substitute for
Original Consumables .
The case for Original Consumables
is not just about protecting either
the integrity of our brand or an
important revenue stream for OKI
Printing Solutions . We have a duty
of care to educate and advise our
present and future customers
so that they can make informed
decisions about purchasing Original
Consumables and subsequently
enjoy the advantages that can only
be found with our genuine supplies .
� 10/2009
Definitions
By its definition, in printing terms,
a consumable is a replaceable item
that is “consumed” during the
process of document output . This
includes toner and toner cartridges,
ribbons, image drums, transfer
belts, fuser units and media (paper,
labels, staples and card) .
Counterfeitconsumables
Counterfeit consumables are
designed, manufactured and
packaged to look like genuine OKI
Printing Solutions consumables .
Counterfeit products can enter the
supply chain at any point and, to
the untrained eye, they can often
be difficult to differentiate from our
genuine supplies .
Apart from the likelihood of
damaging the printer and
producing inferior print quality
and performance, you should be
aware that counterfeit consumables
are illegal . The manufacture,
supply, purchase or possession
of counterfeit consumables is a
criminal offence that can result
in prosecution .
Compatibles
Usually toner cartridges and
printer ribbons that are newly
manufactured and sold via
dealerships, independents
or Internet sites as
‘own brand’ products .
GenuineandOriginalConsumables
A consumable that has been
developed and manufactured by
the OEM to work exclusively with
the appropriate hardware (printers,
fax machines and multi-function
products) and marketed through its
official channel partners .
OKI Printing Solutions Original
Consumables can be identified
clearly by their product packaging
and on-product labelling . OKI
Printing Solutions does not produce
remanufactured imaging supplies .
10/2009 �
Definitions
Remanufactured
Mostly toner cartridges that started
life as either a new Original or a
new compatible that have been
rebuilt or reused one or more
times . These may or may not have
had components replaced and are
refilled with a generic toner powder .
Through its Collection and Returns
Programme, OKI Printing Solutions
has its own processes for recycling
and reusing components from its
Original Consumables .
Cartridgerenewal
Often referred to as recharging,
this process involves the customer
returning their used consumable
to an external supplier to have the
cartridge refilled with a generic
toner – or simply buying a
refilled cartridge off the shelf
or the Internet .
OKI Printing Solutions does not
recommend this option as an
alternative to purchasing Original
Consumables:
1 The recharging process is not
carried out by the Original
manufacturer . This increases
the likelihood of incompatible
components being introduced
to the cartridge when it is
stripped down
� As OKI Printing Solutions has no
control over the manufacture of
third party toner or the quality
control in the recharging process,
we cannot vouch for the quality of
toner or resulting print output
Tonerrefills
Instead of replacing the toner
cartridge when toner is consumed,
toner refills offer a DIY approach
to replacing toner . Normally sold
in plastic containers, toner refills
require the user to follow a series
of instructions to transfer the toner
from its supplied container to the
spent cartridge . Often this may
require breaking into the cartridge
and the use of special tools .
Toner refills are messy and this
process may result in toner spillage
and damage to the cartridge . In
addition, as the user is expected to
make an incision to the cartridge
(in order to insert the toner)
there is the potential for personal
injury . As many bottled toners do
not carry any guidance as to the
content, there is a risk of inhaling
a potentially dangerous substance .
Furthermore, as OKI Printing
Solutions cannot validate the
composition of the toner refill
this is an option that we would
never recommend .
It should be noted that the terms
‘compatible’, ‘remanufactured’
and ‘refilled’ are often misused .
For example, in some instances
a compatible cartridge can be a
remanufactured product so the
end-user can never be certain of
what they are buying .Examples of tools and kits currently available on the market
� 10/2009
Overview of the argument
For more than two decades, OKI
Printing Solutions has maintained
and actively promoted the virtues of
using Original Consumables instead
of non-OEM imaging supplies .
At times during this period, it
has been difficult to substantiate
some of the “promotional” claims
about the advantages of Original
Consumables . But with a significant
increase recently in the installed
base of OKI Printing Solutions
printer hardware together with the
proliferation of non-OEM supplies it
is now possible to support – visually
and technically – every aspect of
the claims we have been making .
The principal advantages of
OKI Printing Solutions Original
Consumables over non-OEM
supplies may be summarised as:
• Benchmark print quality
• Maximises printer life
• Less paper jams
• Improves printer reliability
• Cost-effective and long-term value for money
• Full manufacturer’s support
• Enhances productivity in the workplace
• Free three-year warranty on printer hardware
• Peace of mind
Fundamental to these advantages
is that OKI Printing Solutions
develops and manufactures its
imaging supplies to work in perfect
harmony with the appropriate
printer hardware . Our Original
Consumables are high-precision
products with the toner, lubricants,
ribbons and other components
designed to operate at specific
tolerances and deliver the yields,
print quality and reliability levels
that are the hallmarks of OKI
Printing Solutions .
TheargumentinfavourofOriginalConsumables
In testing non-OEM supplies,
no other available toner cartridge
or ribbon we are aware of has
matched all of the quality and
specification levels of our own
Original Consumables .
10/2009 �
Overview of the argument
Apart from “Peace of Mind” which
is more of an emotive issue, the
claims – outlined in the previous
section – regarding the advantages
of Original Consumables are factual .
Furthermore, they are based on
years of research and development,
significant investment and global
collaboration between OKI Printing
Solutions personnel .
On paper, it would appear that
these claims present a watertight
argument in favour of Original
Consumables .
However, the customer can easily
be influenced by some of the
advertising messages from
non-OEM compatible suppliers
who claim:
Again, on paper, these claims look
too good an offer to refuse . From
the customer’s perspective, they
tick all the right boxes – especially
where print quality and cost-savings
are concerned .
However, in reality they are often
misleading, unsubstantiated and, in
many cases, just pure fabrication .
To quote that well known maxim,
if it looks too good to be true, it
probably is .
“Cheaper than the OEM’s consumables”
“Saves you up to half the cost of your printing supplies”
“Fully guaranteed – or your money back”
“Works as well as or better than the original”
“Environmentally friendly”
“Same specification as the original product”
“Remanufactured to the original manufacturer’s standard”
“Will not affect your original manufacturer’s warranty”
“…will print the same number of pages with the same quality”
Claimsandcounter-claims
� 10/2009
Overview of the argument
In putting forward a case for always
using Original Consumables, it
is important to look behind the
upfront claims of non-genuine
suppliers and some of the other
issues that the non-genuine
packaging and promotion material
may not be so upfront about .
Savingmoney
As our Cost of Ownership model
(see next section) illustrates, there
are financial savings to be made .
But these savings are superficial
and very short term .
At OKI Printing Solutions we accept
that non-genuine supplies are
cheaper than Original Consumables
– and there’s a very good reason
for this . Quite simply, they just do
not stack up to the specified quality
and longevity that are inherent
characteristics of our own
brand consumables .
In spite of what third party suppliers
may claim, non-genuine toner
powder and inks do not operate
in the same way as our own . OKI
Printing Solutions toner and inks
are specifically developed and
formulated for OKI engines, drums,
fusers and printheads – and they
are unique to the printer hardware in
which they are being used .
In the case of toner powder, the
specific formula and particle size
is critical to the successful and
trouble-free operation of the printer
hardware . Anything other than
Original powder or ink ribbons can
give rise to one or more problems
(shown later in this document
through internal evaluations as well
as customer feedback) .
Furthermore, non-genuine
consumables invariably need
replacing before their targeted
end-of-life . This alone represents a
false economy .
Environmentally
friendly
Fact . No business
is environmentally
friendly . By virtue of the fact that
we consume means we use the
resources of the Earth . So, the
best we can be is environmentally
conscious and have a plan to
minimise negative impact .
OKI Printing Solutions has its
own environmental charter that is
implemented throughout its global
operations . We are completely
transparent and honest about our
activities .
How many remanufacturers or
refillers do you know who can
clearly demonstrate what they do
with the parts and cartridges they
collect or buy but do not use?
Up to 96% of the used consumables
materials returned to OKI Printing
Solutions are recycled for use in
other applications .
Buyerbeware:thehiddenagenda
10/2009 �
Overview of the argument
Healthandsafety
This is not just about our own
compliance with legislation; it’s
about our concerns for end-users
who may be purchasing non-
genuine supplies .
At OKI Printing Solutions we
know exactly what goes in to our
consumables and we ensure that
everything – from components to
toner particles and ink – meets or
exceeds relevant health, safety and
environmental regulations .
Furthermore, through our policy of
continuous improvement we ensure
our consumables are safe and fit for
purpose on an ongoing basis .
How many non-genuine suppliers
do not even list the ingredients,
demonstrate ongoing due diligence
or even know the true content of the
items they sell?
Warranty
OKI Printing Solutions currently
offers a free three-year warranty
on all its printer hardware . This
represents two years warranty
in addition to the standard one
year . This additional free two-
year warranty is subject to certain
conditions such as the registration
of the product with OKI Printing
Solutions and the customer’s
agreement to using only
Original Consumables .
Colourbalance
Although this is primarily a quality
issue, it is worth highlighting as a
separate topic in this section .
Our colour balance technology is
based on the powder developed
specifically for a particular OKI
Printing Solutions printing device . It
can only render colour in line with a
known formula and pigment balance
that it recognises .
Our printing devices will
automatically disable the colour
balance facility if non-genuine
powder is detected . Although
this can be adjusted manually,
the results fall short of automatic
colour balance because of the
unknown and varying composition
and concentration levels within the
generic toner powder .
Buyerbeware:thehiddenagenda
10 10/2009
Self-preservation
You insert a non-genuine toner
cartridge to your OKI Printing
Solutions printer . You switch it on
and “sensor error” appears on the
panel display and the machine will
not work .
This is not uncommon with non-
genuine supplies and the cause
is simple . Our products have a
built in fail-safe device to protect
themselves from damage .
If the printer was to run without
toner the least that could happen
is that the image drums and
fuser would be damaged . Our
toner powders contain a bespoke
lubricant . Without any – or the
wrong – lubricant, the drums will try
repeatedly to attract powder to their
surfaces and the fuser will heat up
and attempt to fuse it to the paper .
Our toner cartridges and printing
devices have a simple but effective
mechanism to ensure that sufficient
toner is present to enable proper
function and safeguard the machine .
OKI Printing Solutions cannot be
held responsible for suppliers
who do not adopt or are unable to
manufacture or remanufacture to
this basic standard .
Confidence
No one else knows our products like
we do, although some claim to .
Of the many non-genuine supplies
we have tested – and the many
reports we have had from
customers – not one has matched
the quality and specification levels
of our Original Consumables .
In addition, no other non-genuine
manufacturer or supplier we are
aware of demonstrates the level of
customer support and corporate
and social responsibility that we
do . None even comes close to the
capabilities in product conception,
design, manufacturing, use and
end-of-life management provided by
OKI Printing Solutions . And in our
opinion, none can .
Overview of the argument
Buyerbeware:thehiddenagenda
10/2009 11
Cost of ownership model
Our cost of ownership model
presents an example of the
financial aspects of using Original
Consumables or non-genuine
imaging supplies .
Although the model is for
illustration purposes only, the page
yields, life expectancy and failure
rates of all consumables shown
are based on our experience from
testing Original Consumables against
non-genuine product – as well as
customer feedback .
In order to create a level playing
field for this “encounter” between
the user of Original Consumables
and the non-genuine user, we have
made certain assumptions:
• Both users buy an identical new
OKI Printing Solutions printer with
a three-year warranty on the same
day and commence their printing
output of 2,500 standard pages
per month simultaneously in
similar operating environments
• The “starter kit” toner cartridges
supplied with the printer are
removed and replaced with a new
set of toners prior to printing
• The cost used for replacement
supplies is representative only
(and in some cases even favours
the non-genuine product
according to our findings)
• Toner yield is 5,000 standard
pages; drum specification is
17,000 standard pages; both the
fuser and transfer belt are specified
at 60,000 standard pages
Other considerations arising from
product testing and customer
feedback which form an important
part of the backdrop for this
illustration include:
• Our evaluation of non-genuine
product shows that 1 .5 non-
genuine toner cartridges are
required to print an equivalent
number of acceptable
standard pages as an Original
Consumable . This ratio varies
significantly between non-
genuine suppliers so in fairness
we have based it on a typical
high-end remanufacturer
product we tested on one of our
high-end printers
• When using remanufactured
drums, their life expectancy
is reduced by around 50% .
Realistically, this is a
conservative estimate, as many
remanufactured image drums
are not fitted with a new photo-
electric drum: some are even
supplied with a reset used
genuine drum!
• Through our evaluations we
have found that remanufactured
fuser and transfer belt life is
reduced by at least 25% . In some
tests, many failed on the first
page while others worked
for less than 50% of a new
Original Consumable
1� 10/2009
CustomerusingOriginaltonercartridgesfromOKIapprovedreseller
Cost of ownership model
Set of toners x 12 @ £200 = £2,400
Set of image drums x 3 @ £200 = £600
Transfer Belt x 0 = £0
Fuser x 0 = £0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Total Pages
2,500Total Pages
5,000Total Pages
7,500Total Pages
10,000Total Pages
12,500Total Pages
15,000Total Pages
17,500Total Pages
20,000Total Pages
22,500Total Pages
25,000Total Pages
27,500Total Pages
30,000
Year1
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Total Pages
32,500Total Pages
35,000Total Pages
37,500Total Pages
40,000Total Pages
42,500Total Pages
45,000Total Pages
47,500Total Pages
50,000Total Pages
52,500Total Pages
55,000Total Pages
57,500Total Pages
60,000
Year�
The representative unit cost of consumables for this customer
is as follows:
Rainbowpackof�KCMYKtonercartridges = £200
SetoffourCMYKimagedrums = £200
Fuserunit = £100
Transferbelt = £80
Printing 2,500 pages per month, the cost for Y1 is
£1,400 and the cost for Y2 is £1,600 . Total cost over
the two-year period is £3,000 .
It is likely that very few support calls, if any, would
have been needed . If they were, any issues would have
been rectified quickly and free of charge (under the
three-year warranty programme) . Where necessary
a replacement unit would have been provided to
minimise downtime .
10/2009 1�
Customerusingnon-genuineconsumables
Cost of ownership model
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Total Pages
2,500Total Pages
5,000Total Pages
7,500Total Pages
10,000Total Pages
12,500Total Pages
15,000Total Pages
17,500Total Pages
20,000Total Pages
22,500Total Pages
25,000Total Pages
27,500Total Pages
30,000
Year1
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Total Pages
32,500Total Pages
35,000Total Pages
37,500Total Pages
40,000Total Pages
42,500Total Pages
45,000Total Pages
47,500Total Pages
50,000Total Pages
52,500Total Pages
55,000Total Pages
57,500Total Pages
60,000
Year�
Set of toners x 18 @ £150 = £2,700
Set of image drums x 6 @ £175 = £1050
Transfer Belt x 1 @ £70
Fuser x 1 @ £80
The representative unit cost of consumables for this
customer is as follows:
Packof“�K”CMYKtonercartridges = £150
[25% less than Original Consumable]
SetoffourCMYKimagedrums = £175
[12 .5% less than Original Consumable]
Fuserunit = £80
[20% less than Original Consumable]
Transferbelt = £70
[12 .5% less than Original Consumable]
Printing 2,500 pages per month, the cost for Y1 is
£1,875 and the cost for Y2 is £2,025 . Total cost over
the two-year period is £3,905 .
1� 10/2009
Cost of ownership model
Although making superficial
financial savings on the purchase
of imaging supplies, many
consumables would need to be
changed before their end-of-life .
The non-genuine user actually
spent 23% more than the user of
Original Consumables to print out
the equivalent number of acceptable
standard pages .
If we were to include the cost of a
site visit by an engineer and printer
refurbishment then this figure
would rise to 27% more . During
the site visit all rogue consumables
and damaged parts would need to
be replaced, the engine stripped
and cleaned and all irregular toner
particles removed to prevent further
contamination and damage to the
printing mechanisms .
The visible and additional costs for
the non-genuine user are clear to
see . There are the hidden costs too,
which are more difficult to quantify .
These would include numerous
support calls for toner sensor errors
while fitting non-genuine toner
cartridges and the considerable
downtime that would have occurred
with the printer out of action or
changing supplies .
In addition, there is the frustration,
loss of productivity, missed
deadlines, inferior print quality,
paper jams and reprints – all of
which have a negative impact on the
smooth running of any business .
Costofownershipmodel–conclusion
10/2009 1�
Quality and technical issues
Quality is at the heart of how
our customers interface with our
products and ourselves . And there
are many facets to quality .
From the quality of the printed
document to the overall quality
of the experience of living with
and working with an OKI Printing
Solutions printing device and
Original Consumables .
In this section we examine many of
the “quality” issues arising from the
use of non-genuine supplies . Where
appropriate, these are supported by
images to show the effect .
We have conducted various and
sometimes lengthy tests, comparing
the yield, performance and print
quality of non-genuine supplies
against our Original Consumables .
The test results mirror the
comments from many of our
customers who have sought support
from us, conceding that they had
opted for non-genuine supplies .
These are genuine quotes from customers:
“Toner sensor error with compatible, Original was okay”
“231 fatal error”
“Vertical banding down the page”
“White lines in the print”
“A grey background problem”
For the purposes of this document,
the tests and evaluations were
carried out on colour toner
products . However, the results
also correlate with mono/black
only products .
Overview
As you would expect, our manufacturing and assembly facilities meet or exceed all current Health, Safety and Environmental regulations. Our filling cells and hoppers are in stark contrast to the manner in which counterfeiters and many third party suppliers work – as depicted later in this document
1� 10/2009
Evaluation testing and results
VisualInspection
Pride in the product and strict
levels of quality control ensure
that all Original Consumables are
presented in pristine condition . This
was not the case with a number of
non-OEM supplies we encountered
on opening the packaging . In some
instances, toner had leaked from
the cartridge during transit . Of
greater concern was that some of
the non-OEM cartridges bore the
“OKI” brand .
PaperJamsandSensorErrors
None recorded during the testing
of our own product, but all third
party cartridges tested exhibited
paper jams to varying degrees and
multiple “toner sensor errors” .
PrintQuality
Issues typical of non-OEM toner
cartridges included:
• Failure of toner to fuse correctly
• Failure of toner content to meet
advertised print yield
• Cartridges leaking inside printer
with powder building up around
gearing
• Poor toner powder transfer due to
waxy deposits on image drum
• Scratchy lines caused by toner
particles of inconsistent size
becoming trapped
Toner weights between Original and
non-genuine were very similar, but it
took 1 .3 to 1 .7 times the amount of
non-genuine powder to produce the
same number of identical printouts .
We suspect fillers are used to bulk
the inferior powder out .
The remanufactured toner
cartridges leaked toner powder
inside the machine and drums .
This led to powder building up
around the gearing, causing them to
grind and wear, meaning they had
to be replaced .
Gears and drums destroyed
Colourtonercartridgetesting
Two examples from non-genuine product we evaluated where toner had leaked during transit
10/2009 1�
Testprintafter�,000pagesusingOKIPrintingSolutionsOriginalproduct
Vertical white streaks and horizontal white bands are almost invisible
Initialtestprintusingnon-genuineproduct
Vertical white streaks and horizontal white bands are almost invisible
Testprintafter�,000pagesusingnon-genuineproduct
Vertical white streaks and horizontal white bands have appeared
Testprintafter�,000pagesusingnon-genuineproduct
Vertical white streaks and horizontal white bands have remained and are more evident
The non-genuine powder caused
vertical white lines and on
investigation we found a white waxy
build up on the image drum roller .
This caused poor toner powder
transfer to these areas of the image
drums and so led to the vertical
white lines .
The scratchy lines are caused by
toner particles becoming trapped
between the blades in the machine
that even the flow of powder . They
get trapped because they are not a
consistent size and shape like the
genuine powder .
For the same reason drums become
scratched, fusers are damaged and
transfer belts are contaminated
before reaching their specified yield
and need to be replaced .
Evaluation testing and results
Colourtonercartridgetesting
1� 10/2009
Evaluation testing and results
OKI toner particles
Compatible toner particles
We have to even the flow of powder to assure good quality, but generic
powders are just not manufactured to the same high standard/specification
designed for our engines
The size and formulation of toner
particles is critical to the quality of
the printout and the very health of
the printing device . Toner particles
of the wrong size from non-genuine
supplies will become trapped and
cause vertical white lines on your
printout as well as scratch the
surface of the image drum .
Colourtonercartridgetesting
Example of printout when irregular toner particles are used in a non-genuine toner powder. This leaves large toner deposits on the drum which results in erratic trace on the printouts
In this print sample using non-genuine toner, the lines and streaking have been caused by poor rendering of the toner
10/2009 1�
Evaluation testing and results
Ribbontesting
While compatibles pose a serious
threat to our Original toner supplies
business, it is counterfeit product
that is of major concern to our
Original ribbons sales . Whereas
compatibles are legal and ethical,
counterfeit is illegal and immoral .
With its strategic partners, OKI
Printing Solutions is taking an
active role in combating counterfeit
operations through surveillance,
raids on premises and prosecution .
The stated life of all ribbons tested
was three million characters .
Only the genuine OKI Printing
Solutions ribbons performed to
full specification . Ribbons from
one counterfeiter failed at 15,000
characters (0 .5% of its life) while a
second set of counterfeit ribbons
failed at 60,000 characters (2 .0% of
its life) .
Compatible ribbons fared better
in our testing with failure rates of
between 40,000 and two million
characters .
Historically, counterfeit imaging
supplies have been mainly ribbons
and some mono toners, but activity
is now filtering through to colour
toner and is likely to have an impact
on all types of consumables .
These pictures are from a real raid on a counterfeiting operation. They are not in any way mocked up to look like this
Take a look at the images below .
Would you work here, would you
want anyone to work here and
what kind of health and safety,
environmental, human comforts and
quality (of product and life) can you
expect from such operations?
�0 10/2009
Evaluation testing and results
TestresultscomparingOKIPrintingSolutionsribbonstocompatibleandcounterfeitribbons
Original Consumables outperformed
all non-genuine product in terms
of print density and colour (black
print as opposed to the compatible
blue/black) .
The number of characters printed
within specification is greater with
the genuine ribbons; next best
were the compatibles and worst, as
expected, were the counterfeits .
Counterfeiters are clever and
devious . Their packaging looks very
convincing and it is not always easy
to tell it from our own, so always
check the hologram and if you are
offered what appears to be genuine
ribbons at a knock down price, they
are likely not to be genuine .
Two suppliers of compatible and
two sets of counterfeit ribbons
were evaluated against our Original
product . OKI Printing Solutions
specially formulated ink is not only
ink, it is also a lubricant for the pins
in the printhead to make sure that
both remain lubricated and last
longer than specified ensuring
you do not need to replace the
printhead early .
Excessive wear was noted on
the ribbon gears of the “new”
counterfeit ribbons and the particles
were seen to have made their way,
via the ribbon, to the printhead
where they will ultimately jam and/
or break pins . OKI Printing Solutions
ribbons are seamless to make sure
no printhead pins can be trapped in
a seam and broken, which has been
reported and seen before, although
this did not happen during this
particular evaluation .
OKI Printing Solutions ink is safe
to handle when used as intended,
but we cannot comment on third
party product as we did not carry
out a chemical analysis on the
non-genuine and we made sure
those evaluating these ribbons
were protected when handling the
unknown inks/substances .
10/2009 �1
HowOKIPrintingSolutionsribbonsperformedagainstcounterfeitproduct
Evaluation testing and results
OKI at 1.5 million characters
Counterfeit at 1.5 million characters
Counterfeit at 0.5 million characters
This is what was printed at 1.5 million characters, but as this was illegible, we have shown the the counterfeit at 0.5 million characters
OKI Ribbon 1
0.00
Lower Limit
Middle
Upper Limit
Lower Limit
Middle
Upper Limit
Start 1000 5000 25000 500000 1000000
Number of Characters
1500000 2000000 2500000 3000000
0.10
0.20
0.30
0.40
Prin
t Con
tras
t Sig
nal
0.50
0.60
0.70
0.80
OKI Ribbon 2 Counterfeit Ribbon 1 Counterfeit Ribbon 2
OKI Ribbon 1 OKI Ribbon 2 Compatible Ribbon 1 Compatible Ribbon 2
0.00Start 1000 5000 25000 500000 1000000
Number of Characters
1500000 2000000 2500000 3000000
0.10
0.20
0.30
0.40
Prin
t Con
tras
t Sig
nal
0.50
0.60
0.70
0.80
OKIOriginalribbonsvs.Counterfeitribbons
The performance of the Original
ribbons against the counterfeit
product in our tests shows that clearly
there is no contest between them .
�� 10/2009
Evaluation testing and results
Printdensityofa�,000,000characterribbon
Density was measured at the
various stages through the life
of the ribbons . All ribbons print
density at the start of the test was
between 0 .67 and 0 .75 – good and
clear print . However, it was noted
that only the genuine OKI Printing
Solutions print was black, the
others had a blue hue (common
for cheap inks as quality pigments
are expensive) .
At 25,000 characters (0 .833% of the
ribbons life) a marked deterioration
in density was noted with the
counterfeit ribbons . In fact, by
1,000,000 characters (33% of its
life) one of the sets of counterfeit
ribbons density fell away to 0 .0,
that is, nothing printed on the paper .
The other set of counterfeit ribbons
density at this stage measured
between 0 .22 and 0 .18 compared
to the three sets of compatibles
that fell between 0 .47 and 0 .21 and
the genuine OKI Printing Solutions
offering measured between 0 .56
and 0 .54 .
By the time all ribbons reached
end-of-life at 3,000,000 characters
the density of the counterfeit (the
set still printing) was between 0 .18
and 0 .06 . The compatibles range
was between 0 .3 and 0 .14 while
OKI Printing Solutions density was
between 0 .31 and 0 .33 . Clearly in
terms of density alone the genuine
ribbons are better and much more
consistent as can be seen from the
spread between densities .
For reference, the acceptable print
density range is from 0 .69 at the
start of life and 0 .3 at the end
of life . In fact, the OKI Printing
Solutions ribbons went on to
print within specification beyond
stated life .
10/2009 ��
HowOKIPrintingSolutionsperformedagainstthecompatibles
OKI at 1.5 million characters
Compatible at 1.5 million characters
OKI at 3 million characters
Compatible at 3 million characters
Notice the blue/black and not black print with BLACK ribbons
Evaluation testing and results
OKI Ribbon 1
0.00
Lower Limit
Middle
Upper Limit
Lower Limit
Middle
Upper Limit
Start 1000 5000 25000 500000 1000000
Number of Characters
1500000 2000000 2500000 3000000
0.10
0.20
0.30
0.40
Prin
t Con
tras
t Sig
nal
0.50
0.60
0.70
0.80
OKI Ribbon 2 Counterfeit Ribbon 1 Counterfeit Ribbon 2
OKI Ribbon 1 OKI Ribbon 2 Compatible Ribbon 1 Compatible Ribbon 2
0.00Start 1000 5000 25000 500000 1000000
Number of Characters
1500000 2000000 2500000 3000000
0.10
0.20
0.30
0.40
Prin
t Con
tras
t Sig
nal
0.50
0.60
0.70
0.80
OKIOriginalribbonsvs.Wellknowncompatiblesbrand
�� 10/2009
Evaluation testing and results
The stated life of all ribbons tested
was 3,000,000 (three million)
characters .
Only the genuine ribbons performed
to full specification . Ribbons from
one counterfeiter failed at around
15,000 characters, 0 .5% of its
life . The second set of counterfeit
ribbons failed at around 60,000
characters, that is 2% of its
supposed life .
The compatible ribbons fared
better, but still did not meet OKI
Printing Solutions specification .
The first set of compatibles failed
at around 40,000 characters, which
equates to 1 .33% of its supposed
life . This was especially poor for a
compatible ribbon . The second and
third set of compatibles failed at
around 2,000,000 characters, which
is 66 .67% of its supposed life .
Ribbonlife
The ink tank on this non-genuine product had not been welded so leaks were inevitable. The cheaper ink congeals and clogs up the mechanism as well
The use of inferior materials for the gearing mechanism in some non-genuine product means unnecessary wear and tear. Particles from the mechanism can travel along the sticky ribbon to the printhead, damaging pins and causing irreparable damage to the printhead
If you happened to have the worst
performing ribbon you would
need to buy around 75 of them to
equal that of one from OKI Printing
Solutions . Of course, if you had the
best performing compatible ribbon
then you need to buy one and half
to equal OKI Printing Solutions,
but don’t forget about the ink not
being black or about the lack of
OKI Printing Solutions lubricants
and whether or not it is a seamless
ribbon made of the same high
quality material to safeguard your
printhead and warranty .
10/2009 ��
Although we have a watertight
case against counterfeit products –
because they are illegal – the battle
to win over the hearts and minds of
the customer who is considering or
already using compatibles is not
so easy .
Except where there is some form
of copyright infringement,
compatible supplies are perfectly
legal . And it should be stated
that some compatibles are better
than others – though none are as
good as or even come close to the
Original product .
It is this level of inconsistency
in non-OEM compatible supplies
that poses the biggest threat to
our customers . Put simply, buying
compatibles can be a bit of
a gamble .
What may seem like a fantastic
cost saving on the day of purchase
may lead to weeks or months of
interrupted print runs, inferior print
quality and potentially irreparable
damage to the printer hardware . In
short, a false economy .
Suffice to say, you get what you pay
for which is often less than
you expected .
WhyuseOriginalConsumables?
• Total peace of mind
• Professional support
• True economy
• No compromise on quality
• Fast and consistent output
• Minimal downtime
• Assured reliability and longevity
• Three year warranty
Through a focused and carefully
targeted promotional campaign
beginning in 2009, OKI Printing
Solutions is now working even
harder to inform, educate and
advise its channel partners
and end-users about the
advantages of always using
Original Consumables .
We trust that this document has
helped to explain why Original
Consumables stand head and
shoulders above non-genuine
supplies and that these messages
can be used to good effect with
your customers .
Summary
Only use genuine Oki Printing Solutions Original Consumables to ensure the best quality and performance from your hardware . Non Oki Printing Solutions Original products may damage your printer's performance and invalidate your warranty . Specifications subject to change without notice . All trademarks acknowledged .
© 2009 Oki Europe Ltd . Oki Printing Solutions is the trading name of Oki Europe Ltd . Version 1 10/2009 .
Oki Europe Ltd.
Blays House, Wick Road
Egham TW20 0HJ
United Kingdom
T +44(0) 20 8219 2190
F +44(0) 20 8219 2199
www.okiprintingsolutions.com