A Guide to Detecting Fake Environmental Toner ‘STMC Certifications’

Selecting printer cartridges with toner performance you can trust is not always easy, but a stamp of approval by the Standardized Test Methods Committee (STMC), makes it easier to narrow the search. For the component manufacturers (especially the tonerd and OPC), the need is to compare the characteristics of their products with the OEM. For the component distributors, the need is to put together combinations of consumables and components that will give the best performance.

For the remanufacturer, the need is to check that the combination of parts and manufacturing techniques will give the performance they require to sell their cartridges at the right price.

Finally, the end-user needs a way to compare the value of the various offers of remanufactured and OEM cartridges. Above all, everyone in this chain needs an accurate and reliable way to describe the performance of their product to the next link in the distribution chain. The answer to these needs is STMC.

Since these are standardized test methods, the test can be performed on any toner cartridge anywhere without bias. It’s important to note these standardized tests measure the performance of the toner cartridges; they do not specify how they must perform.

Much like looking for the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval on household items, when you find the STMC stamp of certification on a toner cartridge, you can be assured that the cartridge, such as the LINKYO toner cartridges have been tested using the STMC standards.

The Standardized Test Methods Committee does not take this lightly. Those who perform these tests must first be successfully trained by an authorized STMC trainer to ensure the tests are performed properly. As of publication, there are 250 companies in 50 countries that have been STMC certified. But only 25 people in the whole world are authorized trainers.

STMC (the Standardized Test Committee) was formed in response to the demand from end-users for a standardized method to describe the performance of remanufactured cartridges. Until then many remanufacturers simply did not know at what density their cartridges printed; they did not know how many pages the cartridge would print; they actually did not know if their cartridge really did represent better value than the OE

M. At the same time, the OEM was able to claim that non-OEM cartridges were not good value as they did not print as many pages – and our industry had no answer.

Working in conjunction with the STMC is the International Imaging Technology Council or International (ITC), which administers the program and maintains the proper usage and policies against abuse and misuse of the STMC program and logos. The letter given to the technicians who have completed the proper training must be signed by not only the STMC trainer but also by the ITC. The certification is good for four years and then must be renewed. Part of the testing process uses ASTM test methods, such as ASTM F 2036 for image density and background and ASTM F 1859 for yield. The methods involved determine the comparison of a finished toner cartridge to another toner cartridge, usually an OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer.

The test methods chosen by STMC are combined into a step-by-step guide making it simple and cost-effective to measure the performance of a cartridge.

The equipment required is simple to use, robust, and relatively inexpensive – some of it is already commonly found in remanufacturing companies. STMC Certified companies proudly display the STMC logo on their products and sales literature – the logo is an internationally recognized sign of responsible and honest remanufacturing. Indeed many large and international buyers already insist on STMC Certification as a condition of purchasing.

A brand has recently launched a product with a fake and misleading STMC certificate which is extremely alarming.

Such mischievous activities have become a pressing concern for the genuine players in the market which needs to be handled with strict actions. While concluding, we would like you to be aware of a few important facts while purchasing any product with the STMC certificate. Firstly look for the STMC No. to ensure authenticity, and check the expiry date and the size of the logo which differs from the original one.