Research in Ink/Toner Yield

As the first company to propose standardizing ink and toner cartridge yield measurement, SpencerLab defined and developed a standard test document, representative of a typical user. This experience and insight led directly to the development of the ISO/IEC 19752 standard for monochrome toner cartridge yield. Our staff continues participation and David Spencer serves as Co-Editor for the three ISO/IEC committees developing color standards.

• Intermittent Inkjet Printing

  While current and anticipated ISO standards all measure yield during continuous printing, few users print non-stop throughout the life of an ink or toner cartridge. SpencerLab was commissioned to find out what yield would really be for a consumer's more realistic, intermittent use of inkjet printers. An example of our client's use of this research is available.

  High-Coverage Monochrome Toner Yield

  The ISO/IEC standard for monochrome toner cartridge yield measures a standard page with under 5% digital coverage. But when users print higher coverage, such as mixed text & graphics, the yield may decrease disproportionately. SpencerLab was commissioned to find out what yield would really be for a consumer's higher-coverage use of monochrome laser printers. An example of our client's use of this research is available.

We are already getting some good feedback from our Salesforce on the Study.

—product manager for laser printer supplies

• Monochrome Laser Supplies Comparison

  A major printer company requested an evaluation of the performance of their toner cartridges versus third-party competitors, using a newly proposed standard. SpencerLab tested the toner cartridge yield under tight environmental controls over the life of multiple cartridges. A test file was developed specifically for monitoring print quality according to the standard's guidelines, allowing for visual evaluation as well as quantitiative measurement. This was the first time the draft standard test methodology was used in practice and a number of issues arose in interpreting and implementing the standard as drafted. Issues were brought to the client's attention in a timely manner—proposing potential solutions consistent with the spirit of the proposed methodology. That draft standard was the basis for the ISO/IEC international cartridge yield test standard.

SpencerLab is extremely professional and thorough in their testing and anaysis, often exceeding expectations. They will work closely with you to ensure that their testing meets your particular needs without sacrificing independence. I am thoroughly impressed with their knowledge of the EP process and printing in general and would highly reccomend them...

—another product manager for laser printer supplies