MICR Toner: Know How It Differs From Regular Toners
| Apr 03, 2024
Do you know how a MICR toner differs from a regular laser toner? Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, or MICR, is used in banking and finance to process checks and other financial documents such as deposit slips. This technology relies on special MICR toner cartridges to print these documents. But how does it work? In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between MICR toner cartridges and regular laser toners. By the end, you’ll understand why MICR toner cartridges are essential for printing checks and other important financial documents. So, let’s dive in and uncover the unique features of MICR toner cartridges!
In this guide, we will discuss:
- MICR Toner: What Is This?
- MICR Toner Cartridges: How It Differs From Regular Laser Toners?
- MICR Toner Printer: Compatible Models
MICR Toner: What Is This?
MICR, which stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, is a technology used by banks to process checks. It allows machines to read special characters printed with magnetic ink on the bottom of checks, also known as the MICR line. These characters include bank account numbers, check numbers and routing numbers.
So, what is a MICR toner?
MICR toner is a unique substance used to print these magnetic characters. It contains iron oxide particles, which make the printed characters magnetic. This is important because banks use machines with magnetic sensors, known as MICR readers, to read the characters quickly and accurately during check processing.
MICR Toner Cartridges: How It Differs From Regular Laser Toners?
Now that we understand what MICR toner is, let’s see how it’s different from the regular laser toner we often use in printers. Although both help with printing, they have some significant differences. Here are some:
1. Magnetic Properties
MICR toner contains iron oxide particles, making the printed characters magnetic. This enables them to be read accurately by MICR readers used in banking. Additionally, this magnetic feature prevents fraud. On the other hand, regular laser toner contains synthetic materials, color pigments, and other additives, but it doesn’t have anything magnetic like MICR toner does. This makes regular toner less safe and easier to alter.
2. Follow Set Standards
MICR toner cartridges are made to follow strict rules set by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ABA (American Bankers Association) for accuracy and safety when printing money papers, making sure the printed numbers are easy for MICR machines to read. A regular toner doesn’t follow these rules.
(Source: Digital Check)
For example, MICR toners use special fonts to print important numbers on checks, such as the bank routing, account, and check numbers: E-13B, an older one with round characters, and CMC-7, a newer one that looks like barcodes. E-13B has 14 characters and is common in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. CMC-7 has 15 characters and is used more in Europe and South America, but it might take scanners a bit longer to read compared to E-13B.
3. Specialized Use
MICR toner is mainly used for printing checks and other financial documents because it has special magnetic properties that help banks read the characters easily. If you print checks using regular toner instead of MICR toner, it might not be as easy for banks to read the characters on the checks. This could cause problems with processing the checks, leading to errors or delays in your banking transactions. Regular toner is only used for everyday printing tasks like documents, photos, and other materials.
4. More Durable
MICR toner is designed to endure the rough handling of financial papers, ensuring the printing stays clear and readable for a long time. In contrast, regular laser toner may not be as durable and could smudge or fade over time.
MICR Toner Printer: Compatible Models
Here is a list of some magnetic laser printer models that work well with MICR toner. Whether you need to print checks, these MICR printers are designed to handle the unique requirements of MICR printing. Let’s explore some of the top choices available on the market and their compatible HP MICR toner cartridges.
1. HP LaserJet 1022n
Aside from its standard printing capabilities, the HP LaserJet 1022N printer can also be used for MICR printing. This means it can print checks with an HP 12A MICR toner cartridge containing magnetic properties for accurate reading by MICR devices used in banking. So, in addition to its regular printing functions, the HP LaserJet 1022N offers the flexibility to handle specialized MICR printing tasks, making it a versatile choice for various printing needs.
2. HP LaserJet P1002
The HP LaserJet P1002 printer offers efficient black printing with a speed of up to 19 pages per minute, making it quite fast for everyday printing tasks. You’ll get your first page in black in just about 8.5 seconds after sending a print command. But that’s not all! It can also print checks and deposit slips using the HP 85A MICR toner cartridge. This unique toner has magnetic properties so that banks can read the characters on the checks quickly and correctly. So, it’s not just for regular printing – it’s also useful for banking purposes.
3. HP LaserJet P2055dn
The HP LaserJet P2055dn printer uses laser technology for printing, ensuring high-quality prints with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 dots per inch (DPI). In addition to its standard printing capabilities, it’s also capable of MICR printing, allowing you to accurately print checks with the HP 05X MICR toner cartridge. So, whether you’re printing documents or checks, this printer has you covered!
Parting Words
That’s it! Now we understand how vital MICR toner cartridges are for precise check printing. Their magnetic properties make it easy for banks to read characters, ensuring secure transactions, unlike the regular laser toner. So, if you’re printing checks, MICR toner is a must!
Key takeaways:
- MICR toner cartridges are essential for accurate check printing. They enable banks to read characters easily, ensuring secure transactions compared to a regular laser toner.
- These toners contain iron oxide particles, making the printed characters magnetic and easy to read by MICR readers used in banking.
- MICR laser check printers, compatible with MICR toner cartridges, offer versatile printing solutions for businesses, ensuring accurate and reliable printing of checks and other financial documents.
If you have questions or need help ordering compatible MICR toner cartridges, contact CompAndSave’s customer service. Call us toll-free at 1-833-465-6888 Monday through Friday, 6am-4pm PT. Happy printing!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can MICR toner be used for printing other documents besides checks?
No, MICR toner is primarily designed for printing checks and other financial documents. It contains magnetic ink, allowing banks and financial institutions to read the printed characters easily. While it’s possible to use it for printing other documents, it’s not a good idea because using them might be a bit pricey. So, it’s better to stick to regular toner for everyday printing jobs.
2. Is MICR toner more expensive than regular laser toner?
Yes, MICR toner is typically pricier than regular laser toner because it’s made to meet strict banking standards and has magnetic properties for check printing. Manufacturing MICR toner cartridges requires more careful work and better quality control than regular ones. Plus, not as many people need MICR toner, so it can be harder to find and more expensive. The good news is, CompAndSave offers affordable compatible MICR toner cartridges as a cost-effective alternative.
3. Are there any special storage requirements for MICR toner cartridges?
Yes, MICR toner cartridges have specific storage requirements to maintain their quality. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and hot or cold temperatures. Also, leaving them in their original packaging is best until you’re ready to use them. This helps keep them clean and in good shape for printing checks and other important papers.