In 30 seconds
Drum and toner: separate or combined?
Laser printers use one of two designs:
| Separate drum unit | Drum built into the toner | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | The drum is its own part and lasts for several toners | Every new toner cartridge comes with a new drum |
| Cost per page | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Replacing | Two parts to keep an eye on | One part, one swap |
| Common in | Many office and workgroup printers | Many smaller desktop printers |
Not sure which design you have? Give us your printer model and we’ll tell you.
The parts of a drum unit
Drum
A cylinder with a light-sensitive coating – the surface your page is “drawn” on.
Charge roller or wire
Gives the drum an even electrical charge before every page.
Cleaning blade
Wipes leftover toner off the drum after each turn.
Waste toner container
Collects the toner the blade wipes off. In some printers it’s a separate part.
Gears
Turn the drum in perfect step with the rest of the printer.
Chip or counter
Some drum units have a chip that counts pages and tells the printer when the drum is nearing its end.
Housing & shutter
Protects the drum surface from light, dust and fingerprints while it’s out of the printer.
When does a drum need replacing?
Most printers count pages or drum turns and show a message such as “Drum end soon” or “Replace drum”. The print quality tells you even more:
Marks that repeat at the same distance
The gap usually matches the drum’s circumference – a sure sign of a scratch or worn spot on the drum.
Grey haze in the background
The drum no longer holds its charge evenly, so toner sticks where it shouldn’t.
Pale prints despite a new toner
If a fresh toner doesn’t fix faint prints, the drum is often the cause.
Lines running down the page
Can come from a scratched drum or a dirty charge wire. Some printers have a small slider to clean the wire – your manual shows where.
Changing a drum: three quick tips
- Handle it by the edges and never touch the drum’s coloured surface.
- Keep it out of bright light – lay it on a sheet of paper in a shaded spot while you work.
- Reset the drum counter if your printer asks you to – your manual shows how.
Not sure? Our Premium Tech Support talks you through it over the phone.
Frequently asked questions
Is the drum the same as the toner?
Not always. In some printers the drum is built into the toner cartridge; in many office printers it’s a separate part that lasts much longer than a single toner.
Do I need a new drum with every toner?
Only if your printer uses toner cartridges with a built-in drum. With a separate drum unit, one drum usually lasts for several toner changes.
How long does a drum unit last?
It depends on the printer and on how you print. Most manuals state a page rating for the drum, and lots of short print jobs wear it faster than a few long ones.
Why does my printer say “replace drum” when prints still look fine?
The message is usually based on a page count, not on the drum’s actual condition. As long as print quality is fine, it’s worth checking with us before you buy.
Can I use a compatible drum unit?
Yes. A quality compatible drum unit works in the same way as the original. Give us your printer model and we’ll tell you which one fits.
Find out what your printing really costs
Our free Print Cost Check shows you where you can save on toner and drum units – without compromising on quality.
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