Most Sharp printers and copiers are laser printers so they use Sharp laser toner. Older machines such as the AJ and UX inkjet series use Sharp ink cartridges. Laser printers and toner cartridges have the advantage of a longer life and higher page yield than inkjet printers. While toner cartridges generally cost more when you buy them, their long life makes them economical because you don't buy them as often.

Extend the life of your new toner cartridge by printing in draft mode or using a toner saving function, which reduces quality to get 25% more pages per cartridge. To get a few more pages when the low-toner indicator first comes on, remove the cartridge from the printer, gently shake it and re-install it.

Types of toner refills and replacements are:

1. Genuine Sharp toner cartridges, also known as OEM cartridges

2. Cartridges compatible with Sharp printers and copiers but made by another manufacturer

3. Sharp ink and toner refill kits to refill your existing cartridges

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Ensure quality with genuine Sharp printer ink and toner

Printer manufacturers make toner and ink, known as OEM toner and ink, specifically for their brand of printers. Some manufacturers claim OEM products are better than those made by others, but the makers of compatible cartridges claim their ink and toner is also top quality.

I recommend: Find the right model of toner for your Sharp machine using the Ink and Toner Finder at Costco Wholesale Corporation or the Ink & Toner Finder at TonerZone.

Save money with compatible and remanufactured Sharp print cartridges

Makers of compatible and remanufactured cartridges use quality ink and toner, though it may not be exactly the same as those made by Sharp; ink manufacturers are not required to reveal trade secrets. Compatible toner cartridges come individually or in multi-packs that save money when compared to the single cartridge by itself. Compatible and remanufactured toner generally cost less than OEM cartridges.

I recommend: Find good prices on compatible cartridges at Abcink.com, where they have free shipping and a 100% guarantee of satisfaction. Buy cartridges compatible with Sharp machines at Databazaar.com USA, which also offers free shipping on some cartridges and answers questions via live chat with a customer service representative.

Refill your Sharp copier cartridge or laser cartridge

Refill your current cartridge with new toner, saving even more money. Toner refill kits come with instructions and the tools you need to refill your cartridge. Bulk ink saves you the most money, but you need to have the specialized tools on hand to use it.

I recommend: Find toner refill kits and bulk ink at Inkjetrefill.ws, where you get free shipping on larger orders and you can download refill instructions. Become one of over 100,000 customers at Discount Printer Supplies, where they ship to locations worldwide.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When refilling Sharp copier toner or laser toner cartridges, inspect the drum on the cartridge. The drum won't last forever, so you will need to purchase a new cartridge when it wears out.
• •  When using Sharp toners, if the exposure mode is set too light or the copier is set to photo mode, light copies can result. Check the settings before you assume you need to refill the toner. If toner rubs off your documents, the problem might be using paper that is too heavy or paper that is damp.