This document provides instructions for remanufacturing the Ricoh Aficio C4500 toner cartridge, designed to be an easy process. The manual outlines the steps required to refill and prepare the cartridge for reuse, emphasizing its user-friendly design for remanufacturing.
Function Description:
The Ricoh Aficio C4500 toner cartridge is a consumable component used in Ricoh Aficio C4500 series printers. Its primary function is to store and deliver toner powder to the printer's imaging unit, enabling the creation of printed documents. These cartridges are designed for single-color output, with specific part numbers for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow toners. The remanufacturing process detailed in this manual allows users to refill the cartridge with new toner and replace the electronic chip, extending the cartridge's lifespan and reducing waste. This process supports sustainable printing practices by enabling the reuse of cartridge components rather than discarding them after a single use. The design facilitates easy access to the toner port and chip for replacement, making it suitable for both individual users and professional remanufacturing operations.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Page Yield:
- Black toner cartridges are rated for approximately 23,000 pages.
- Color toner cartridges (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) are rated for approximately 17,000 pages each.
- Part Numbers:
- Black: 888604
- Cyan: 888605
- Magenta: 888606
- Yellow: 888605 (Note: The manual lists 888605 for both Cyan and Yellow, which might be a typo or indicate a shared part number for color cartridges in some contexts, though typically they differ).
- Chip Requirement: Each cartridge utilizes an electronic chip that must be replaced during every remanufacturing cycle. This chip likely stores information such as toner level, page count, and cartridge authenticity, which the printer uses to monitor and manage toner usage.
Usage Features:
The design of the Ricoh Aficio C4500 toner cartridge incorporates features that make it amenable to remanufacturing:
- Accessible End Cap: The end cap, which covers the toner port, is designed with two large tabs that can be gently pried up to remove the cover. This provides direct access to the toner reservoir.
- White Button Mechanism: A white button on the cartridge assembly plays a role in securing or releasing a component, and its proper positioning (slightly behind the plastic wall) is crucial for the remanufacturing steps. This button likely controls a locking mechanism for the port cover or an internal component.
- Toner Port and Tube: The cartridge features a clear toner port and tube, allowing for easy cleaning and refilling of toner. The instructions emphasize cleaning out all old toner before refilling to ensure optimal performance and prevent contamination.
- Chip Location: The electronic chip is located in a position that allows for its removal and replacement. The manual describes a method involving slicing off corner tabs to access and replace the chip, indicating a design that, while requiring a minor modification, still supports chip replacement.
Maintenance Features (Specific to Remanufacturing):
The manual details several maintenance features that facilitate the remanufacturing process:
- Port Cover Removal: The end cap, serving as a port cover, can be easily removed by prying up two large tabs. This design simplifies access to the internal components for cleaning and refilling.
- Toner Refilling: The open toner port and tube allow for straightforward refilling of new toner. The instructions explicitly state to clean out all old toner, which is a critical step in preventing toner mixing and ensuring print quality.
- Chip Replacement: The cartridge is designed to accommodate chip replacement. Although it requires slicing off two corner tabs to remove the old chip, the process is clearly outlined. New chips are then slid into place and secured, typically with hot glue, to ensure proper function. This feature is essential because the chip dictates the cartridge's functionality and is often programmed to expire after a certain page count, necessitating its replacement during remanufacturing.
- Reassembly: The process involves replacing the cleaned port cover and ensuring the white button assembly is fully extended from the back, indicating a clear sequence for reassembling the cartridge after maintenance.
In summary, the Ricoh Aficio C4500 toner cartridge is engineered with remanufacturability in mind, featuring accessible components and a clear process for refilling toner and replacing the essential electronic chip. This design supports a more sustainable approach to printer consumables by extending the life of the cartridge body.
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