Lexmark E210 Modification:
How to use cheaper Samsung toner cartridges
I was definitely not the first to notice that toner cartridges for the
Lexmark E210 laser printer are overpriced, and that cartridges for the
seemingly identical Samsung ML1210 printer are significantly cheaper. The
only apparent difference is the location of notch in the cartridge case
(see Fig.1). This document will describe a straightforward modification of
the printer to permit insertion of the less expensive Samsung toner
cartridge. It should be pointed out that these instructions are blatantly
ripped off from Gordon V. Cormack's excellent
description of the same subject. The present document though has the
added benefit of photographs to encourage the hesitant.
Fig.1: (A) Side-by-side comparison
of Lexmark E210 and Samsung ML1210 toner
cartridges. Notch location is indicated by the
green circle. (B) Close-up of the Samsung notch.
(C) Close-up of the Lexmark notch. Note the
embossed "S" and "L" on the Samsung and Lexmark
cartridges, respectively.
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The procedure is
quite simple, and should take less than fifteen minutes. The only tool
needed is a Phillips screwdriver. With minimal effort, owners of this fine
printer can save themselves 30% on toner expense. The procedure almost
certainly will violate the printer's warranty, and I won't be responsible
for any damage that might occur. That having been said, the modification is
so simple that just about anyone should be able to do it.
Step 1: Disassemble the cover
Remove the empty toner cartridge. Move the paper feed guides towards the
middle of the printer. Remove the upper and rear covers by
taking out the two pairs of screws (Fig.2). Note that these covers are
joined by small tabs. Keep this in mind for reassembly.
Fig.2: Upper and rear cover screws
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Step 2: Remove the laser assembly
The laser assembly can be moved back by removing the three screws shown in
Fig.3. Note that it is not necessary to remove the wires connected to the
assembly.
Fig.3: Screws securing the laser assembly
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Step 3: Remove the blocking tab
Lift the laser assembly to expose the metal crossmember (Fig.4). The
blocking tab is held in place with a screw (circled). Remove and discard
the screw and tab.
Fig.4:Metal crossmember and
blocking tab location. Inset: Blocking tab removed
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Step 4: Reassembly
Replace the laser assembly and fasten the three screws. Replace the plastic
covers. This needs a little jiggling and wiggling, but don't use force.
Make sure all the little tabs are properly in place and then fasten the
two pairs of cover screws. Insert the new toner cartridge, plug in the
printer, and congratulate yourself for having successfully thwarted a large
corporation's efforts to rip you off.
Good luck!
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