Panasonic color, black and white and laser printers use a toner cartridge and a Panasonic drum unit separately, so you don't waste money replacing a drum before it wears out. Replace the drum when the indicator comes on, about every 3 - 5 toner cartridges. Panasonic dot matrix printers use ribbons with attached ink cartridges.

If the "replace drum" indicator comes on and you don't have a toner drum, open and close the case where the drum is located. This allows you to print a few more pages. Replace the drum as soon as possible, to avoid poor quality printing. Use the following ways to get new ink or toner for your Panasonic printers:

1. Buy Panasonic toner cartridges and ribbons made by Panasonic;

2. Find compatible toner cartridges and ribbons made by other manufacturers for use in Panasonic printers;

3. Or save money with toner refill kits, which allow you to refill your current toner cartridge instead of buying new.

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

Identify and buy the correct Panasonic ink and toner

Printer manufacturers make toner and ink, called OEM toner and ink, specifically for use in their machines. In addition to current models, the Panasonic website and other online toner finder tools tell you the correct model numbers for Panasonic ink cartridges or a Panasonic fax cartridge for discontinued models of Panasonic inkjet printers or fax machines.

I recommend: Find information and lists supplies for Panasonic printers by type or locate a dealer at Panasonic Corporation of North America. Print-Fuel.com offers a toner finder to help you sort through the 5600 types of ink and toner they sell. You can also buy OEM and compatible toner there and get free shipping on large orders.

Buy a compatible or remanufactured Panasonic toner cartridge

Makers of compatible and remanufactured cartridges use quality ink and toner, though it may not be exactly the same as those made by Panasonic since Panasonic is not required to reveal trade secrets. It is against the law for a manufacturer to void a printer's warranty because you use compatible toner. You can save money by buying compatible and remanufactured toner.

I recommend: Buy compatible toner cartridges and ribbons at worldclassink.com, where you get free shipping on all cartridge orders and save 5% if you pay by PayPal. Purchase toner compatible with Panasonic machines at Toner Discount Center, offering discount prices and a flat rate on shipping.

Refill your Panasonic 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: Obtain cartridges, refill kits and bulk ink for Panasonic machines at InkToner Inc. They have been in business since 1999 and ship from 15 different warehouses, so you get your order quickly. Buy all types of Panasonic toner at Meritline.com, which provides fast shipping and a 30-day return/exchange program.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Recycle your used Panasonic laser toner cartridges. Check the Material Safety Data Sheets at the manufacturer's website to see if your Samsung printer cartridge contains any hazardous chemicals.
• •  Refill or recycle your cartridges as soon as possible. The quality of a used cartridge degrades as it sits around. Put used cartridges back in the wrapper and box they came in to store them while waiting to recycle them.