Fusible Decals

[glazier123]

I purchased the HP M102w to print out fusible decals onto fused glass. I was informed that all HP printers, using black toner only, were suitable for fusing decals as they contained a high content of iron oxide, a necessary requirement for glass fusing. However, I was disappointed with the result of my first attempt as the sepia image was very faint. I would be grateful to hear from others who have solved this problem. Or inform me if my printer is not suitable.

[John_Getzke]

The first question we must ask is if you are using HP originals or not.  If you are using a 3rd party cartridge then you will have to contact whoever that supplier is for more information on the contents of their toner.

Next, we would need to verify your statement about the high iron oxide content in toner.  I have not come across any information that suggests this statement is true.  You could try contacting HP directly but I doubt they would know how to verify this information for you on the 1st or 2nd level of tech support.  Its not really a technical question and is more more of an engineering or chemistry question.  HP might hesitate to release any specifics in this area.

There is general information out there that can compliment your statement.  This article states toner is normally around 40% iron oxide and 60% heat sensitive plastic:

https://www.v4ink.com/What-is-the-composition-of-toner

Another post in the HP community confirms high Iron Oxide in laser toner, but no specific values:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printers-Archive-Read-Only/iron-oxide-toner-content/td-p/6410282

The same article talks about special MICR toner that is used to print checks.  You need a special MICR customized printer to print with MICR toner so unless you planned to use MICR with your 102w, chances are this will not work for you.  

More info on MICR toner composition here:

https://www.lasercartridgeplus.com/micr-toners.html

This article suggests that iron oxide has been replaced by new polymers:

https://www.tonerbuzz.com/blog/what-is-inside-of-a-laser-toner/

The M102w uses the HP 17a original cartridge:

https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-17a-black-original-laserjet-toner-cartridge

As expected, HP does not release specifics on the composition of the toner on the public website.  It would seem that the newer the cartridge technology the less likely the toner is to consist of Iron Oxide.

so... for us to assist you we need confirmation on exactly which toner cartridge you are using in your experiments.  Then we can dig into the supplier and figure out if they will release information about the composition of the toner to us.

[glazier123]

Many thanks for your very speedy reply, and to answer your question re type of toner cartridge I used, it is original HP 17A black toner supplied with the HP LaserJet Pro M102w and purchased from Amazon, received Saturday 17th. August '19. I am considering enhancing the contrast of the image and also reducing the ramp temperature slightly and compare the result with my first attempt.

[laurarami3]

I would really like to know the results of your second test.  I too am planning on purchasing this printer for the same purpose.

Thank you!

Laura

[Repairatrooper]

No current HP laser printers use IronOxide, they are all based on Styrene plastic. Older HP 4000 may have iron oxide.