HP M452 Black toner distribution vs color toner

[misterzee]

I am involved in a debate about how the printer uses toner. If you have a mixed document, I assume the printer will use the Black toner for black text and graphic components, and use color only for non-black items. Someone is trying to tell me that the printer uses color all the time, even for black text. I can't find any write up on how this is addressed.

[John_Getzke · Accepted solution]

> Someone is trying to tell me that the printer uses color all the time, even for black text. I can't find any write up on how this is addressed.

This is correct.  Color printers use trace amounts of color for all jobs to enhance the blacks and greys that you see on the paper.  There is also a small loss involved with opening and closing the toner cartridge doors each time paper is passed through.  Even if you never print a single color job, your printer will lose trace amounts of color toner sooner or later.

There are various writeups about this subject all over the internets.  If you really want me to find some for you I can.  This is not a HP specific trait, its a result of the technology at play.  Inkjets have the same issues although they have different maintenance reasons to consistently use all cartridges to keep the printheads open and working.  The only way to truely use only black consumables is to get a monochrome printer.  If you arent using color then you may not need a color printer and can consider exporting your color jobs to local print shops instead.