Refilling the Canon 056 (Standard) and 056H (High Yield) toner cartridges is an excellent way to reduce printing costs for your Canon LBP320 or MF540 series printers. These cartridges are robust, but they require a precise disassembly method to ensure high-quality prints without background shading or leaks.
Technical Video Walkthrough
Required Tools for the Repair
To perform a professional refill, you will need:
- Hammer and Small Punch – To safely remove the metal pins holding the cartridge together.
- Flat-head Screwdriver – For prying and removing the side clips.
- Toner Vacuum or Compressed Air – Crucial for cleaning the waste toner section.
- Funnel and High-Quality Replacement Toner – Specific for Canon 056/HP CF289 series.
Step-by-Step Module Replacement & Maintenance
1. Disassembling the Cartridge Shell
The Canon 056 is held together by two metal pins. You must push these pins from the inside out or pull them carefully using professional tools. This separates the waste toner hopper from the main toner supply. Proper disassembly is as critical as rebuilding and recycling a Brother drum unit to ensure all components fit back perfectly.
2. Cleaning the Waste Toner Hopper
A common mistake is neglecting the waste section. If the waste hopper is full, you will see vertical lines on your prints. Empty the waste toner and clean the Wiper Blade. This maintenance step is similar to the process used when you recycle and clean a Lexmark 50F0Z00 imaging unit.
3. Refilling the Toner Supply
Once the supply section is clean, fill it with high-grade replacement toner. Ensure the Magnetic Roller is clean and properly seated. If the developer roller is worn out, you will experience faint prints.
4. Chip Replacement and Testing
The Canon 056 series uses a chip to track toner levels. While the printer might work with an old chip (depending on the firmware), replacing it with a new one is recommended for accurate monitoring. After assembly, always perform a test print to verify the density and clarity.
Professional Advice: Always handle the OPC Drum with care. Avoid touching the green surface with your fingers and keep it away from direct sunlight, as light exposure can permanently damage the sensitive coating.
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