Fuser Units / Assemblies for Laser Printer & Copier

What is a fuser unit?

The fuser unit consists of two rollers - one is a hollow tube with a heating element and the other with rubber backing to apply pressure. As the paper with the toner powder passes towards the fuser, it is only gravity that holds the ink in place. Only as it passes through the fuser unit does the ink get permanently affixed on the paper.

What does the fuser unit do?

There are many components inside a laser printer working in a synchronised way to ensure that your material is printed out clearly and quickly. While the drum unit is responsible for transferring toner onto the paper corresponding to the data sent out by the laser, the next step involving the fuser unit is crucial for the final print.

The toner powder is melted onto paper through the combination of heat and pressure. The Teflon coating on the rollers ensures that the toner ink does not stick to them instead of the paper! You will notice that the printouts that come out on the tray are still warm to the touch after passing through the fuser unit. Temperatures in fuser units can reach over 200 degrees c.

Look out for signs to replace a fuser unit

A fuser unit of a printer eventually needs to be replaced with frequent printing. Most laser printers will inform you when it is time to change the fuser unit via a message on the display screen. Other signs that indicate a worn fuser unit include smudges and smears - the result of the fuser unit not heating the toner powder enough to fix it properly.