The Ultimate Guide to Brother Printer Cartridges: TN2460 vs TN2480 vs DR2455
Are you confused by the many Brother printer cartridges available? Choosing between TN2460, TN2480, and DR2455 can be tough, and finding the best deal for your printing needs is difficult.
This guide will help you better understand these Brother printer cartridges. We’ll examine their specs, compatibility, and performance. Knowing the differences is key to better printing and saving money at home or in the office.
At InkWorld Singapore, we’ve gathered expert tips and facts. We’ll show you which cartridges are best for different Brother printers, from the Brother HL series to the DCP and MFC series.
Did you know using compatible cartridges like the Brother TN-2480 can save up to 60%? We’ll discuss how to save money, improve print quality, and help the environment. This will help you choose the right cartridge for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the roles of toner and drum cartridges in laser printers.
- High-yield cartridges like the TN2480 can offer up to 60% more pages than standard options
- Understand the roles of toner and drum cartridges in laser printers
- Compatible cartridges can provide savings ranging from 41% to 86% compared to originals
- Proper maintenance can extend cartridge lifespan by an average of 20%
Understanding Brother Printer Cartridge Basics
Exploring Brother printer cartridges shows how toner cartridges and drum units work together. They are key to laser printing, ensuring prints are clear and of high quality.
What is a Toner Cartridge?
A toner cartridge is often replaced in laser printers. It holds toner powder, a fine, charged substance that sticks to paper when printing. Brother toner cartridges are known by their ‘TN-xxx’ names.
What is a Drum Unit?
The drum unit or imaging unit does not contain any toner powder. It contains a glossy roller called the Organic Photoconductor (OPC) with a special coating. Its primary function is to capture and hold an electrostatic image of the document or image that needs to be printed or copied. The laser charges the OPC roller and helps transfer toner to paper. Brother drum units are called ‘DR-xxx’.
The Relationship Between Toner and Drum
It’s important to know how toner and drum units work together. Toner cartridges contain the printing material, while drum units help transfer it to paper. Brother printers, unlike some brands, keep these parts separate.
Component | Function | Replacement Frequency |
---|---|---|
Toner Cartridge | Contains toner powder | Most frequent |
Drum Unit | Transfers toner to paper | Every 3-4 toner changes |
Brother printers separate toner and drum cartridges, which can save money. Users often replace the drum unit every 3-4 toner cartridges used. This shows how long-lasting drum units are in printing.
Compatible Brother Printer Models
Brother has a variety of mono laser printers that work with TN2460, TN2480, and DR2455 cartridges. These printers are great for both home offices and small businesses.
Suitable Brother HL, DCP and MFC Series
The HL-L2375DW is a favourite for its flexibility. It prints quickly and has wireless connectivity. It supports TN2460 and TN2480 toner cartridges, plus the DR2455 drum unit.
The DCP-L2535DW and DCP-L2550DW are multifunctional printers. They can print, copy, and scan. The MFC-L2715DW and MFC-L2750DW add faxing, making them perfect for offices.
Printer Model Selection Guide
When picking a Brother printer, consider how much you print and what you need. The HL-L2375DW is great for fast, single-function printing. For more tasks, the DCP and MFC series are better. The MFC-L2750DW is best for busy offices that need everything.
- HL-L2375DW: Fast, single-function printing
- DCP-L2535DW/L2550DW: Print, copy, scan capabilities
- MFC-L2715DW/L2750DW: Print, copy, scan, fax functions
All these models use the same cartridges: TN-2460, TN-2480 and the corresponding drum unit, DR-2455, making maintenance easy. This also helps businesses with different functional requirements.
TN2460 vs TN2480 vs DR2455: Detailed Comparison
Brother printer users often face a choice between the TN2460, TN2480, and DR2455 cartridges. Each plays a key role in printing, with unique features and benefits.
The TN2460 and TN2480 are toner cartridges, while the DR2455 is a drum or imaging unit. Brother’s design lets you use separate toner and drum units. This offers more flexibility and could save money compared to all-in-one systems.
Feature | TN2460 | TN2480 | DR2455 |
---|---|---|---|
Type | Toner Cartridge | Toner Cartridge | Drum Unit |
Page Yield | 1,200 pages | 3,000 pages | 12,000 pages |
Replacement Frequency | More frequent | Less frequent | Least frequent |
Cost per Page | Higher | 48% Lower | Tied to toner page yield |
The TN2460 is for those who print less often. The TN2480 is better for those who print regularly. Its lower cost per page translates to long-term savings. The DR2455 drum unit can go through 3-4 toner replacements before needing a change.
When picking, think about how much you print and your budget. If you print a lot, the TN2480 might be better. But if you print less, the TN2460 could be enough. Remember, all these parts work together to give you great prints, with the drum unit being very important.
Page Yield and Performance Analysis
Knowing about page yield is key when picking printer cartridges. It impacts how often you’ll need to replace them. Let’s look at Brother’s TN2460, TN2480, and DR2455 cartridges.
TN2460 Yield Capacity
The TN2460 has a standard yield, delivering clear black text on paper. It’s good for moderate printing with a *page yield of 1,200 pages, making it great for home offices or small businesses that print less.
TN2480 High-Yield Benefits
The TN2480 is better for those who print regularly. It has a *page yield of 3,000 pages, and it’s ideal for busy offices where changing cartridges can be a hassle. The TN2480 keeps print quality high for a long time, and its lower cost per page print translates to long-term savings.
*Page yields are based on 5% page coverage in accordance with ISO/IEC 19752 standards and may vary with usage.
DR2455 Drum Unit Lifespan
The DR2455 drum unit is crucial for printing. It transfers toner to paper and lasts about 12,000 pages. But, it’s important to check its condition. A worn drum can cause bad prints.
Thinking about each part’s page yield helps make printing more efficient and cost-effective. Remember that yield can change based on the density of your prints and what you’re printing.
** Drum unit lifespan is measured by the number of pages before noticeable degradation in print quality
Cost-Effectiveness and Value Proposition
When looking at Brother printer cartridges, the cost is key. The TN2460, TN2480, and DR2455 have different values based on your printing needs and budget.
The TN2460 is good for those who print little. However, the TN2480 is the better choice for those who want to enjoy lower costs in the long term. The DR2455 drum unit is a complementary part that completes the printing setup for the toner cartridge.
InkWorld Singapore has premium compatible cartridges that match Brother’s quality but cost less. Their TN2480 compatible cartridge, for example, can save up to 40% compared to the original, without losing print quality.
Cartridge | Yield | Cost per Page (OEM) | Cost per Page (Compatible) |
---|---|---|---|
TN2460 | 1,200 pages | $0.054 | $0.023 |
TN2480 | 3,000 pages | $0.040 | $0.012 |
DR2455 | 12,000 pages | $0.010 | $0.003 |
Brother’s monochrome cartridges are cheaper than colour laser printers for text-heavy documents. Buying a Brother printer and its supplies is a smart choice for businesses looking to save money on printing.
Original vs Compatible Cartridges
Choosing between original and compatible cartridges for laser printers is a big decision. It affects print quality, cost, and warranty.
Quality Differences
Original Brother cartridges are famous for their consistent print quality. However, premium compatible cartridges can also deliver great results if they are made well. InkWorld Singapore, for example, offers compatible cartridges that meet international quality standards. This means you can trust them for reliable prints.
Price Comparison
Compatible cartridges are usually cheaper. For instance, a compatible TN2460 can be 30-50% less expensive than the original. This can save you a lot of money, which is great for those who print a lot.
Cartridge Type | Average Price (SGD) | Estimated Page Yield |
---|---|---|
Original TN2860 | 121.00 | 3,000 |
Compatible TN2860 | 36.50 | 3,000 |
Warranty Considerations
Some people worry that using compatible cartridges might void their printer’s warranty. Generally, using compatible printer cartridges does not void your printer’s warranty, but if the compatible cartridges cause damage to the printer, the manufacturer can refuse to cover that damage under the warranty.
- No Automatic Voiding:
- It’s against the law for a printer manufacturer to automatically void your warranty simply because you use compatible cartridges.
- Focus on Damage:
- The key issue is whether the compatible cartridge causes a problem or damage to the printer.
- Consumer Choice:
- The guidelines are clear on the monopoly of consumer goods, which allows consumers free choice.
It’s important to pick high-quality, compatible options to keep your print quality and warranty safe.
While compatible cartridges save money, choosing a trusted supplier like InkWorld Singapore is important. This way, you don’t sacrifice print quality or risk your warranty.
Installation and Replacement Guidelines
Installing and maintaining your Brother printer cartridges is key to getting the best results. This guide will help you replace the toner and drum cartridge, ensuring your printer continues to produce top-notch prints.
Toner Replacement Steps
Replacing the toner in your Brother printer is easy:
- Open the front cover of your printer
- Remove the old toner cartridge and drum unit assembly
- Press the green lock lever to separate the toner from the drum unit
- Unpack the new toner cartridge
- Insert the new toner into the drum unit until it clicks into place
- Slide the assembly back into the printer and close the cover
Drum Unit Installation
The drum unit lasts longer than toner cartridges. You will probably need to replace the drum cartridge after every 3-4 toner cartridges. When it’s time to replace the drum:
- Follow steps 1-3 from the toner replacement process
- Unpack the new drum unit
- Insert the toner cartridge into the new drum unit
- Install the assembly back into the printer
Maintenance Tips
To make your toner and drum cartridge last longer:
- Clean the corona wire inside the drum unit monthly
- Store cartridges in a cool, dry place
- Handle cartridges carefully to avoid damage
- Use high-quality paper to reduce wear on the drum
Regular care can increase the page yield of your Brother printer drum. This ensures your prints stay consistent and saves you money.
Print Quality Optimisation
Getting top-notch print quality from laser printers is key for professional documents. If used correctly, Brother’s TN2460, TN2480, and DR2455 cartridges deliver great results. Adjust your printer settings based on your document and paper type for the best results.
Use draft mode to save ink for documents full of text but keep it readable. This can cut costs by up to 70% compared to original brands. For graphics-heavy prints, switch to high-quality settings for sharp, bright colours.
Environmental conditions affect print quality. Keep your room’s temperature and humidity steady to avoid paper curls or toner clumps. Also, regularly clean your printer and check ink levels for consistent quality.
For eco-friendly printing, use grayscale when colour isn’t needed. Double-sided printing saves paper and ink. These tips help you get the best print quality while using your Brother laser printer cartridges efficiently.

Environmental Impact and Recycling
Printer cartridges are a big problem, with about 375 million thrown away each year. This part examines green choices and ways to be more sustainable with Brother printer cartridges.
Eco-friendly Options
High-yield cartridges like the TN2480 are a good choice for the planet. They last longer, printing up to 3,000 pages, compared to 1,200 for standard ones. Using recycled cartridges also cuts down on landfill waste.
Recycling Programs
But, only 30% of ink cartridges get recycled. Our local recycling centres in Singapore have programs for recycling cartridges, helping reduce waste.
Sustainability Practices
Cartridge makers are becoming greener in how they make and dispose of cartridges. Adjusting your printer settings can cut ink use by up to 20%, saving money and helping the environment.
Cartridge Type | Environmental Benefit | Cost Savings |
---|---|---|
TN2480 (High-yield) | Reduced waste | Up to 70% |
DR2455 (Compatible) | Lower carbon footprint | Up to 68% |
Recycled Cartridges | Landfill waste reduction | 25-86% |
Choosing green options and recycling can greatly lessen our environmental footprint. It also saves money.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Laser printers are known for their dependability, but sometimes problems can occur. Knowing how to fix these issues helps keep your prints looking great and your printer working longer. Look at some common problems with TN2460, TN2480, and DR2455 cartridges.
Issues with print quality often come from low toner or faulty cartridges. If your prints are faded, streaked, or ghosted, it might be time for a new cartridge. Ensure your printer recognises the cartridge by checking it’s installed correctly and fits your model.
Dirty parts can also affect your printer’s performance. Cleaning drums and rollers regularly stop streaks and keep prints sharp. If you see toner leaking, replace the cartridge immediately to avoid damage.
Warning messages like ‘Replace toner’ or ‘Toner cartridge empty’ don’t always mean the cartridge is empty. Sometimes, just reseating the cartridge fixes the problem. For ongoing issues, check your printer’s manual or get help from a professional.
Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Faded prints | Low toner | Replace cartridge |
Streaks on paper | Dirty drum | Clean drum unit |
Cartridge not recognised | Improper installation | Reseat cartridge |
Toner leakage | Damaged cartridge | Replace immediately |
Regular upkeep and using top-notch cartridges like TN2460, TN2480, and DR2455 can avoid many common problems. This ensures your laser printer keeps producing top-notch prints.
Purchasing Guide and Recommendations
Finding the right printer cartridges in Singapore can be tricky. This guide helps you find affordable and high-quality Brother printer cartridges.
Where to Buy in Singapore
Brother cartridges are available all over Singapore. Official Brother stores sell genuine products, and online shops offer great deals. Local stores like InkWorld Singapore have a wide selection, including affordable compatible cartridges.
Price Considerations
Prices change depending on where you buy. Buying in bulk can save you money. Premium-compatible cartridges are a good choice for saving money without losing quality.
For example, Epson’s EcoTank and HP’s Instant Ink can save you a lot in the long run. Brother also has cost-effective high-yield options.
Authenticity Verification
Always buy from trusted sellers to get reliable products. Look for anti-counterfeit marks on the packaging. Today, premium-compatible cartridges from trusted brands are a cheaper alternative without compromising quality.
Think about your printing needs when choosing cartridges. Brother and HP are great for office use because they’re affordable. For the best photo quality, Canon and Epson are top choices, even if they cost more. Finding the right balance will help you make a smart choice.
Conclusion
The Brother TN-2460, TN-2480, and DR-2455 cartridges are great for Brother monochrome printer users in Singapore. The TN-2460 is good for moderate print needs. The TN-2480 is better for those who print regularly. The DR-2455 drum unit works complementarily with the toner cartridge.
When choosing a printer, consider how much you print, your budget, and the environment. Brother printers are known for being affordable and reliable. The TN-2480 is a great choice for businesses that offer considerable long-term savings.
InkWorld Singapore has many Brother cartridges and compatibles, including the TN-2460, TN-2480, and DR-2455. This means you can find the best cartridge for your Brother printer. Choosing the right one helps you save money and get great prints.