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The Brother MFC-L2885dw is a versatile multifunction laser printer that combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities in one compact device. Whether you’re a small business owner or a home office user, understanding this printer’s specifications and consumable options can help you maximise its performance while minimising operating costs. This comprehensive guide will explore everything from detailed specifications to cost-effective supply options that can save you money without compromising quality.
Detailed Specifications & Features
The Brother MFC-L2885dw offers impressive performance with its high-speed printing capabilities and versatile connectivity options. Let’s examine the key specifications that make this printer an excellent choice for home and small office environments.
| Specification | Details |
| Print Speed | Up to 34 pages per minute (A4) / 36 ppm (Letter) |
| Print Resolution | Up to 1,200 x 1,200 dpi |
| Functions | Print, Scan, Copy, Fax, PC Fax |
| Duplex Capability | Automatic duplex printing, scanning, copying, and faxing |
| Display | 2.7″ colour touchscreen |
| Memory | 256MB |
| Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Ethernet (10/100/1000 Base-TX), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless LAN (2.4GHz/5.0GHz) |
| Paper Handling | 250-sheet input tray, 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF), 1-sheet multipurpose tray |
| Paper Output | Up to 120 sheets |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 410 × 399 × 319 mm |
| Weight | 11.8 kg |
Paper Handling Capabilities
The Brother MFC-L2885dw offers versatile paper handling options for various document types and sizes. The printer supports many paper sizes, including A4, Letter, B5, A5, A6, Executive, Legal, and more. With its 250-sheet capacity standard paper tray and 50-sheet automatic document feeder, this printer can efficiently handle moderate print volumes.
Connectivity and Mobile Printing
Stay connected with multiple options, including wired Ethernet, wireless networking, and direct mobile printing capabilities. The Brother MFC-L2885dw supports various mobile printing technologies, making printing from smartphones and tablets easy. Its Wi-Fi Direct feature allows direct connection to the printer without requiring a wireless router.
Printer Supplies and Consumables
Understanding your options for toner cartridges and drum units is essential for managing the ongoing costs of your Brother MFC-L2885DW printer. Let’s examine the original Brother supplies and their specifications.
| Consumable | Model Number | Page Yield | Retail Price (SGD) | Cost Per Page (SGD) |
| Standard Toner Cartridge | TN-2560 | 1,200 pages | $89.00 | $0.074 |
| High-Yield Toner Cartridge | TN-2560XL | 3,000 pages | $139.00 | $0.046 |
| Drum Unit | DR-2560 | 15,000 pages | $129.00 | $0.0086 |
Understanding Page Yield and ISO/IEC Standards
Page yield refers to the number of pages a toner cartridge can print before needing replacement. Brother follows the ISO/IEC 19798 standard for determining page yield, which ensures consistent measurement across all printer manufacturers. This standard uses a set of test documents with 5% coverage (meaning 5% of the page contains toner) printed continuously until the cartridge is depleted. It’s important to note that actual yields may vary based on your specific printing patterns, document types, and environmental conditions.
Did you know? The high-capacity TN-2560XL toner cartridge offers 2.5 times more prints than the standard TN-2560 cartridge but costs only about 1.5 times more, resulting in approximately 38% lower cost per page. This makes it a more economical and environmentally friendly choice for users with moderate to high print volumes.
Original vs. Compatible Cartridges: Cost Analysis
While original Brother cartridges offer guaranteed quality, compatible cartridges from reputable suppliers can provide significant cost savings without compromising print quality. Let’s compare the options:
| Cartridge Type | Price (SGD) | Page Yield | Cost Per Page (SGD) | Savings vs. Original |
| Original TN-2560 | $89.00 | 1,200 | $0.074 | – |
| Compatible TN-2560 | $39.00 | 1,200 | $0.033 | 56% ($50.00) |
| Original TN-2560XL | $139.00 | 3,000 | $0.046 | – |
| Compatible TN-2560XL | $59.00 | 3,000 | $0.020 | 58% ($80.00) |
| Original DR-2560 | $129.00 | 15,000 | $0.0086 | – |
| Compatible DR-2560 | $69.00 | 15,000 | $0.0046 | 47% ($60.00) |
Advantages of Compatible Cartridges
- Significant cost savings (up to 58% less than original cartridges)
- Comparable print quality and page yield to original cartridges
- An environmentally friendly option that reduces electronic waste
- Protected by Singapore’s Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act
- Available with warranty from reputable suppliers
Considerations for Compatible Cartridges
- Quality can vary between suppliers (choose reputable vendors)
- May require occasional print head cleaning
- Some low-quality compatibles might have lower page yields
- Important to purchase from established suppliers with good reviews
Save Up to 58% on Your Printing Costs
Get high-quality compatible cartridges for your Brother MFC-L2885dw printer at nearly half the price of originals. All compatible cartridges come with a 180-day warranty and satisfaction guarantee.
Shop Compatible Cartridges at InkWorld SingaporeLegal Protection for Compatible Cartridge Users
Many printer owners worry that using compatible cartridges will void their printer warranty. However, in Singapore, the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act protects consumers against unfair practices, including unjustified warranty voiding. Manufacturers cannot void your printer warranty solely because you used compatible cartridges.
Under Singapore’s Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, printer manufacturers cannot void your warranty simply because you used third-party supplies. They must prove that the compatible cartridge actually damaged your printer before denying warranty service. This is similar to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in the United States.
Quality compatible cartridges are designed to work seamlessly with your Brother MFC-L2885DW printer. They contain self-contained toner and drum units that operate independently from the printer’s core mechanisms, meaning they cannot damage your printer when properly manufactured.
Installation Guide: TN-2560 Toner and DR-2560 Drum
Replacing consumables in your Brother MFC-L2885dw is straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to install your toner cartridge and drum unit properly.
Installing the TN-2560/TN-2560XL Toner Cartridge
- Power off the printer and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
- Open the front cover of the printer by pressing the release button.
- Remove the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly by pulling it out gently.
- Press the green lock lever and remove the old toner cartridge from the drum unit.
- Unpack the new toner cartridge and gently shake it side to side to distribute the toner evenly.
- Remove the protective cover and align the new toner cartridge with the drum unit.
- Insert the toner cartridge firmly until it clicks into place.
- Clean the corona wire several times by sliding the green tab from left to right.
- Reinstall the drum unit and toner assembly into the printer.
- Close the front cover and power on the printer.
Replacing the DR-2560 Drum Unit
- Power off the printer and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
- Open the front cover by pressing the release button.
- Remove the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly.
- Press down the green lock lever and remove the toner cartridge from the old drum unit.
- Unpack the new drum unit, keeping it away from direct sunlight.
- Insert the existing toner cartridge into the new drum unit until it clicks.
- Clean the corona wire in the new drum unit by sliding the green tab.
- Reinstall the complete assembly into the printer.
- To reset the drum counter, go to Settings > Machine Info > Parts Life > Drum > Reset on the printer’s touchscreen.
- Close the front cover and power on the printer.
Important: Always handle the drum unit carefully. Avoid touching the green parts and keep them away from dust and direct sunlight. After installing a new drum unit, reset the drum counter through the printer’s control panel to ensure accurate tracking of the drum’s remaining life.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper installation, you might occasionally encounter issues with your Brother MFC-L2885dw printer or its consumables. Here are solutions to some common problems:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
| Faded prints or light areas | Low toner, drum reaching end of life | Redistribute toner by removing the cartridge and gently shaking it. Replace if the problem persists. Check the drum for damage. |
| Black or white vertical lines | Dirty corona wire or foreign material on the drum | Clean the corona wire several times by sliding the green tab from left to right. Clean the drum surface with a soft cloth. |
| Toner smudges or black spots | Dirty fuser unit or paper path | Print several blank pages to clean the paper path. Then, clean the inside of the printer with a dry, lint-free cloth. |
| “Replace Toner” message despite new cartridge | The printer is not recognising the new cartridge | Open and close the front cover to reset. Ensure the cartridge is properly seated. For compatible cartridges, enable “Continue Mode” in printer settings. |
| Paper jams | Improper paper loading, worn rollers | Fan paper before loading. Check for debris in the paper path. Ensure paper guides are properly adjusted. |
Compatible Brother Printer Models
The TN-2560, TN-2560XL, and DR-2560 consumables are compatible with several Brother printer models beyond the MFC-L2885dw. If you have any of the following printers, you can use the same supplies:
- DCP-L2640dw – Multifunction printer with print, copy, and scan capabilities
- DCP-L2680dw – Compact laser multifunction printer with wireless networking
- MFC-L2805dw – All-in-one printer with fax functionality
- HL-L2460dw – Single-function laser printer with duplex printing
This compatibility across multiple models makes it convenient if you have several Brother printers in your home or office, as you can stock a single type of consumable for all devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Singapore’s Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act protect me when using compatible cartridges?
Singapore’s Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act protects consumers against unfair practices, including unjustified warranty voiding. Under this law, printer manufacturers cannot void your warranty simply because you used third-party supplies. They must prove that the compatible cartridge caused damage to your printer before denying warranty service. This provides legal protection for consumers who choose to use compatible cartridges from reputable suppliers.
Is purchasing compatible cartridges legal?
Yes, purchasing and using compatible cartridges is completely legal. Compatible cartridges are newly manufactured products designed to work with specific printer models but made by third-party manufacturers rather than the original printer company. They do not violate intellectual property laws without copying patented components or using trademarked logos. Quality compatible cartridges meet the same original performance standards while offering significant cost savings.
Can compatible toner or drum cartridges damage my Brother MFC-L2885dw printer?
Quality compatible cartridges will not damage your printer. Toner and drum cartridges are self-contained units that operate independently from the printer’s core mechanisms. They simply hold toner powder (in the case of toner cartridges) or provide a surface for image formation (in the case of drum units). When manufactured to proper specifications, compatible cartridges function identically to original cartridges without risk to your printer. It’s important to purchase from reputable suppliers offering their compatible products with warranties.
Where can I purchase reliable, compatible cartridges for my Brother MFC-L2885dw?
InkWorld Singapore is a highly recommended supplier for compatible Brother cartridges. They offer high-quality compatible versions of TN-2560, TN-2560XL, and DR-2560 with warranties that match or exceed those of original cartridges. Their products undergo rigorous quality testing to ensure performance comparable to original Brother supplies. InkWorld Singapore also provides excellent customer service and competitive pricing, making them a trusted source for printer consumables in Singapore.
What other Brother printer models use the same TN-2560 and DR-2560 cartridges?
The TN-2560, TN-2560XL, and DR-2560 consumables are compatible with several Brother printer models, including DCP-L2640dw, DCP-L2680dw, MFC-L2805dw, MFC-L2885dw, and HL-L2460dw. This cross-compatibility makes it convenient to have multiple Brother printers, as you can use the same supplies across different models.
How do I know when to replace my toner cartridge?
Your Brother MFC-L2885dw will display a “Toner Low” message when the toner is running low and a “Replace Toner” message when it needs replacement. You might also notice faded prints or light areas on your documents. To maximise toner usage, you can enable “Continue Mode” in your printer settings, which allows you to continue printing even after the “Toner Low” warning appears, until print quality becomes unacceptable.
What is the difference between the toner cartridge and the drum unit?
The toner cartridge (TN-2560/TN-2560XL) contains the toner powder used to create the printed image on paper. The drum unit (DR-2560) is a photosensitive cylinder that transfers the toner to the paper. In Brother printers, these are separate components with different lifespans. Typically, you’ll replace the toner cartridge several times before replacing the drum unit. The drum unit for the MFC-L2885dw has an approximate yield of 15,000 pages, while toner cartridges yield 1,200 pages (standard) or 3,000 pages (high-yield).
How can I reduce my printing costs with the Brother MFC-L2885DW?
To reduce printing costs: 1) Use the high-yield TN-2560XL toner cartridge for a lower cost per page, 2) Enable duplex (double-sided) printing to save paper, 3) Use draft mode for internal documents, 4) Consider compatible cartridges from reputable suppliers like InkWorld Singapore for savings of up to 58%, and 5) Regularly maintain your printer to prevent waste from print errors and jams.
How long do Brother toner cartridges last if not used regularly?
Unopened Brother toner cartridges have a shelf life of approximately 2.5 years from manufacture when stored properly (room temperature, away from direct sunlight and humidity). Once installed in the printer, toner cartridges can last 6-12 months even with infrequent use—store cartridges in their original packaging in a cool, dry place until needed to maximise shelf life.
Can I recycle my used Brother toner cartridges and drum units?
Yes, both original and compatible cartridges can be recycled. Brother offers a recycling program for their original cartridges, and many compatible cartridge suppliers, including InkWorld Singapore, accept used cartridges for recycling. Some retailers and office supply stores also have collection points. Recycling your used cartridges helps reduce electronic waste and is an environmentally responsible choice.
Conclusion: Maximising Value from Your Brother MFC-L2885dw
The Brother MFC-L2885dw is a versatile and reliable multifunction printer that can serve your home or small office needs for years. By understanding your consumable options and making informed choices, you can significantly reduce your printing costs without sacrificing quality. Whether you choose original Brother supplies or high-quality compatible alternatives, proper installation and maintenance will ensure optimal performance and longevity for your printer.
Ready to Save on Your Printing Costs?
Visit InkWorld Singapore today for high-quality compatible cartridges for your Brother MFC-L2885dw. With our 12-month warranty on all products, you can enjoy up to 58% savings compared to original supplies.
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