Assessment of the Possibility of Identification of Black Toners on Printouts in Lexmark Printers Using SEM Method

BACKGROUND: Document examiners are frequently asked to determine whether or not a printout has originated from a particular laser printer. The printer can rarely be identified unless some unique defects or irregularities of the printer are present on the printout. AIM/OBJECTIVE: The project aimed at obtaining the individual identification of printing and copying devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This paper presents an overview of a systematic approach to characterizing and discriminating the toner of different laser printer cartridges using scanning electron microscopy. A total of 21 collected printouts were printed on 21 different Lexmark printing machine models. Sixteen printouts were obtained using printers with original toner cartridges, while five printouts were obtained using printers with replacements. Clear criteria were established for individual assessment. RESULTS: Based on the SEM images and established criteria, the details of topography of the toner structure were revealed. Based on this study, the differences or similarities of toners on tested printouts were determined. CONCLUSION: The SEM technique can be successfully, simply, and rapidly applied to the analysis of toners on paper documents.