Drums and imaging units for laser printers, copiers and multifunction devices, for offices and busy home workspaces that need to replace a worn drum rather than just toner. Our range includes drum units from ActiveJet, Lexmark, Brother and Xerox, plus an HP item.
How to choose a drum or imaging unit
Match the printer model exactly. Drum units are made for specific printer series, and a unit that fits one model may not fit its close relative. Check the model name on your printer and the part number of the old drum before ordering.
Know whether you need a drum or a full imaging unit. Some printers use a separate drum and toner cartridge, while others combine the drum with the developer in one imaging unit. Read the product title carefully, because a drum on its own will not supply toner.
Decide between original and compatible. Original drums from the printer maker are matched to the printer's design and are the usual choice if you want to stay close to the manufacturer's specification. Compatible units, such as those from ActiveJet in our range, are made by a third party as an alternative and are often chosen to keep running costs down on high-volume printers.
Consider the drum's lifespan. A drum is rated in pages and generally lasts through several toner cartridges. If you print a lot, a higher-yield unit means fewer replacements and less downtime.
Check colour or mono. Colour laser printers may need drums for each colour, either as separate units or as a set, while mono printers use a single drum. Make sure the listing covers the colours you actually need.
Brands we carry
- ActiveJet: a maker of compatible consumables for many printer brands, and the largest group in this category in our range.
- Lexmark: a laser printer manufacturer whose original imaging units are built for its own office printers and multifunction devices.
- Brother: known for laser printers where the drum unit is a separate part from the toner cartridge, so it is replaced on its own schedule.
- Xerox: a long-standing name in copiers and office multifunction devices, with drum and imaging units for those machines.
Also in our range: HP.
Frequently asked questions
What does a drum unit do in a laser printer?
A drum unit carries the image that is transferred to the paper. It receives the toner pattern in the printer and passes it onto the page, where it is fixed by heat. Over time the drum surface wears and print quality drops.
How do I know when to replace the drum?
Replace it when the printer shows a drum warning, or when pages show streaks, faint areas, spots or repeating marks even with fresh toner. Many printers also count pages and prompt you as the drum reaches the end of its rated life. Checking the printer manual for the warning message helps confirm that the drum is the cause.
What is the difference between a drum and a toner cartridge?
The toner cartridge holds the powder that forms the print, while the drum transfers it to the paper. Toner runs out sooner, so a drum usually outlasts several cartridges. In some printers the two are combined into one unit, so check how your model is designed.
Are compatible drum units as good as original ones?
Compatible drums are designed to fit and work in the same printer, but quality and lifespan can vary between makers. Original units follow the printer manufacturer's own specification. If you use a compatible drum, check the model and part number carefully and watch the first prints for any change in quality.
