What is MICR Toner?
The acronym "MICR" stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. MICR is a process by which documents are printed using magnetic ink and special fonts to create machine readable information for quick document processing. The principal purpose of MICR toner is to print accounting and routing information on bank checks and other negotiable documents. MICR toner contains an iron oxide that permits the "bank line" information of a check to be read by electronic bank processing equipment. MICR toner is similar to standard laser printer toner, but requires a 50% to 60% iron oxide additive content to meet ANSI specifications for readability standard Laser Printer.
Not every laser printer can be used for MICR printing. MICR toner from a reputable source must be available, and a MICR font should have been specifically designed for the printer. MICR fonts must not only be visually accurate, but magnetically accurate as well. This means that the font must be designed for the specific combination of laser printer engine and configuration , toner and paper. In addition, its paper handling needs to be very accurate, especially that it not skew or tilt the paper. Curl is an enemy of the bank's check processing equipment - therefore, the fewer curves in the printer's paper path, the better.
Normal toner can not be used for check printing it does not have the proper magnetic characteristics. Printers using toner cartridges (such as the HP LaserJet and Apple LaserWriter) allow you the option of switching between MICR toner for checks and normal toner for other applications. A security cartridge containing the MICR font, logos and signatures can be used. When the cartridge is inserted in the printer, checks can be printed; when it is removed, the printer can still be used for office applications, but not for checks. Some vendors store this sensitive information on the computer rather than a cartridge. This is fine for some, but it may be too much of a security compromise and inconvenience for others.
There a many benefits to MICR check processing. MICR check processing provides a much higher level of security and decreased exposure to check fraud. The need to outsource your check printing is eliminated which will increase your flexibility to add, change and delete bank account information without ordering new check stock
Not every laser printer can be used for MICR printing. MICR toner from a reputable source must be available, and a MICR font should have been specifically designed for the printer. MICR fonts must not only be visually accurate, but magnetically accurate as well. This means that the font must be designed for the specific combination of laser printer engine and configuration , toner and paper. In addition, its paper handling needs to be very accurate, especially that it not skew or tilt the paper. Curl is an enemy of the bank's check processing equipment - therefore, the fewer curves in the printer's paper path, the better.
Normal toner can not be used for check printing it does not have the proper magnetic characteristics. Printers using toner cartridges (such as the HP LaserJet and Apple LaserWriter) allow you the option of switching between MICR toner for checks and normal toner for other applications. A security cartridge containing the MICR font, logos and signatures can be used. When the cartridge is inserted in the printer, checks can be printed; when it is removed, the printer can still be used for office applications, but not for checks. Some vendors store this sensitive information on the computer rather than a cartridge. This is fine for some, but it may be too much of a security compromise and inconvenience for others.
There a many benefits to MICR check processing. MICR check processing provides a much higher level of security and decreased exposure to check fraud. The need to outsource your check printing is eliminated which will increase your flexibility to add, change and delete bank account information without ordering new check stock
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