Because conventional toner is produced by finely crushing colored resin, not even the most accurate tools can achieve a uniform shape and size for individual toner particles, which places limits on the level of image quality that can be attained.

In response, Canon has developed S-Toner, a unique spherical microparticle toner with a microcapsule structure. To produce S-Toner, Canon mixes coloring materials, wax and a monomer, polymerizes it by applying heat, and then solidifies the material. The result is similar to fine, uniformly dispersed oil droplets produced by stirring a mixture of water and oil which is then solidified chemically. S-Toner particles are spherical and have equable dimensions, making possible the creation of beautiful images with remarkably fine lines.

S-Toner Structure

Also, because the particles contain wax that protects fixing rollers, there is no need for roller protection oil, which enables the creation of printout free from the glossy look that results from this oil.

Comparison of the Conventional Method and Oil-Less Fixing Using S-Toner