The history of desktop laser printing began with the introduction of the Canon LBP-CX desktop printer in 1983. The relatively quiet nature of the laser printer was a welcome improvement over the noisy impact printers used at the time. HP used the CX print engine in its first commercially available desktop system, the LaserJet printer, introduced in 1984. The machine was priced at $3,495, an enormously high price when compared to today's standards where comparable laser printers are available for less than $1000.
Apple's version of the CX, the LaserWriter, was a significant addition to the printer segment for the graphics industry. The machine featured PostScript, a language which enables the printer to print both text and graphics. The CX print engine was discontinued in 1987 and a new SX design was introduced.
Initially, the CX and related cartridges were refilled using the "drill and fill" method, where the hoppers were literally drilled into and then filled with a CX-compatible toner. The need for dependability and improved print quality paved the way for a "remanufacturing" approach which involved disassembling the cartridge, cleaning it and replacing any worn components, including the OPC drum. The CX used a 60 mm drum, the largest drum used in desktop printers.