HP MICR
MICR toner is a specially formulated ink that is required by the Federal Reserve when printing the bank line on checks. This printing can be done on a printing press or impact machine, and recently, can be performed on standard laser printers. The toner is magnetically charged so that the reading and sorting machines the banks use can process the check paper at lightning speed. Because the printing follows strict standards, the machines can decipher the message through each character’s unique shape. Because these machines optically recognize the characters, it is critical that you maintain consistent print quality, and proper alignment of the characters within the designated printing area.
Thanks to recent advances it is even possible to use your regular desktop printer for printing checks, as long as it is stocked with HP MICR toner. This can be particularly advantageous for those who cannot afford to have the process done out-of-house, or those who would like closer oversight over the process. It is critical that the printing is done properly, as bank checks with invalid MICR codes will be rejected at the clearing center. This generally results in additional charges and possibly even delays in the check’s processing.