On this page
- Why choose the genuine Brother DR-821CL drum unit
- Drum and toner: two different consumables
- Printers compatible with the DR-821CL
- Page yield
- Installation and maintenance
- Use and tips
- Specifications
- Related products
- Frequently asked questions
Why choose the genuine Brother DR-821CL drum unit
The DR-821CL is the genuine drum unit of Brother HL-L9400 and MFC-L9600 color laser printers and all-in-ones. It transfers the toner onto the paper; it is separate from the toner cartridge and is replaced about every 30,000 pages, i.e. after several toners. A genuine drum guarantees even density, no marks or streaks, and keeps the printer warranty.
Drum and toner: two different consumables
The toner (TN-821XLBK, TN-821XXLBK) holds the powder; the DR-821CL drum lays it on the sheet. The drum lasts about 30,000 pages, roughly 2 TN-821XLBK toners or 2 TN-821XXLBK toners. The printer shows "Replace drum" at end of life; repeated marks at regular intervals on the page are the other sign.
Printers compatible with the DR-821CL
The DR-821CL is compatible with 4 Brother models (manufacturer list):
Check the exact reference on the label at the back or underneath the printer; the suffixes (D, DW, DN, CDW) matter.
Page yield
30,000 pages according to the manufacturer, for one-page print jobs. Short, frequent jobs wear the drum faster. The cost per page shown next to the price is calculated from the current price and this yield.
Installation and maintenance
Tool-free replacement: open the front cover, pull out the drum + toner assembly, separate the toner from the old drum, clip it onto the new DR-821CL, put the assembly back. Do not touch the green drum surface and do not leave it in the light for long. Used Brother drums can be returned free of charge through the Brother recycling program.
Use and tips
The DR-821CL drum (30,000 pages) is replaced far less often than the toner: over 8 years at 300 pages per month, over 2 years at 1,000 pages per month. The printer's counter tracks its wear and shows "Drum end soon" then "Replace drum".
Keep the drum in its packaging until installation; when installing, do not touch the green surface and do not expose it to direct light for more than a few minutes. A worn drum shows as repeated marks at regular intervals or a gray background; after replacement, reset the counter as described in the printer guide.
Specifications
| Manufacturer part number | DR-821CL (DR821CL) |
|---|---|
| EAN code | 4977766811057 |
| Type | Genuine Brother drum unit (OEM) |
| Technology | Color laser |
| Page yield | 30,000 pages (manufacturer data) |
| Matching toners | TN-821XLBK (12,000 pages) TN-821XXLBK (15,000 pages) |
| Contents | 1 drum unit |
| Net weight | 2.17 kg |
| Product dimensions (L x W x H) | 425 x 228 x 490 mm |
| Origin | China |
| Compatible printers | 4 Brother HL, DCP, MFC models |
Related products
Frequently asked questions
Is the DR-821CL compatible with my Brother printer?
Yes if it appears in the list above (HL-L9430CDN to MFC-L9670CDN). If in doubt, compare the exact reference of your printer, suffix included.
Do I need to change the drum with every toner?
No. The DR-821CL drum lasts about 30,000 pages, i.e. several toners. The printer indicates when to replace it.
How many pages does the DR-821CL drum print?
About 30,000 pages according to the manufacturer, for one-page print jobs. Short, frequent jobs reduce this figure.
Is the toner included?
No. The DR-821CL ships without toner; the toner (TN-821XLBK, TN-821XXLBK) is reused or bought separately.
How do I know the drum is worn?
The printer shows "Drum end soon" then "Replace drum". Dots or lines repeated at regular intervals on the page are the other sign.
Where can I find the safety data sheet (SDS) for the DR-821CL?
On our Brother support page: safety data sheet for the DR-821CL in your language, manuals and FAQ for the compatible printers.