Bay of Isles Computers Support and Technical Tips - Laser Printers

Bay of Isles Computers

63B Dempster Street
Esperance WA 6450

Ph: 08 9071 5542
Fax: 08 9071 5549

boic@boic.net.au

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Dealing with the Most Common Laser Printer and Copier Problems

(From the Phoenix Times.)

Laser Printers

Image Quality
When you have an image quality problem with a laser printer, it is always recommended to install an empty toner cartridge in the machine first. You can usually get enough good test pages to see if the problem is from the new toner you just installed or if it's the printer that is at fault.

Black Streaks, Shadows and Ghosting
Adjust the printer's lightness/darkness setting to 2-3 different variables and see if problem disappears.
Look at the fusing assembly - is the roller torn (careful it gets hot!) or does it have any black buildup? If you are having trouble with envelopes, turn the density to a darmer setting.
Low humidity levels can cause prind quality problems - humidifeirs work great.

White Streaks or Voids (Vertical)
Dirty printer mirror or transfer wire needs to be cleaned.
Did you forget to pull out the sealing tape in your new toner?

Skipping
Are there any 'clicking' noises when you print? You could have a broken gear.

Copiers

Copiers can be rather complex - unless you own a small desktop personal copier. These tips relate to personal copiers only.
As for laser printers it is recommended to install an empty toner cartridge in the machine first. You can usually get enough good test pages to seee if the problem is from the new toner just installed or if the copier has a problem.

Black Marks or Spots on Page (Always in the same place)
Clean the glass on the machine.
Change the lightness/darkness setting. Some copiers have 2 different density controls - does yours?

White Streaks or Voids
Dirty transfer wire or mirror. How to clean these should be in your user manual - takes 10 seconds to clean.
Did you forget to pull out the sealing tape in your new toner?

Black Smudges - Vertical or Horizontal, or Ghosting
When you buy your toner, do you get a cleaning wand with it? Do you install it? Failure to install a new wand when you change the toner could lead to premature wear of the fusing assembly.