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Printer Tips
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Laser Printer Tips
As
part of our commitment to provide value-added services to current and
prospective customers, The Laser Link has put together information on how
to make your office equipment perform better and last longer. The
following tips are problems users frequently encounter. Please email
us if we can address any problems not listed here.
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Clean Your Printer Often
Preventative maintenance can help extend the life of
your machine.While a professional cleaning yearly would be beneficial, there are
some things that you can do yourself on a regular basis.
Frequently wipe loose toner from the interior of your machine using a lint-free
cloth. This will prevent unwanted toner speckle on your page. Use the Q-tip
provided with your cartridge to clean the transfer corona wire with each
cartridge change.
A clogged ozone filter can cause stress on the cooling fan, so makesure to clean
that, too. Consult your owners manual for correct cleaning procedures for your
machine or Contact The Laser Link for personal assistance. |
Understanding The Effects of Static Electricity
We have all felt the effects of static electricity
in our homes and offices. How many times have you felt that "zap" when
reaching for the doorknob? Imagine what that "zap" does to your
computer and printers.
Static electricity is defined as "electricity at rest." two things can
increase the amount of static electricity in your environment; wind (or
movement) and dry air. The cold winter months are notorious for static incidents
due to the dry heat in our homes and offices. Now, let's look at what that
static electricity does to your laser
printer.
Printers most affected are those with corona wire technology -specifically the
HP Laserjet II/III and the IBM 4019. Static Electricity in your office can wreak
havoc on your print quality of your laser printer. You may notice random black
streaks or
blotches of toner on your pages.
The Laser Link wipes these cartridges down with antistatic spray prior to
packaging. In most cases, this procedure will prevent a static problem. Some
offices may have a persistent problem which will require further treatments.
We include an antistatic wipe with our remanufactured cartridges. If you
experience static, wipe the exterior of the cartridge, being careful not to
touch the photosensitive drum. If the problem is not resolved, Contact us for a
replacement cartridge.
In unusual circumstances you may have to resort to a humidifier. You can also
make a solution to keep in your desk. One tablespoon of liquid fabric softener
in a pint of water - spray the carpet area around your printer. Never spray
directly on machines or toner cartridges!
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IBM 4019 Alert
Have you ever installed a toner cartridge and
printed completely blank pages?
If you look at the IBM 4019 toner cartridge with the label facing you - there is
a triangular plastic tab that protrudes straight up. If the tab is bent or
missing it, the printer will not sense the toner cartridge.
The Laser Link tests each cartridge prior to packaging, then carefully packages
them because their plastic is easily broken. Yet, damage can still occur during
shipment, so please make sure to check this tab before marking a cartridge
defective. |
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How To Avoid Paper Jams
Paper jams are among the most frustrating parts of
office life. Here are a few simple tips than can help you avoid them:
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Do
not overload our printer. Overloading can apply too much pressure to
paper separation tabs and result in double-feeding.
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Use
manual feed for heavier or specialized paper stocks. Default feed bins
often route the paper around several series of rollers. Negotiating complex
turns around these rollers gets tougher as paper gets heavier.
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Use
laser-compatible media. Fuser assemblies get hot, often exceeding 400+
degrees F. Fuser heat has been known to curl cotton bonded paper and melt
non-laser compatible transparencies.
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Keep
your rollers clean. Excessive toner, dust, and/or paper particles on
rollers can only make the journey more difficult for a piece of paper trying
to make its way through your printer.
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Adopt A Realistic Part Replacement Schedule
Most customers know that their printers are equipped
with internal counters which monitor the number of impressions produced by their
printer. Yet, few of them understand how technicians use page count readings.
Page counts should not be used as absolute indicators for part replacement,
because count-based replacement intervals are based on ideal conditions as
specified by the manufacturer. Variations in print media, traffic and
environmental conditions can greatly reduce the life of certain printer parts,
often requiring their replacement prior
to page counts recommended by the manufacturer.
That is why any office would be well advised to get their printers on a regular
maintenance schedule. Planned and budgeted replacement of components is better
and more reliable than "surprise" failure.
Contact The Laser Link for a custom consultation aimed to establish a
realistic parts replacement schedule for your organization. |
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