Chapter 11

Resetting paper counts

After a fuser assembly or maintenance kit is installed in a laser printer, the page count MUST be reset. It is typically reset by pressing a specific combination of buttons on the printer's control panel.

Streaks and smudges

Many causes; depending on type of printer in use

Laser printer

Page printer; stores entire contents of the page to be printed in its memory before printing it. By contrast, inkjet, thermal, and impact printers that page as a series of narrow bands.

C-shaped paper path (C)

Paper is pulled from front of printer, pulled through and around series of rollers inside the printer during print process, and then ejected through the front or top of the printer onto a paper tray. Curved paper paths are the result.

Conditioning

Step 2. Cylinder-shaped imaging drum receives electrostatic charge of *-600Vdc* (DC voltage) from a conditioning roller (older printers use primary corona wire). Smooth surface of drum retains charge uniformly over entire surface. Drum is photosensitive and will retain charge when only in darkness.

Transferring

Step 5. While sheet is being fed into printer, it receives electrostatic charge of *+600Vdc* from corona wire or roller, enabling to attract toner from drum. As paper moves through printer, charge is canceled by static eliminator strip, so paper isn't attracted to drum

Low Memory Errors

- Reduce resolution of print job - Eliminate or reduce size of graphics on page - Convert color photos to black-and-white photos before placing in a desktop publishing document or printing them directly from the file.

Installing maintenance kits

A printer that uses this displays a message/error code with a meaning when the printer reaches the recommended page count for this replacement.

Electrophotographic (EP) process

Before the process: - Must receive entire page before printing - Printer pulls a sheet of paper into printer with feed rollers Processing, conditioning, exposing (writing), developing, transferring, fusing, cleaning

Properties does what...?

Can change settings for current print jobs Open Print dialog in an application and choose *Properties*

Printer Properties does what...?

Can set defaults that will be used for all print jobs. Right-click printer's icon in Printers, Printers and Faxes, or Devices and Printers folder in Control Panel > *Printer Properties*

Vertical lines on a pege

Debris stuck to imaging drum, surface damage to the imaging drum, or dirty components in printer (fuser, paper rollers, charging rollers, etc.). To determine corrupt component, compare distance between marks on paper with circumference of each object (see printer manual). Replace imaging drum if drum is at fault. Clean other components if at fault, and reset. Also caused by ink on a feed roller (clean), dirty heating element or failure of part of heating element (angled streaks -> creased ribbon) (adjust ribbon feed mechanism), or plain dirt on the paper (replace paper).

Thermal Printer Paper

Direct thermal printers use heat-sensitized paper (must match printer design specifications). Thermal transfer printers use standard copy paper or glossy photo paper.

Sharing Tab (in Properties)

Enables or disables printer sharing over network Windows XP -> available only if File and Print Sharing is enabled To enable in 7/Vista, go to *Start, Control Panel, Network and Sharing Center,* click down arrow for Printer Sharing, and select radio button labeled *Turn on Printer Sharing*

Toner not fused to paper

Fuser needs to be replaced

Ports Tab (in Properties)

Lists and configures printer ports and paths to network printers

About/Version Information (in Properties)

Lists driver version and/or driver files used by printer

Pickup rollers

Major component of laser printer; picks up paper

Unable to install printer

Need administrator (elevated) access. If Vista/7, provide admin password when prompted by User Access Control.

Thermal Printer Ribbons

Often bundled with paper made especially for printer. Dye-sublimination (dye-sub) printers use dye-based film ribbon technology (Kodak printer docks and Canon's Selphy CP series). Used in point-of-sale or retail environments typically use non-impact, dot-matrix printheads.

Printer Won't Print

Remove toner cartridge, and make sure tape that holds toner has been removed; without toner, printer can't print. Toner is exhausted -> replace cartridge If printer is set up manually and wrong printer port is specified If print job is sent to printer that has specified hours of activity -> print job not released until printer is ready for it

No connectivity

Router or switch failure. If shared printer cannot connect to a computer, the problem is network-related. If it can, the problem is related to the printer, printer port, or printer cable.

Thermal printers troubleshooting

Streaky output -> media and print head problems Coating on media is poor quality -> replace media (if preprinted ink on the media is sticking to the printhead, replace the media with media printer using heat-resistant ink) Heating element is dirty -> clean it Smeared output (primarily with bar codes) -> caused by incorrect print head energy settings, too high a print speed, and using a 90-degree or 270-degree orientation Faded image -> caused from installing thermal transfer ribbon backward (remove, verify proper loading, and reinstall, check media settings in printer configuration to verify).

3 types of thermal printer technologies

Thermal transfer Direct thermal Dye sublimination

Randomized streaks on laser printer

Uneven printing or blank spots -> low toner (shake toner to redistribute the toner/install new cartridge ASAP) Long vertical streaks that repeat on each page -> damage to imaging drum (replace drum or toner cartridge if it includes the drum)

Ghost images in laser printers

To determine the cause, measure the distance between the top of the page and the ghost image and consult the service manual for the printer

Straight-through paper path

Typical option on laser printers with curved paper paths. These printers have a rear paper output tray that can be lowered for us, which overrides the normal top paper output tray. Some have a front paper tray, too. Recommended for printing on envelopes, labels, or card stock.

Thermal printers

Use heat transfer to create text and graphics on the paper. Used in point-of-scale and retail environments and portable printing. Can use dot-matrix print mechanism or dye-sublimination technology to transfer images. Some use heat-sensitive paper, whereas others use wax, resin, or dye ribbon to create image.

Impact printers

Use mechanical printhead that presses against inkhead ribbon to print characters and graphics. Oldest printer technology and primarily used today in industrial and point-of-sale applications.

Printer sharing can be shared on a network by the following methods:

- With built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi networking can be connected directly to a network - Connected to Ethernet or Wi-Fi print sharing devices - Directly connect to computer on a network can be shared with other network user *In Windows XP -> must install File and Printer Sharing, which is automatic by running the Home Networking Wizard and specifying this option/manually enabling File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks in properties sheet for network adapter; all computers must be a part of the same workgroup *In Windows Vista and 7 -> enabled through Network and Sharing Center; must be part of same workgroup

Error Codes

13 or 13.xx - paper jam (xx are values indicating where jam is) 20 - insufficient memory (press Go or Continue to print partial page) 40 - bad transmission to EIO interface card 41.xx - various printer errors involving media or other problems 49.xx - firmware error 50.4 - line voltage 50.x - fuser error 51.x - beam detect (.1) or laser error (.2) 52.x - scanner speed errors; startup error (.1) or rotation error (.2) 53.xy.zz - DIMM memory error in specified module 54.1 - sealing tape not removed from toner cartridge 54.4 - line voltage error 55.xx - internal communications error; caused by formatter, firmware DIMM, engine controller board, fuser problems 56.x - error in paper input or accessory (.1) or output bin (.2) connection 57.x - printer fan (.4), duplex fan (.7), or main motor (older printer models in LaserJet 4, 5 series) failure 58.2 - environmental thermistor (TH3) failure 59.x - main motor error (.0), startup error (.1), or rotation error (.2) 62.x - printer memory error in internal memory (.0) or DIMM slots (.1-.4) 64 - scan buffer error 66.xx.yy - external paper-handling device error 68 - NVRAM or permanent storage error 69.x - temporary printing error 79 - printer detected error; caused by memory, firmware, EIO, and formatter) 8x.yyyy - EIO slot or slot error

To add support for ____ networking to a printer without it built-in, connect the printer to a _____ adapter. To add support for ____ printing to a printer, connect the printer to a _____ adapter.

Bluetooth/802.11 Wireless Ethernet (Wi-Fi) Infrared (IrDA)

Printer Preferences

Button on General tab that opens preferences menu for printer. Can vary from printer to printer, but typically includes: - Inkjet printers (paper type/size/layout, print mode, utilities (head cleaning, alignment, ink levels), and watermarking) - Laser printers (layout, page order, resolution, font substitutions, printer features, pagers per sheet, and watermarking)

Creased paper

Caused by incorrect adjustment of paper guides for feeding pages

Horizontal streaks on inkjet printers

Caused by trying to print on glossy photo paper using plain paper setting (check Printer Properties setting in operating system to ensure correct resolution and paper options are set)

Smudges only when printing heavy paper stock, card stock, labels, or envelopes on inkjet printer

Check head gap settings; use default setting for paper up to 24 lb. rating; and use wider gap for labels, card stock, and envelopes Clean printhead (cleaning sheet to clean paper-feed rollers, platen, and printhead)

Garbled Characters on paper

Check printer driver first -> if driver files are corrupted or incorrect printer driver has been selected for a printer. If you can use printer in emulation mode or change it to use a different printer language with personality module or DIMM, be sure you have correctly configured printer and printer driver or installed a new printer driver.

Color Laser Printing Differences

Color printers include: - Four different colors of toner (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) - Imaging drum is separate from toner (so waste toner is reused rather than being sent to separate waste toner container) - Use transfer belt instead of imaging drum (enables all four colors to be placed on paper at same time, and conditioning and transferring processes are performed on transfer belt) ... while monochrome laser printers do not

Adding Ethernet support to a printer

Connect printer to Ethernet print server (available in versions that support USB or parallel printers), enabling printer to be accessed via printer server's IP address. When printers include its own Ethernet port, it is assigned an IP address on a TCP/IP network. To configure, you may need to install a network printer driver instead of normal printer driver; and may also need to specify whether the printer has a manually assigned IP address or receives an IP address from DHCP server on network.

Smudged print output on inkjet printer

Dirty printheads or paper rollers, incorrect head gap settings, and incorrect resolution and media settings

Laser Printing EP Process

Does not start printing until entire page is received. Page is then transferred to page mechanism, which pulls the paper through the printer as the page is transferred from printer to paper.

Media or paper caught/tears inside printer

Don't try to use creased paper, but remove debris to avoid additional paper jams. If problem persists, check paper feed or paper tray operation. Avoid using paper with damaged edges or damp paper

Security Tab (in Properties)

Enables you to select which users can print and manage print jobs and documents; available only if user-level sharing is enabled (ex. printer is connected to computer that is part of network being managed in Windows server OR if Windows XP's Simple File Sharing feature is DISABLED)

General Tab (in Properties)

Features Print Test Page button, which prints a test page of the graphics and text, listing the driver files, and the Printing Preferences home button, which opens the Printer Preferences menu

Ink Cartridges

Filled with liquid ink for printing. Older inkjet printers: large tank of black ink and second tank with separate components for each color However, almost all have separate cartridges for each color, improving print economy (only one color would need to be replaced by user).

Replacing toner cartridges

If laser printer's toner cartridge also includes imaging drum, replacing toner cartridge replaces imaging drum -> changing toner cartridge can improve print quality

Paper not feeding

If running single-sheet paper, check paper's positioning in the paper tray. Remove the paper, fan it, and replace it. Check for paper jams if problem persists. If no jams, the pickup rollers might be worn out. If continuous-feed paper (impact or thermal), check tension of feed rollers or position and operation of tractor-feed mechanism. Paper jams -> caused by overloading input tray, using paper or card stock that is thicker than the recommended types for the printer. If printer jams, open exit cover or remove the paper tray(s) as needed to clear the jams.

Cleaning loose toner

If you want to use a vacuum cleaner to pick up loose toner, use one designated to pick up toner. If you prefer damp cloth, turn off laser printer and disconnect from power first.

Imaging drum

Major component of laser printer; applies the page image to the transfer belt or roller, frequently combined with the toner supply in a toner cartridge.

Duplexing assembly (optional)

Major component of laser printer; assembly that switches paper from front to back side so that printer can print on both sides of the paper

Paper separation pad

Major component of laser printer; enables pickup rollers to pick up only one sheet of paper at a time

Fuser assembly

Major component of laser printer; fuses the page image to the paper

Transfer belt or transfer roller

Major component of laser printer; transfers the page image from the drum to the page

Access Denied

Make sure account has been granted access to printer or to computer hosting networked printer.

Clogged print nozzles on inkjet printers

May be clogged or colors may be out of ink -> clean nozzles and use nozzle check utility to verify proper orientation, replace cartridges that are out of ink

Two major methods used by inkjet printers to create ink dots that make up page

Most heat the ink to boiling, creating a tiny bubble of ink that is allowed to escape through the printhead onto the paper (origin for name BubbleJet for Canon line). These printers feature either ink cartridges that include printhead with removable ink cartridge inserts (simple replacement for ink cartridge if it incorporates printhead). Another popular method is the piezo-electric crystal to distribute ink through printhead. Makes achieving high resolutions easier and longer printhead life because ink is not heated and cooled. But, printheads are built into printer and clogged printheads are difficult to clean.

Toner cartridges

Most monochrome laser printers use this, which combines the imaging drum and developer along with a supply of black toner. Creates efficient and easy way to replace laser printer items. Keep it closed; it is sensitive to light and leaving it out of the printer in room light -> damages enclosed imaging drum's surface. Might require that you change a wiper to remove excess toner during fusing cycle, which is normally packaged with the toner cartridge. When installing, depending on make/model, can involve cleaning the mirror that reflects the laser beam, cleaning up the stray toner, or cleaning the charging corona wire or conditioning rollers inside the printer (aka primary corona wire), which has a special tool.

Inkjet printers

Most popular type of *character AND line* printer in small-office/home-office (SOHO) use today and in large offices. Printer quality can rival laser printers and the modern ones can print both color and black text and photographs. Spray controlled dots of ink onto paper to form characters and graphics. Tiny ink droplet size and high nozzle density enables for seemingly impossible resolutions as high as 1,200 dpi or higher. - They print one line at a time of single characters/graphics, but larger characters print a portion of characters across the page. Connects lines of printing to build large characters. - Some require realignment after each ink cartridge/printhead change to make sure vertical lines formed by multiple printhead passes stay straight (automatic OR user must restart process OR on demand through utility as part of printer driver). Ex. On typical 5,760 x 1,440 dots per inch (dpi) printer, number of nozzles can be as high as 180 for black ink and 50 per color (cyan, magenta, and yellow).

Print queue

Print jobs are sent to the *print queue* until print jobs are dealt with. The Windows print spooler switches to online mode if printer goes offline, is turned off, or has stopped for some other reason (paper jam/no connectivity). Open Printer icon in notification area, or go to Printers, Printers and Faxes, or Devices and Printers and open printer icon.

Calibration

Printhead alignment that involves one or more sheets of paper and selecting the print setting that produces straight lines. Used when inkjet printers malfunction. Color laser printers should be calibrated if image quality declines (caused by environmental differences or aging print cartridges). -> Some are automatic but others force printer to perform calibration on an as-needed basis.

Advanced Tab (in Properties)

Schedules the availability of the printer, selects spooling methods, printer priority, print defaults (quality, paper type, orientation, etc.), printer driver, print processor, and separator page

Color Management (in Properties)

Selects default color profile

Device Settings (in Properties)

Selects default paper tray, font substitutions, page protection, font cartridges, and printer memory

Print spooler

Service that receives print jobs and releases them to printer in order received. After received, it is placed in a print queue until the printer is ready to receive it. (Stacking print jobs across a network to handle them all)

Processing

Step 1. Printer's raster image processing engine receives page, font, text, and graphics data from printer driver, creates a page image, and stores it in its memory. Depending on the amount of information, printer needs to compress page image to store it. If not enough memory, a *memory error* is triggered.

Exposing

Step 3. Moving mirror moves across laser beam across surface of drum, recording image of page to be printer on surface of drum by reducing voltage of charge applied by charger corona to *-100Vdc.* *Instead of laser beam, LED printers activate LED arrays to record images on page.*

Developing

Step 4. Toner stays on only portions of drum that have been reduced in voltage to create the image. Not attracted to rest of drum because toner and drum are at same voltage, and like charges repel each other. *-600Vdc (Vol)*

Fusing

Step 6. Printer sheet of paper is pulled through fuser rollers, using high temperatures to heat toner and press it into paper. Printer image is slightly raised above surface of paper. Paper is ejected into paper tray and drum must be prepared for another page. *Heat*

Cleaning

Step 7. To prepare drum for new page, image of preceding page placed on drum by laser or LED array is removed by discharge lamp. Toner that is not adhering to the surface of the drum from the drum's surface for reuse.

Impact printer troubleshooting

Streaky output -> caused by dried-out ribbon (replace it) Print is evenly faded -> dried-out ribbon (replace for better quality and protect printhead) *If print is more faded on top of each line than bottom, head gap is set too wide for paper type, adjust this!*