Tech tips - Image quality

 Common problems with Laser Printers

Do you have image quality problems with your laser printer, if so try installing a new toner cartridge in the machine first, if a new cartridge is not at hand, do you have an empty?  There may be enough toner left in that to make a test copy.  Does the problem go away after installing the test toner, if so you may have a faulty cartridge, if not and the problem remains it may be the printer at fault.

Black Streaks

Look closely in the printer after removing the printer cartridge and or the drum unit, does there appear to be any build up of toner? This may cause Black streaks on your copies. Check the fuser assembly (Generally located close to where the paper exits the machine) Look for black marks on the roller or belt, the fuser may be worn and need replacing. If there is a transfer roller fitted to the printer it may also be worn. Allways take care when checking a printers components, if parts need to be removed call a qualified technician do not attempt to remove them yourself.

White Streaks or Voids (Vertical)

This is generally caused when the toner cartridge is running low, the toner empty sensor may not have detected low toner yet. Have you removed the toner sealing tag?

Skipping or Jumping

Generally caused when gears are not meshing correctly. They may be worn or broken. If the printer makes odd sounds after installing a new toner cartridge( gears jumping or skipping) the cartridge wiper blade may have jammed, remove the cartridge immediately and install a new one.

Copiers - most common problems

Black Marks or Spots on Page (Always Same Place)

Generally means there are marks on the glass, look closely as they may be hard to see.

White Streaks or Voids

This is generally caused when the toner cartridge is running low, the toner empty sensor may not have detected low toner yet. Have you removed the toner sealing tag? Does your copier have a corona wire( Check your owners manual) if so it may require cleaning.

Black Smudges / Vertical or Horizontal, Also Ghosting

Look closely in the copier after removing the toner cartridge and or the drum unit if possible, does there appear to be any build up of toner. This may cause Black streaks on your copies. Check the fuser assembly (Generally located close to where the paper exits the machine) Look for black marks on the roller or belt, the fuser may be worn and need replacing. If there is a transfer roller fitted to the copier it may also be worn. Allways take care when checking a copiers components, if parts need to be removed call a qualified technician do not attempt to remove them yourself.

Fax machines - most common problems

Fax machines generally come in three types Inkjet, Laser or thermal roll. The same principles apply to fax machines as other machines, look closely at the print cartridge first

When Sending a Fax, Your Recipient Gets a Big Vertical Black Line

Your scanning glass is dirty it may have marks on it i.e. whiteout or small black marks. After cleaning the glass, make a copy and see if the problem goes away.

Black Streaks, Shadows, and Ghosting

Look cloely at the print cartridge it may be the cause. Laser fax machines may have similar faults as laser printers so check those tips.

White Streaks or Voids (Vertical)

This is generally caused when the toner cartridge is running low, the toner empty sensor may not have detected low toner yet. Have you removed the toner sealing tag? Does your fax have a corona wire( Check your owners manual) if so it may require cleaning.