Lines on Paper
When you copy a piece of paper with simple text and/or images, but your finished copy contains streaks, lines or other deformities in the reproduction, you become frustrated. There are multiple sources for this potential copy machine problem and they include:
- Foreign substances on the scanner glass or mirrors
- Drum or developer unit malfunction (only applies to multi-component copier systems)
- Drum blade malfunction resulting in large lines vertically down the page
- Issue with fusers
The first issue is resolved through removing interferences and cleaning the scanner glass and mirrors (see your user’s manual for proper cleaning instructions). The remaining issues should be remedied by replacing the unit causing the issue; most often these should be addressed by contacting your service provider.
Cartridge or Toner Issue
Low, empty or malfunctioning toner issues can occur within your copy machine. If they are low or empty, simple replacement should repair the issue. If it is malfunctioning, there could be one of two things going on:
- Manufacturer Error – bring a copy of the poor quality copies and the cartridge to the place of purchase and request a replacement.
- Incompatibility Issues – most copy machines require specific toner; if you try and use an incompatible cartridge, your print quality will suffer.
Wrinkled Pages
There is nothing professional about copy pages that come out of the machine crinkled. Rather than looking like a consummate business professional, your employees show up for meetings or submit paperwork for reports that look like they were dug out of a student’s backpack.
Wrinkled pages are often the result of worn out feed and exit rollers that cause sticking or jamming. But, worn out paper trays, moisture caused by humidity and fuser assemblies can also lead to wrinkled pages. If paper is noticeably damaged for any reason, do not use it. For issues with paper trays, you can purchase replacements. However, fixing the fuser assembly and feed rollers requires the assistance of a technician.
Copies are Too Light or Too Dark
The majority of the time, issues with light and dark on copy pages is going to be the result of an imbalance in the density controls on the copier. Someone may have inadvertently altered the settings previously, making subsequent images copied too light or too dark. In this case, resetting the density levels is the best solution.
It is also possible however that the drum could be reaching the end of its work life or that the toner in the machine is bad. Some aftermarket toners are not up to manufacturer codes and can result in light density issues. Replacements should be purchased and installed.
Spots on the Page
As the name suggests, this copy machine problem consists of random arrays of dots marring an otherwise perfect copy. If you notice the dots in the same place every time, it is likely an issue of smudges or debris on the copy mirror or glass. Once again, this can be remedied by properly cleaning off the glass and mirrors.
A more random array of spots repeated throughout the document could be a defect in the drum. Replacing drums should fix the issue.
Best Solutions
In addition to the solutions mentioned above, there are a few steps that you can take in your office place to ensure that these common copy machine problems are reduced. First and foremost, never be forceful when it comes to loading and unloading paper from the machine. Second, make sure to follow the replacement timelines for vital parts and fixtures on the copy machine to avoid wear and tear issues.
Last but not least, have the copy machine cleaned professionally from time to time. The buildup of dust and debris inside the machine can lead to many of the problems discussed above.
As you can see there are many elements that need monitoring to keep your copier/printer functioning efficiently. Often times, the best way to ensure continued performance is through a Managed Print Services Program. Discover the benefits a Managed Print Services Program offers businesses of all sizes:
What Causes Poor Print Quality on Copiers?
If there is a perfect line or multiple lines on your prints, faxes, or scans when using the document feeder, try using the glass next. If the fax, scan, or printout comes out clean, the problem is a dirty glass. Try cleaning the glass just to the left of the big glass under your document feeder. If this glass is dirty, that could be the source of the lines..
If there are lines, spots, or smudges on your printouts only when printing or copying, there is a chance that you have a bad ink cartridge. If this is on a color printer, try replacing the ink cartridge for that particular color first. This may be the source of lines, smudges, or spots on the printouts.
Spots or marks that are on the same place every time on multiple print outs coud most likely be a dirty glass. Clean the big glass under the document feeder and copy the original again to see if the sports or marks went away.
Feel to make sure there is toner still left in the toner bottles. If there is no toner and the bottle feels very empty, replace the toner with a new one. The toner could be low enough to not trigger the machine to add toner. But, if there is some toner left, even if it is a little bit, do not replace the bottle with a new one. Place the old one back in the machine and request for service.