Transcript continued
Printers
Unit objectives:
Compare and contrast printing
technologies
Install printers
Optimize printing and perform routine
maintenance tasks for printers
Troubleshoot printer problems
Topic A
Topic A: Printing technologies
Topic B: Printer installation
Topic C: Printer optimization and
maintenance
Topic D: Printer troubleshooting
Dot-matrix printer
Can print multipart forms
Slow and noisy compared to other
printer types
Impact printer
– Use mechanical means to press ink onto
a page
Near letter quality (NLQ)
Dot-matrix printer components
9- or 24-pin print head
Pins pushed forward in patterns to strike ink
ribbon
9-pin quality not as good as 24-pin
Tractor feed and friction feed
Horizontal and vertical perforations in paper
Banners
Preprinted forms require careful alignment
Friction feed primarily for envelopes and
single-sheet papers
Dot-matrix printer connections
Serial
Parallel
Rare network interface
Some have both serial and parallel
Dot-matrix options
Font card slots
Memory
Paper feeders
Other impact printers
Daisy wheel
Band printer
Activity A-1
Examining the dot-matrix printing process
An inkjet printer
Ink dispersion
Forces ink through nozzles
Nozzles are 50 to 60 microns in
diameter
Two methods:
– Thermal bubble
– Piezoelectric bubble
Inkjet process
Thermal bubble technology
Piezoelectric technology
Ink cartridges
Inkjet cartridge print heads
Print head part of cartridge
New ink cartridge = new print head
Makes cartridge more expensive
Inkjet print quality
Standards
– Laser printer for text
– Darkroom photographs for graphics
Affected by:
– Resolution (dpi) of printer
– Quality of paper
– Quality of ink if printed page gets wet
Dithering, also known as half-tones
Straight-through paper path
Curved paper path
Photo printers
Good print quality
Quality not quite as good as that of
chemically produced prints
Use special photo paper
Some printers allow you to print
CD/DVD labels
Printing onto a CD
Activity A-2
Examining how inkjet printers work
Laser printer
Standard of quality for other printer types
High-quality, high-volume
Black-and-white, and color
Dropping in price
– Consumables can cost as much as printer
Laser printer components
Toner cartridge
Laser scanning assembly
Power supplies
Paper control and transport assembly
Transfer corona assembly
Fusing assembly
Electronic control package
Toner cartridge components
Hopper filled with toner
EP drum
Blade to remove used toner
Corona charging assembly
Laser scanner assembly
Laser
Mirror
Lens, or lenses
Power supplies
High-voltage power supply (HVPS)
Converts standard 120 volt AC to
high-voltage electricity used by EP
process
DC power supply (DCPS) used to
power components that don’t require
high voltages
– For example, laser & fuser
– +5V and -5V for the printer’s logic
circuitry
– +24V for the paper transport motors
Paper control and transport assembly
Paper moves through series of rollers
Rollers
– Some guide paper
– Some apply pressure to fuse toner
Transfer corona assembly
Primary charge roller charged by
HVPS
Primary charge roller charges paper to
accept toner
Static charge eliminator strip drains
charge
Creates ozone – can cause respiratory
illness
– Laser printers employ ozone filters
Fusing assembly
Composed of rollers and heating lamp
Applies heat and pressure to adhere
toner to page
Electronic control package
Also known as “printer control
circuitry” or “main logic assembly”
Communicates with
– Printer memory
– Control panel
– Computer
Laser printing process
continued
Laser printing process, continued
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cleaning and erasing
Charging or conditioning
Writing or exposing
Developing
Transferring
Fusing
Note: Some sources place the cleaning and erasing stage
at the beginning of the process. Others place it at the end of
the process. In either case, it prepares the drum for
receiving and printing the next image.
Activity A-3
Examining how laser printers work
Other printer types
Solid-ink
Dye sublimation
Thermal
– Thermal wax transfer
– Direct thermal
– Thermal autochrome
Plotter
Creates line images
Uses pens
Often available in large format for CAD
drawings
Draws smooth lines and curves
Additional printer types
Snapshot printers
Large-format printers
Activity A-4
Identifying other printer technologies
Topic B
Topic A: Printing technologies
Topic B: Printer installation
Topic C: Printer optimization and
maintenance
Topic D: Printer troubleshooting
Main Windows print processes
Client – includes GDI
Spooler
Printer – print language is translated to
hardware directions for printing the job
Activity B-1
Examining the Windows printing process
Inkjet printer installation
Most local printers connect via USB
Windows autodetects and installs
drivers
Can install additional software from
manufacturer
Ink-level monitoring utility
Printer interfaces
USB
Parallel
SCSI
Serial
Wired or wireless Ethernet network
connections
Inkjet communications interfaces
Parallel interface
USB interface
Configure the connection type
SCSI — Assign a unique device ID
Parallel — Specify the correct LPT
port
– Usually LPT1
Serial — Specify the correct COM port
– Usually COM2
– COM1 used for modem
Port identified for the printer
Installing an inkjet printer
1. Connect the printer to a computer,
using the correct interface
2. Plug the printer in
3. Power it up
4. Windows will probably recognize the
new device and install drivers for it
5. If drivers aren’t installed
automatically, do it manually with
materials that shipped with the printer
Upgrading a device driver
Use Device Manager utility
Follow prompts in wizard or use printer
installation file
Configure options for best
performance
Laser printer setup
Unpack from packaging
Remove all packaging materials and
tape
Install toner cartridge
– Remove tape insert from toner
– Rock from side to side
Might need to install drum or other
components
Printer interfaces
Parallel
SCSI
USB
Serial
IEEE 1394/FireWire
Wired or wireless Ethernet network
Communications interfaces
USB interface
Parallel interface
Installing a printer
1. Connect the printer to the network or
a computer, using the correct
interface
2. Plug the printer in
3. Power it up
4. Windows will probably recognize the
new device and install drivers for it
5. If drivers aren’t installed
automatically, do it manually with the
materials that shipped with the printer
Installing a network printer in Windows 7
1. In Windows 7, open Devices and Printers
2. Click Add a printer
3. Click Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth
printer
4. Select the desired printer and click Next, or
click The printer that I want isn’t listed
5. If prompted, click Install driver
6. Enter a name for the printer and click Next
7. If desired, set as the default printer and print
a test page
8. Click Finish
Installing a network printer in Vista
1.
2.
3.
4.
Open Printers
Click Add a printer
Click Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer
Select the desired printer and click Next, or click
The printer that I want isn’t listed.
5. If the printer isn’t listed, you can:
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–
–
–
Browse for it
Enter its share name
Enter TCP/IP address
Enter host name
6. If the print drivers are available on the network,
Windows will prompt you to install them. Click
Install driver.
7. Enter a name for the printer and click Next
8. If desired, set as the default printer and print a test
page
9. Click Finish
Activity B-2
Installing a local printer
Topic C
Topic A: Printing technologies
Topic B: Printer installation
Topic C: Printer optimization and
maintenance
Topic D: Printer troubleshooting
Printer configuration settings example
Printer configuration options
Orientation
Collation
Copies
Quality
Color
Order
Switch print trays
Spool settings
Some configuration can be done
through buttons on printer itself
Print queue
Queue - waiting to be output on the printer
To view - double-click printer’s icon in the
Printers utility
Users with Print permissions can, for their
own documents:
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–
–
–
Pause
Resume
Restart
Cancel
Administrator can restart printer spooler
service
Separator pages
File name
Printer language
Description
pcl.sep
Printer control
language (PCL)
Switches the printer to PCL printing and
prints a separator page at the beginning of
each print job.
pscript.sep
PostScript
Switches the printer to PostScript printing,
but doesn’t print a separator page at the
beginning of each print job.
sysprint.sep
PostScript
Switches the printer to Postscript printing
and prints a separator page at the beginning
of each print job.
sysprtj.sep
PostScript
A variation of the sysprint.sep file, which
uses Japanese fonts if they are available.
Printer priorities
Give priority to printouts of particular
users or groups
Configure on the Advanced tab of the
printer’s Properties sheet
In Windows Vista and Windows 2000
Professional, secure printer using
Security tab of printer’s Properties
sheet
Activity C-1
Optimizing printing
Printer options
Dot-matrix printer options and upgrades
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–
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–
Paper park
Input/output trays
Font cartridges
Paper cutter
Inkjet printer options and upgrades
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–
Vary by manufacturer
Scanner head
Multifunction devices
Additional paper trays
Alternative media holders
PostScript upgrade kit
continued
Printer options, continued
Inkjet printer options and upgrades,
continued
– Batteries
– Bluetooth adapter
– Network card
Laser printer options and upgrades
–
–
–
–
–
Page description languages
Input and output trays
Network connection
Internal hard disk
Duplexers
Other types of printers options and
upgrades
Activity C-2
Installing printer add-ons and upgrades
Printer maintenance
Follow manufacturer’s guidelines
Common tools
– Cleaning solutions and sprays (isopropyl
alcohol, denatured alcohol)
– Cleaning equipment (soft cloths, cotton swabs)
– Lubricants
– Compressed air
– Toner vacuums and toner rags or extension
magnet brushes
– Screwdrivers (to open compartments)
– Chip puller
Safety
Follow ESD safety precautions
Keep dangling jewelry, neckties and
long hair away from printer
Handle components carefully
Don’t damage components or self
when clearing paper jam
Document maintenance steps in log
Dot-matrix printer maintenance
Compressed air to blow out paper,
dirt, and debris
Mild household cleaners on exterior
Rubbing alcohol to clean roller
Use ESD precautions and remove
neckties, watches, and jewelry; pull
back and secure hair
Inkjet printer maintenance
Change low ink cartridges
Use recommended supplies
Clean print nozzles and recalibrate printer
Adjust ink output calibration for color
matching
Proper ventilation
Remove dust
Test page
Calibrate ink output for color matching if
available
Set up with proper ventilation
Laser printer maintenance
Scheduled maintenance and unscheduled
service calls
Routine maintenance
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–
–
–
–
–
–
Replace toner cartridges
Clean and lubricate components
Replace components (parts-life counters)
Check and update firmware
Remove accumulated toner
Maintain adequate ventilation
Test page
Follow safety precautions handling toner
and around high-voltage power supplies
Consumables
Keep adequate supply on hand
Store in cool, dry locations
Activity C-3
Performing inkjet and laser printer
maintenance tasks
Topic D
Topic A: Printing technologies
Topic B: Printer installation
Topic C: Printer optimization and
maintenance
Topic D: Printer troubleshooting
Printer troubleshooting
Application trying to print
Printer
Operating system and drivers
Connection
Testing the application
Close down and restart the application
If you can print other files from that
application, troubleshoot the file that
wouldn’t print
If other files won’t print, try printing from
another application
If you can print from another application,
troubleshoot the application that’s causing
problems
If you can’t print from any applications, test
the printer
Testing the printer
Verify that it’s online and ready
Check service error messages
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–
–
–
–
“Add media”
“Add supplies” or “Add toner”
“Regular maintenance”
“Paper jam”
“Incorrect media”
HP uses numerical error codes
Engine test page
Operating system and drivers
Print test page from printer’s
Properties dialog box
If test page prints, troubleshoot the
application and driver settings
If test page doesn’t print, check:
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–
Printer status
Driver
Port settings
Accessories and options
Event logs
Connections
Network
– Verify Internet/intranet access or access
to another network server
– Test TCP/IP connectivity
– Consult with network technician
Local
– Cable
– Different computer
continued
Connections, continued
Connectivity issues
– Loose, broken, damaged, or improperly
wired cables
– Broken or malfunctioning network
devices
– Incorrect protocol, network settings, or
TCP/IP settings
– Bad network cards
– Firmware
– EMI
– Wireless connection problems
Power supply
Use multimeter to test J210
Pins:
– Pin 1: +5V
– Pin 5: -5V
– Pin 9: +24V
Dark images
Cause
Solutions
Application settings; printer settings
Adjust settings to lighten the text and graphics.
Light or weak images
Cause
Solutions
Low toner
Remove the toner cartridge and shake it horizontally (or according to the
manufacturer’s instructions) to redistribute toner. Replace the toner
cartridge as needed.
Laser failing
Test and replace the laser assembly.
Incorrect paper
Replace paper according to manufacturer’s specification.
Repetitive image defects
Cause
Solutions
Drum defect
Clean the drum, if possible. Replace the drum.
Faulty registration rollers
Clean or repair rollers and gears. Replace as needed.
Debris on heated fusing
roller
Unplug the printer and allow the heated roller to cool for at least
15 minutes. Clean the roller, following the manufacturer’s
instructions. Replace the roller or fuser assembly if necessary.
Ghosting and shadows
Cause
Solutions
Residual toner on drum
Repair or replace the cleaning blade and discharge
lamps. Replace the drum if necessary.
Drum not discharging properly
Repair or replace the drum.
Primary corona not putting adequate
conditioning charge on drum
Repair or replace the primary corona.
Smearing
Cause
Solutions
Dirty or worn registration
rollers
Clean debris from rollers. Clean rollers. Clean and replace
damaged gears.
Dirty or worn registration
assembly
Clean, reinstall, or replace the registration assembly.
Dirt or debris on polygon
mirror
Clean the mirror and optical components, or contact a qualified
printer technician.
Damp or moist paper
Replace the paper supply with fresh paper. Store all
consumables in a dry, cool location.
Incorrect paper
Replace paper with paper recommended by the manufacturer.
Fuser not at correct
temperature
Inspect the thermistor and thermistor cable. Test and replace the
fuser assembly. Replace worn or missing cleaning pads in the
fuser assembly.
Banding
Cause
Solutions
Paper feed problem
Inspect the paper path and remove any obstructions or paper
scraps.
Specially coated paper
Replace paper with paper recommended by the manufacturer.
Registration roller worn or
dirty
Clean rollers. Clean and replace damaged gears.
HVPS ground loose (heavy
banding)
Check that the HPVS (high-voltage power supply) harness isn’t
crimped or shorted by other assemblies.
Laser/scanner assembly
failure (white horizontal
lines)
Check connectors on the main logic board and mechanical
control boards. Replace the boards. Replace the laser assembly.
Focus
Cause
Solutions
Not enough toner on drum
Remove the toner cartridge and shake it to redistribute the toner.
Replace an empty toner cartridge.
Loose or improperly
mounted laser assembly
Remount the laser assembly.
Incorrect paper
Replace paper with paper recommended by the manufacturer.
Fusing temperature or
pressure too low
Replace worn or missing pads in the fuser assembly. Adjust
roller pressure.
HVPS failing
Troubleshoot and replace the HVPS.
Voided areas
Cause
Solutions
Paper entering printer too early
Check the registration rollers and registration roller
clutch. If the clutch is jammed in an on position, repair or
replace it.
Damaged drum
Examine the drum surface; replace the drum if necessary.
Limited memory
Try printing simpler print jobs to see if they’re
successful. Install more memory, if possible.
Slipping gear; failing motor drive
Repair or replace gears or the motor drive assembly.
Registration, jitters, skew
Cause
Solutions
Problems with pickup roller
or separation pad
Verify that the pickup roller is operating properly. Clean and
remove any obstructions. Replace components as needed.
Faulty rollers or roller
assembly
Replace worn rollers or roller assemblies.
Drive train worn or clogged
Check for proper operation of gears in the drive train; remove
debris, if necessary.
Paper path obstructions
Check for and remove obstructions in the paper path.
Damaged paper tray
Verify that the paper tray isn’t worn or defective. Check paper
guide tabs.
Special paper
If heavy or other nonstandard paper is used, try printing with
plain 20lb paper or the paper recommended by the
manufacturer.
Paper in paper path at wrong
angle
Check for loose or bent paper guide tabs. Check for
obstructions or debris buildup in the paper path.
Misaligned color registration
Cause
Solutions
Misaligned print heads on inkjet
printers
Print a color registration test page and recalibrate print
heads, following manufacturer’s instructions.
Misaligned or worn transfer belt
Recalibrate or replace the transfer belt.
Weak color, missing color
Cause
Solutions
Low toner supply
(laser printer)
Remove the toner cartridge and shake it horizontally to redistribute
toner. Replace the cartridge as needed.
Low ink supply
(inkjet printer)
Replace ink cartridges
Dried ink in nozzles
(inkjet printer)
Follow the manufacturer’s directions to clean the print head
manually or by using the printer’s software.
Incorrect paper
Replace paper with paper recommended by the manufacturer.
Vertical and horizontal lines
Cause
Solutions
Misaligned beam detector
(horizontal black lines)
Remount the beam detector. Remount the laser assembly.
Replace the beam detector. Replace the laser assembly.
Dirty transfer corona
(vertical white lines)
Clean the transfer corona.
Blocked laser beam or LED
(vertical white lines)
Remove dust and debris from the laser aperture, LEDs, or other
optical components.
Failed or failing beam sensor
(horizontal white lines)
Reseat or replace cables from the beam sensor. Replace the
laser assembly.
Debris in toner cartridge
(vertical white lines)
Check for debris (tape, staples, etc.) in the cartridge where the
magnetic roller lifts the toner out of its trough. Remove debris.
Black or blank pages
Cause
Solutions
Damaged primary corona (black pages)
Replace the primary corona.
Faulty drum (blank pages)
Replace the drum.
Defective logic board (black pages, banding)
Replace the logic board.
Defective toner cartridge
Replace the toner cartridge.
Transport/feed issues
Media jamming
Skewing
Creasing, wrinkling, folding, and
tearing
Multiple sheets feeding in at one time
(multifeeding); misdirected media
(misfeeding)
Burning
Transport/feed causes
Foreign objects
Damaged media
Media feed problems
Media feed timing
Separation
Duplex
Fusing
Media exit and delivery
Faulty sensors
Activity D-1
Troubleshooting printer problems
Unit summary
Compared and contrasted printing
technologies
Installed printers
Optimized printing and performed
routine maintenance tasks for printers
Resolved printer problems