Archive for February, 2012

Though many manufacturers have perfected the task of building reliable office and personal printers, only Xerox can do it using solid ink stick rather than ink or toner cartridges.  Toner is a powder and standard ink is a liquid, both held in plastic cartridges.  Solid ink has no cartridge; rather it is a solid cube of ink, similar to a crayon.  This method of printing has proven to deliver quality that rivals laser and inkjet technologies.  It has also been rated one of the more environmentally friendly methods of printing, as over 300,000 cartridges occupy landfills around the United States.

Because other manufacturers cannot compete with the Xerox solid ink printing technique, many falsities have been thrown around to discourage the general public from investing in one of these Xerox machines.  However, here is the truth.

• In numerous testing environments, the quality that solid ink printers deliver is just as good, sometimes better than that of laser and inkjet printers.
• Solid ink is mechanically transferred to the paper, avoiding the spread of the ink, just putting less emphasis on the quality of paper.  Machines using cartridges sometimes require the finest paper to reach optimal quality.
• Though they cannot always produce as many dots per inch, the dots are smaller.
• In a 2009 test, Xerox solid ink printers ranked on the same level as high-end laser printers in these four categories: Smudge resistance, document feeding, offsetting and writeability.
• It has been said that solid ink melts too easily in storage or during use.  In reality, the melting point of solid ink is close to the boiling point of water which should never be reached in proper storing conditions and normal use.
• Solid ink printers produce some waste, just as every type of printer.  Toner waste, for instance, is caught in a waste bottle that must be cleaned out.  Solid ink waste is not toxic and can be thrown away in the standard waste stream.

Regardless if you use a printer for occasional home use or every day high-volume printing needs, the expense of purchasing replacement toner is always lingering.  The price of replacements is contingent upon the model of the printer and the maximum capacity of the cartridge.  Of course, alternative options are available, such as remanufactured or compatible toner cartridges, or refill kits.  Though any reputable company will advise against refilling cartridges with one of these kits, it is an affordable alternative to buying brand name products.

What many people do not realize is that printers offer a mode that will reduce the amount of toner used per print, thus making each cartridge last longer.  It is called a few different things: Toner Save mode, Economode and Draft mode.  Most current printers offer this mode and it should be as easy as changing the settings.  So what does this mode do?

In some cases, it can lessen the dots per inch, which will lower the resolution slightly.  If the standard resolution is 1200×1200 dpi, it may drop down to 600×600 dpi, which will still be crisp and clear, just not quite as dark.  Reducing the dots per inch can increase the cartridge yield by up to 10%.  It can also decrease the toner density, which will also lighten documents, but cartridges will last up to 15% longer.  Half-toning is also an option, which will print dark gray instead of black but not save nearly as much toner.

Reviews for this mode are mixed and seem to depend mainly on the purpose of printing.  For those in an office environment that need to have the best quality possible, the 10-15% savings is not worth the downgrade in resolution or density is not worth it.  However, for home users that print recreationally, such as concert tickets or flight itineraries, the Toner Save mode is a perfect choice.

In most offices, small or large, it is common to find an all-in-one or multi-purpose machine.  Not only do they take up less space, they also increase productivity by performing a variety of tasks.  Some are limited to printing and copying, while others include a scanning and fax function.  Of these features, the scanner is the most recent addition to the business world, and it seems unimaginable to have lived without this function.  The days of filing cabinets and manila folders are over.

A convenient feature that is built-in to most current models is an automatic document feeder.  Some may think this is just another paper tray, but it is not.  It is designed to quickly feed documents one by one through the machine to be scanned.  Whereas single sheets can be placed on the scanning surface by the user, the automatic document feeder allows multi-page documents to be processed without human interference.

Some fax machines are also equipped with a low-volume ADF, allowing multi-page faxes to be sent.  It is not unusual for offices that lack a scanner but have a fax machine with an ADF to send documents to themselves, which will load the pages into the computer filing system. 

The number of sheets that can be held on a standard ADF ranges from 10 for base models up to 200+ for units built to handle the needs of high-volume offices.  Speed also ranges and should be researched before purchase.  High-tech all-in-one devices offers duplex scanning also, meaning pages that have print on both sides can be processed.  The RADF (reversing ADF) technique scans one side of a page then flips it and sends it back through to scan the other side.  The DADF (duplexing ADF) process has dual scanning surfaces that will scan both sides of the page in a single pass.  Though both get the job done, the DADF is the more efficient option.

Check List for quality issues

Regardless of how top-notch a printer is, eventually the wear and tear of frequent printing will begin to rear its ugly head.  Users are left with two options: fix the problem or get a new printer.  There is a basic list of issues and simple solutions that you should try before junking the machine.

For overall quality problems, here are a few things to try:

• Take out the toner cartridge, and shake it, redistributing the toner powder evenly.
• Clean the inside of the printer with a damp towel.
• Make sure the paper is up to professional-quality standards
• Replace the toner cartridge with a new one

There are a few specific reoccurring quality issues that can be extremely frustrating, but might be a quick fix.  Here are the most common:

Vertical fading or streaking lines

• Toner might be low, so take out the cartridge and shake it.  If this doesn’t work, order replacements
• The print density could be too light, which can be adjusting with the printer settings

Random spots of fading

• The paper may have spots of moisture, or it may just be a bad batch of paper.  Try a few different sheets.
• Not the paper?  It could be a dirty transfer roller.  If you are comfortable cleaning it yourself, go for it.  Otherwise, just order another one.

Vertical black lines

• The drum, which typically resides within the toner cartridge, may be scratched.  If this is the case, replace the entire cartridge assembly.
• If the lines are smeared, the fuser could be on its way out or the rollers could be scratched.  Check the rollers first.

Excess toner distribution

• If it is on the edge of the paper, most likely the paper guides, or rollers, are dirty.  Clean them off and try printing again.
• If the toner is just loose on the paper, it might be the fuser, which is used to heat the toner so it sticks to the paper.

Though often noted in the specifications of a printer, many consumers are unaware what a PictBridge connection is.  This type of connection is not referring to a printer and a computer, rather a third party electronic device that can connect to a printer without using a PC.  User-friendly and convenient, the PictBridge capabilities give users the option of printing a picture directly from a digital camera.

Introduced by the Camera & Imaging Product Association, or CIPA, in 2003, PictBridge is well on its way to becoming a standard feature on all photo printers.  Though some may prefer to load images onto a computer and get a full view before printing, the added luxury of removing that step entirely is appealing to many people in search of a machine that quickly delivers photos at home.

The cable that connects a printer and digital camera is a standard USB plug on the side that attaches to the printer and a smaller plug that will differ in shape and size depending on the manufacturer.  Fortunately, the printers are not brand-sensitive, meaning as long as both devices are PictBridge compatible, connection is possible.

The standard PictBridge connection is a bit restricting.  Only a single copy of one image can be printed at a time and resizing or cropping features are not available from the LCD screen on the camera.  However, with Advanced PictBridge, users can enhance images right from the digital camera.  It also allows multiple copies of an image to be produced and even allows users to print an entire index of images.  This advanced option provides a wireless connection and will time stamp each photo if selected.

Overall, if printing photos at home is important, be sure to get a photo printer that has PictBridge connection.  It makes the entire process easier and faster, but still delivers high-quality pictures.

When consumers are looking for a new printer for the home or office, hundreds of facts are included in the manual or specification sheet.  Sometimes it is easier to read a review because the information is a bit easier to understand.  All of the numbers that surround the power source and noise levels, the capabilities of the internal scanner, or even the different media types that are supported can all be a sort of confusing for a person who is not overly savvy, like most people.

A specification that consumers probably see all the time is an Energy Star qualification.  This is not only listed on the documentation that comes with the printer, but a sticker will be placed on the outside of the machine so everyone knows that it is indeed certified by the terms of Energy Star.  But, what does this mean?

In the early 90’s, the United States implemented the Energy Star qualification system.  From the brain of John S. Hoffman, it quickly became a standard in North America.  Through a series of tests, machines are given this certification by offering reduced energy consumption and limited greenhouse gas emissions.  Devices that pass the series of environmental tests are estimated to use 20-30% less energy than the “Federal standard”.

Though it started in the United States, the Energy Star sticker is now on various products in a handful of other countries.  Some countries have adopted their own version of Energy Star, but with the same ultimate goal in mind.  Computers and printers led the revolution, but in the mid 90s heating and cooling equipment jumped on board, which were soon followed by a number of other electronics.  In 2006, as many as 40,000 products in the USA proudly wore an Energy Star sticker, and it is estimated that approximately 14 billion dollars worth of energy was saved.  Today, this environment certification has grown to endorse homes and buildings that undergo different testing but still aim to preserve the environment.

Printers are built to be durable, regardless if you are using an expensive office printer or a base model personal photo printer.  These machines can last for many years if they are maintained properly.  There are simple steps a user can take to increase the lifespan of a printer and reduce the need for a professional technician.

The simplest step that one can take is to cover the machine when it is not being used.  This will protect it from the dust particles that are always in the air.  Be sure to occasionally wipe the outside of the machine and keep it relatively clean.  Unplugging it when you are finished using it for the day is also recommended.  Be sure to fold in all trays and wipe down any glass surface, which is only applicable for multipurpose machines that have a flatbed scanning surface. 

Interior cleaning kits are available online or in some local office supplies stores.  These will typically come with standard instructions as well as lubrication for the metal rods and rollers, wipes and lens covers.  Keeping the printhead clean is important for overall quality, as this is the part that applies the ink to the paper.  Excess ink will build up and eventually cause smudging or blotchy print jobs.  It can also clog the nozzles.

Be sure the paper you are using in the printer is clean and has been left packaged until needed.  The paper touches the moving parts inside the machine and can transfer dirt and grime.

If moving a printer to a new location, it is fine to leave the cartridges install, but be sure to remove all cable and cords that could get damaged.

For consumers that have purchased a machine close to the high end of the spectrum, it is advised to seek the help of professionals to clean the inside of the unit.  The expensive models are complex and it is better to leave it up to a trained expert.

Though almost everyone has used a printer, or at least knows what they are, the moving parts that sit inside of the plastic case are a mystery to most.  Similar to science, a lot of people are not interested in how something works, just that it does work.  Others, however, enjoy understanding the inner workings of simple or complex things- this blog is for these people.

What is a printhead?  What does it do and how does it work?  Are all printheads the same?

As defined in the dictionary: A printhead is ‘usually a moveable part of a printer that contains the printing element.’  Though this is a broad definition, it does capture the importance of this moving part in the printing process.  Printheads actually apply the ink to the paper.  Typically machines operate with a single printhead, but two can be found in some heavy-duty business models that require better production quality and speed.  On average, a printhead has the ability to deliver up to 3,500 pages per month and a maximum total of 200,000 characters over the lifespan of the machine.

Piezo technology, which is used mainly in Epson inkjet printers, has an electric signal that is sent to the piezo elements on the printhead, which creates a force that pushes ink through the nozzles.

Dot matrix printers, primarily found in offices, have tiny pins on the printhead that eject ink onto ribbons.

For laser printers, a laser beam is directed at a rotating mirror on the printhead causing a charge that indents the image onto the paper.  It is then rolled over toner, which is attracted to the charge.

LED printheads use a light that goes through a lens and writes an image onto a drum.

There are many types of printers that use different printing technology, but no matter what machine you have, printheads are an absolute necessity.