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Printer

Trying To Check Your Printer’s Ink Level? Know How

The printer has become an all-important part of the technical setup of any household. It is important to all members of the family. Thus, it is also important to be able to check the printer ink levels. Now, for someone well acquainted with printers and their operation, this should be very easy. But, the operations may vary slightly from printer to printer.

This article aims to discuss the method of checking printer ink levels in various printer. It is also important to check the toner levels on the printer.

Checking the ink on an Epson printer

The steps to checking the ink level on an Epson printer are quite easy to follow. The process is simple. Let us take a good look at it.

  1. For Mac and OS users, the ink levels can be checked by clicking on the “Apple” icon. Next, they need to click on “Print And Scan” from the “System Preferences” menu. Further, you need to select “Options And Supplies” from the list of printers.

The performance can be maintained by using genuine Epson ink cartridges.

  1. Windows users can check the ink by double clicking the printer icon in the taskbar and check the panel.

Checking the ink on a HP printer

The steps to check the ink on your HP printer are as follows :

  1. Windows 10 users can download the HP smart app and add the device to check the ink level.
  2. Mac users can click on “Print and Scan” after entering the system preferences in the Apple icon from the toolbar. The “Options and Supplies” will provide the required details about ink and toner levels.

In the case of a Canon printer

To check whether your Canon printer needs new printer ink cartridges :

  1. Users of Mac systems can check the printer ink from the “System and Preferences” menu in the toolbar. They need to start by clicking the “Apple” icon. Next, they need to select “Print and Scan” and select the model under consideration. The “Options And Supplies” option will show the toner and ink levels.
  2. The “Devices And Printers” menu from the “Start button” can help Windows users check the ink and toner levels. The “Printing Preferences” option needs to be chosen from the drop-down menu. The user can next click on the “Display” option from the Canon printer.

In case you have a Brother printer

Many Brother printers have touch screens and many have regular screens. The steps for both are given below.

  1. Regular screen users can click on the “Menu” button and click on “Up” and “Down” till they reach “Ink Management” or “Ink”. Then, go “Up” or “Down” to “Ink Volume” and check the cartridges. Press “Exit” or “Stop” to terminate the process.
  2. Touch screen users can use the “Left” or “Right” keys to go to the “Ink” option. The icon shows a row of colors. Now, the user can use the “Up” or “Down” buttons to reach the “Ink Volume” option. The user can now see the ink and toner levels. The process can be stopped by clicking on the “Stop” or “Exit” button.

Conclusion

Thus, most printers have a similar process to check the ink and toner levels. It is best to use full ink cartridges for optimum performance.

Laser Printer

What are the Important Components To Know In A Laser Printer and Their Uses

Laser printers are one of the most common office devices in use today. However, the parts that make up these devices can be complex and difficult to understand. For your letter to print on paper, it must pass through several increasingly smaller sections until finally reaching the head drum where an electro-statically charged drum with toner creates your letters as heat is applied to form them. You may be wondering why laser printers have a reputation for being prone to mistakes or jams. Since it uses a diode laser, it is called a laser printer.

The 9 most important components of a Laser Printer are:

  1. Processor

A processor that converts the text and image data from the original document into a series of dots. This is the brain of Laser printers. It speeds up to 29 pages per minute for black or 13 pages per minute for color printing.

  1. Laser control panel

The laser control panel is a small rectangular panel on the front of the printer that is used to control the printer’s laser. A circuit board controls the laser beam used to create the image.

  1. A printer engine

The engine controller is essentially a computer made of solid-state components that performs all the low-level tasks involved in printing, such as receiving print instructions from your PC, communicating with the laser diode, and managing memory.

  1. A paper tray

The tray holds the paper in place. This holds paper and positions it correctly for printing at a specific point in time.

  1. A Laser tube

A Laser tube emits visible red light, causing the toner and paper to blend together as it passes over them on its way through the printer.

  1. A Fuser

A fuser that applies heat and pressure to the printed page to fuse the ink onto the paper. Fuser Assembly is part of the laser printer that uses heat to permanently bond the toner to the paper. It is located inside the printer near the bottom right-hand side of the device. The fuser assembly melts the toner to produce a permanent bond between it and the paper.

  1. A toner cartridge

A toner cartridge contains the toner powder that is used to print the image. The laser printer has a toner cartridge that contains the toner powder. When the powder is fused with heat it creates the image on paper. The cartridges contain different amounts of toner powder and thus last for different amounts of time.

  1. OPC drum cleaner

The laser printer has an OPC drum cleaner to ensure optimum performance when printing. This part extends the life of your laser printer as well as helps you produce better-quality documents and photos. The cleaning process removes any excess toner left over from previous print jobs that might have accumulated around your drum assembly.

  1. An optical scanner

It reads the image on the page and sends the data to the processor, checking a light to create an image of the original document. A digital camera captures an image of a document and saves it as a digital file

In order to best function a laser printer, it is useful to understand generally how a laser printer works along with its components. It gives you a good idea of what is going wrong if the printout is of inferior quality or paper jams or even encountering printer error messages. Unscrupulous suppliers offering unbelievably low prices tend to use inferior or refurbished parts like OPC drum cleaner, A Fuser, Paper Tray, and A toner cartridge.

Toner cartridges

Most Common Cartridge Problems and How to Fix Them

Toner cartridges are designed to print crisp and accurate documents. They help you save money, too! But sometimes things can go wrong with your printer that causes toner problems. When this happens, it’s usually worth fixing the problem yourself instead of buying a new cartridge.

A laser printer toner cartridge is a specialized metal container with a plastic base and top that holds the toner, the special powdery substance that converts words and images on paper into raised dots.

Toners are also used in photocopiers and fax machines. They may be recharged or replaced with a new set as necessary. When they are replaced, they are often refilled instead of being replaced.

This post will tell you the seven most common toner cartridge problems and how to fix them on your own at home.

The following are the most common toner cartridge issues with solutions:

  1. Overfilled toner Cartridges:

This can lead to high levels of toner in the cartridge and spillage over time. The results are clumps of toner on the paper caused by dropouts and low print quality.

Possible solutions Remove toner from the cartridge by shaking it vigorously until you hear the cartridge rattle (this should settle any spillage). Take your printer apart, clean it, and refill it with new toner using a proper ink delivery system such as an empty cartridge or a syringe.

  1. Streaks and Ghosting:

Ghosting and streaking occur (especially on laser printers). These are usually caused by a bad toner cartridge, which means that the roller inside is damaged and is unable to spread the toner evenly as it should.

You will have to get a new toner cartridge, or if you have access to replacement parts, replace the roller and clean your printer to remove any spilled toner.

  1. No Printing:

The printer is not printing any toner. One possible reason your printer is not printing any toner is that the toner cartridge is empty. However, it is also possible that the cartridge has a problem and is not printing correctly

Possible Solution: In this case, you will need to replace the ink cartridge. If the problem persists after replacing the cartridge, you may need to have your printer serviced.

  1. Adding black streaks:

One possible reason for black streaks or spots on your printed pages is that the toner cartridge is not installed correctly. Make sure that the cartridge is installed correctly and that it is in the correct position

Possible Solution: Check the correct position and reinsert the cartridge as a possible solution.

  1. Faint or light copies:

When a printer is printing faded pages, one possible reason your printer is printing faded pages is that the toner cartridge is low on toner. You will need to replace the cartridge to fix this problem.

Possible Solution: The first step is to clean the cartridge contacts. Be sure to thoroughly clean the contacts on both the cartridge and the printer.

  1. Unusual Printing:

The printer is not printing correctly. One possible explanation for the printer’s failure to print correctly. It is that the toner cartridge is not new or it is not installed correctly.

Possible Solution: Reinsert the toner cartridge. If this does not work, then go for a service for your device.

How Do I Know when to replace a Drum unit?

How Do I Know when to replace a Drum unit?

A printer is one of the essential tools in an office. It is one of the office equipment that will be put to use extensively. But, unlike most other office equipment, that has to be maintained regularly to ensure that it performs at its peak. By doing this, you will be able to increase the printer’s longevity. This is especially applicable to printers with drum units.

Drum unit- what is it?

There are two types of printers. However, the drum unit is a cylinder that is electrically charged. The drum printer will fuse toner powder to the paper to create the images and texts that have to be printed. However, you may have quality canon Drum Units, HP Drum Units, etc., that might be sold either separately or as a single unit with an incorporated toner cartridge.

Signs that the drum units have to be replaced

The regular maintenance schedule for printers involves changing ink and toner cartridges and ensuring that the drum unit printer is in perfect condition. However, signs might indicate that the drum unit has to be replaced. This can happen to any printer. Even those from big brands like Brother Drum Units when it is used extensively to print large volumes regularly. Let us consider the signs.

Blurry prints

If you are constantly getting blurry pages, it is an indicator that you need to change the ink toner or the drum unit. However, a technician can guide you about whether the toner has to be replaced or the entire drum unit has to be replaced. A service person might try to clean the drum and see if it works properly. But, if the problem persists, the drum unit has to be replaced.

Black spots

Black spots or blotches in the printed pages indicate drum unit failure. This can be caused due to scratches or damage on the surface of the drum. Sometimes wiping and cleaning the drum might work. However, if the problem persists, you would have to replace the printer’s drum unit.

Poor print quality

The above-mentioned aspects are also a part of the poor print quality. However, another sign indicative of poor quality prints is faded texts and images. Reading and deciphering the printed material is very difficult. However, this is again an issue that can be mistaken to be caused due to empty ink or toner cartridges. But, once you have been reassured that they are in order, you can be sure that it is time to replace the HP Drum Units.

Printing blank pages, strange sounds from the printer when it is working, flashing messages on the display screen, etc. are other important signs indicative of drum damage. However, with some technical knowledge, you will be able to detect if there is a problem with the drum unit and replace it.

Tips On How to Care For Your Ink Cartridges

Tips On How to Care For Your Ink Cartridges

Printers are an integral part of an office. It plays an important role in increasing the organization’s productivity while helping maintain the records. You will get high-quality prints only if you choose an inkjet printer that uses the latest technology. That is why you need to keep updating your printers from time to time, depending on your requirements. The printers would come loaded with printer ink cartridges. However, choose the best quality and brand when you are about to go in for a toner cartridge refill or replace them.

Buying ink cartridges

Refilling old ink cartridges can help you save money. A printer cartridge refill is an environment-friendly option as well. However, there might be instances where you have to buy new ink cartridges for an inkjet printer. The printer ink cartridge will be expensive. Also, buying a single cartridge would be costlier than buying a multi-pack cartridge. However, after purchasing the hp printer cartridges in bulk to save money, you should ensure that it is maintained properly until you require them for further use. Only then can you be assured that the money you invested is not wasted.

Handling the ink cartridge

After buying ink cartridges cost-effectively, you have to handle them effectively to reap the benefits. Once you buy the cartridge, inspect it carefully. Shake the cartridge gently and tap it. This will help prime the ink. They might usually have a clip or tape to prevent damage to cartridges. You should check for them and remove them from the printer ink cartridge. A quality printer ink cartridge for inkjet printers will have a contact chip. It is highly sensitive. Wipe it clean and ensure that there is no dirt or dust. This will ensure that the performance of the printer is not affected.

Installing the ink cartridge

Do not proceed with the printer cartridge installation without reading the printer’s instruction manual. This will prevent damage to the printer as well as the ink cartridge. However, if you do have a problem in the installation process, you can refer to troubleshooting and printer reviews on Youtube.

Storing the ink cartridges

First, do not immediately remove the cartridges that you are not about to use from the sealed package. It is safe in the sealed pack rather than outside. The ink can dry up quickly when exposed to air. Also, store the remaining cartridges in an upright position. Storing them in a relatively dark closet is preferred. The ink might shift to one side when you store the cartridges in a horizontal position. When this is installed, it will affect the print results. Alternatively, you may consider using the clip or tape to seal the remaining cartridges while you store them.

Once you have installed the cartridge, now give a test print. This will be a part of your hardware in most of the machines. You might consider using the print head cleaning function if there are issues.

 

Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Buying Printer

Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Buying Printer

Printing tasks are important for maintaining office records. Instead of outsourcing the tasks, it is better to have a printer in-house. It will improve productivity. However, it would help if you bought an appropriate printer to handle the load of printing work that is essential. If you happen to buy the wrong printer, it can be frustrating. That is why you should take care and get expert advice before buying a new printer. Let us consider the mistakes you should avoid when you Buy printer NZ.

Price alone should not be a consideration.

The printers are expensive. However, instead of considering the price in terms of the overall value of the printer, you should be considering it in terms of value for money and how appropriate it is to meet the printing requirements of your organization. For example, you might be able to buy a printer that is priced low. But, in the long run, you will notice that the spending for consumables like the ink cartridges and maintenance charges might be higher for this printer. You may get a higher-priced printer. But consumables like ink cartridges and maintenance costs could be very low. Buying a high-priced printer is the right thing to do.

 Type of printer

 Choosing a printer that does not offer any other additional functions would not be the right decision. You would be saving money but will not be able to use additional features such as scanning, getting a photo print, etc., which you might indeed be requiring from time to time in your organization, especially as it grows.

 Compatibility

When you buy a printer, ensure that it is compatible with the operating systems in your organization. That is why it is important to choose a printer that is compatible with PC and Mac. This will ensure that you have a printer that will help you get all the prints you want without hassles. However, you could always choose to have a laser printer or a printer with a drum unit depending on how often and for what purposes you will be using the printers.

 Space constraints

 When you are choosing the best printer and scanner for office use, you should also consider the dimensions and weight of the printer as well. Usually, when you go in for printers with additional features, they will be bigger and heavier. Ensure that you have a fixed space with the required dimensions to place and use the printer effectively. However, there are printers in the market that might come with collapsible feed trays that might help handle space constraints. Alternatively, it must come with wireless functionality if you plan to keep the printer unit at a height.

 Assessing the needs

 A printer bought without assessing the organization’s needs might not be a cost-effective choice. It will not serve other purposes such as increasing productivity as well.

 Choose the best laser jet printer for your home or office carefully. This means you will get value for the money you spend on it.

New Printer

When Should You Buy a New Printer?

There has been tremendous growth in technology in this century. We have been lucky enough to use it to the fullest. This means you can get more work done within a short time. Also, you will be able to do it effortlessly. Printers are an integral part of an office administration system. A highly evolved version of the printer will ensure you get the best quality prints that last. However, printer technology is evolving rapidly. There are chances that you might miss out on the changes when you get stuck with your routine. Let us consider some signs you need to change the printer.

Difficulty in getting replacement parts

Whether you want to buy a new printer is a matter of personal preference, but you might miss out on using the best technology. There is hardly any printer for which you will not get spares and components from third-party manufacturers. However, when you find the spares are unavailable with the original equipment manufacturer, it indicates that the printer is out of trend. However, choosing the best printers from well-known brands like Epson printers, HP printers, etc., will ensure that you use the best technology that will continue for a few years.

Printing needs have changed.

The need for the printer, too, would have evolved over the years. Let us consider some additional requirements that would be required over time.

  • You might be requiring additional features that modern canon printers and other well–known printers offer, like faxing, scanning, remote printing, copying, automatic duplexing, and Air print.
  • The volume of texts you need to print increases. This means you need printers with increased printing speed.
  • You have monochrome printers and require color printers from quality brands like Brother Printers, Epson printers, etc, that will help you get high-quality color prints.
  • You need laser printers to replace the inkjet printer considering the cost involved in replacing the printer cartridges from time to time and the volume of papers to be printed.

If you do not consider replacing the printer despite the above-mentioned aspects, you might compromise the productivity and economy of the individuals and the business.

Print quality has gone down

The problem with the Inkjet printers is that the print quality can go down drastically. You might consider changing the printer cartridges. However, if there is no improvement, you might have to replace the drum and print head. However, when conditions have come this far, you would have to replace the printer shortly.

Frequent paper jams

Paper jams that happen frequently indicate something wrong with the rolling mechanism. You may try replacing the roller. However, it is not a sure-shot solution. In such a case, it is better to buy a new printer considering the costs involved in servicing the printers every time there is a paper jam.

Last but not least, if you have to replace the ink cartridge more often than usual without an increase in the volume, it is a sign that you need to replace your old printer with a new and quality modern printer.

Inkjet Cartridges & Toners

Inkjet Cartridges & Toners – Mistakes to avoid while buying them

Inkjet Cartridges & Toners

You should buy a printer after proper research. But, research should include research on the costs involved if you have to replace ink cartridges and toners. You might have to do this several times during the lifecycle of the printer. If you do not do this, you might spend more on buying ink cartridges and toners cartridges than on buying a printer. Since inkjet and laser printers are part of every office and domestic use, it is better to consider the mistakes you should avoid while buying printers.

The mistakes and how you can avoid them

Printer cartridge model number- You must note the unique cartridge model numbers. it will be printed on the label. There are many models of ink cartridges. It will fit most printers as well. However, choosing the cartridge that fits the printer model is important. Therefore, you should check the cost of the printer ink cartridges that will suit the model. Only then will you be able to assess the costs you will eventually incur.

Page –yield of the cartridge-Ignoring the cartridge’s page yield is another mistake you should avoid. How long the Printer cartridges you buy would last has to be considered. It will be indicated in the product description or product titles online. Alternatively, you may find it on the cartridge labels as well.

Choosing to buy standard-size printer cartridges is cheaper than standard printers and toners. Also, they hold less amount of ink. This means that the cartridge has to be replaced frequently. That is why the vendors who sell big brands like HP printers or Canon printers use high-capacity replacement cartridges that offer a lower cost per print. This will help save about 20-30% of running costs.

Choosing to buy low-cost, compatible printer ink cartridges and toners– This is another mistake you should avoid. However, it will help you save up to 50% on costs that might tempt you. But, it is good to go in for ink or toner cartridges from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). This will ensure that you get quality and compatible printer cartridges.

Buying cartridges one at a time– This is not a good idea. Even if you use the printer frequently, it is a mistake when you do so. This is because online printer cartridges are sold at lower prices than if you buy a multipack. The multipack will cost at least 20% less than the cartridges that you buy individually.

Buying low-quality remanufactured printer cartridges refer to refurbished printer cartridges that will be available at lower prices. But, it is better to avoid anonymous sellers and companies that are not ISO-certified. They will not offer product guarantees.

Buying a cartridge that you will not be using right away is a mistake because when you do not take care of storing it, the ink can become dry and clog the toners.

 To sum up, avoiding mistakes will help save time and money. Also, it will ensure the longevity of your printer.

 

ink cartridges of your printer

How to make the most of the ink cartridges of your printer

When you are buying a printer for office use, you just cannot get carried away by the printer’s looks, brand name, or cost. If you wish to save money, you need to pay special attention to the ink cartridges that you buy for replacement. But why? Several aspects, such as the print resolution, type of printer, print speed, etc., have to be paid attention to.

 Ink cartridges

 Ink cartridges for printers are the most expensive consumables. If you are forced to change the ink cartridges often, there would be no use in buying a printer of low cost. Also, you will not be in a position to compromise on ink cartridge quality because a faulty ink cartridge would damage the print head. Let us consider the tips for inspecting, handling, installing, and buying ink cartridges.

Care for ink cartridge before installation

Installing the ink cartridge is a simple task. It has to be inserted in the designated slot in the printer. But, there are certain things you should do before it. it includes

  • Inspecting the inkjet cartridge for damages before installation
  • Check if the ink cartridge’s clip or plastic pull tab is secure.
  • Removing part of the plastic tape that covers the vent hole and clip
  • Shaking the ink cartridge well to prime the ink
  • Inspect the gold contact chip on the ink cartridge. You will find it on the side of the cartridge. If you notice dust, scratches, or impurities, it must be cleaned.

Care for ink cartridge during installation

The cartridge installation process may differ from one printer to another. Therefore, it is better to refer to the product manual for the same. Alternatively, you may refer to PDF online or watch a video. But the tip, however, is that you should not force the ink cartridge in the slot. It has to fit in easily. Otherwise, the print head would be dislodged or damaged. This is again expensive to repair.

Care for ink cartridge while storing

Online ink cartridges are available in bulk at reasonable prices. Single pieces are usually expensive. You can save up to 20% of the costs when you opt for a multipack of online ink cartridges. For every 10 cartridges you buy, you would be getting two cartridges for free. But, if you have to make the most of this buy, you have to store it properly.

  • Store cartridges in a vertical position
  • Store cartridges in a dark place
  • Do not store them indefinitely. Note the expiry date and try to use them before that.

Care for ink cartridges when in use

You must print at least 1-2 pages a week. A dormant ink cartridge will dry up and clog the nozzles. You will get an empty cartridge warning when 50 or30% ink is left. However, you may consider ink cartridges refill until you notice banded text or blurred line prints. You will have to go in for a printer cartridge refill of a full set of ink cartridges.

Last but not least, instead of cartridge refill, you may think of recycling. This will ensure that you do not fill the cartridges with substandard ink.

Buying printer for office

Buying Printer for Office use- Points to Consider

There would be a lot of emails and documents that you would want to have printed daily in your office. Therefore, you want to buy the best printer for your office use. There are indeed several types and brands of printers in the market. You will be overwhelmed by the choices and options available Online to buy printers. But you have to choose carefully. The right thing to do is to consider the important features of the printers.

Features you should look for The features you should pay attention to while buying a printer for office use include.

Page yield and Cost

Page yield is measured by the number of pages a cartridge can print before the toner runs out of ink. Also, the pages printed must be with a 5% coverage area. A printer with a high-yield ink or toner cartridge will be the right choice for office use. You may search for printers with Xl or supersized toner cartridges for office use. The printers with standard toners will cost less. But, when you put it to use in your office, you might have to keep replacing the ink cartridges frequently. The cost per print is calculated by dividing the cost of the replacement cartridge by page yield. The cost-per-print will be low in an XL toner.

Print Resolution

This refers to the quality of print you can get. It is usually measured in terms of Dots per matrix (DPI). It refers to the total number of dots printed on one inch of paper. You have printers with a DPI of 600X600 to those with resolutions as high as 4800X1200DPI for colour prints. However, you must remember that the print will be more legible, and you will get well-rounded text in B&W even if the print resolution is low. Therefore 1200X1200 DPI B&W laser printers can be ideal for office use.

Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)

This refers to the special feature where several sheets can be fed into the feeder for scanning, printing, or copying. This means that multi-page documents are processed easily without replacing each sheet manually. The feeders are of two types

  • RADF- Reverse ADF
  • DADF-Duplex ADF

DADF printers scan both sides of the paper in one go.

Print Speed

This refers to how quickly the printer can produce prints. This is measured in terms of Pages Per Minute (PPM). The PPM will be different for monochrome and color printers. The print speed will be lower for color printers. . An entry-level inkjet or laser printer would print around 15-30 monochrome pages a minute. However, laser printers are slightly faster than inkjet printers. Depending on how often, how quickly, and how lengthy the printed material you require would be, you may choose either one of them.

Connectivity options

You might want to share the printer across several peripherals for office use. Also, you might want to print directly from a smartphone. Therefore, it is better to choose a printer that supports mobile and cloud printing and Ethernet and wireless connectivity.

Choose a printer after comparing the above-mentioned features. This will ensure that the printer meets your present and future needs.