Consumables and Maintenance Kits
Keeping Printers Running
1 Purpose
Printers are mechanical devices that require regular replacement of parts and supplies to function correctly. As a technician, you must be able to identify the key consumables for different printer types and understand the purpose of scheduled maintenance. This knowledge is essential for keeping printers operational and for resolving many common print quality issues.
2 What You’ll Accomplish
By the end of this reading, you will be able to:
- Identify the key consumables for laser printers (toner, drum, fuser).
- Identify the key consumables for inkjet printers (ink cartridges).
- Explain the purpose of a laser printer maintenance kit.
- Understand the importance of preventive maintenance.
This reading maps to the following program and course learning outcomes:
- Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):
- 1. Identify hardware and basic network components: This topic covers the user-serviceable parts and consumables that are critical to printer operation.
- 3. Troubleshoot hardware and basic network components: Many print quality problems are directly resolved by replacing a worn-out consumable.
This exercise develops the following skills, which align with the O*NET SOC Code 15-1232.00 for Computer User Support Specialists.
| Learning Objective | O*NET KSAs | Technologies Used |
|---|---|---|
| Identify laser and inkjet printer consumables. | Knowledge: Computers & Electronics Skills: None |
Toner, Ink, Drum, Fuser |
| Explain the purpose of preventive maintenance. | Knowledge: Mechanical Abilities: None |
Maintenance Kit |
3 Laser Printer Consumables
Laser printers have several key components that are designed to be replaced at regular intervals.
- Toner Cartridge: This is the most frequently replaced component. It is a container filled with fine, plastic-based powder (toner) used to create the image.
- Imaging Drum: This is the photosensitive cylinder that the laser writes on. The drum’s surface wears out over time and loses its ability to hold a charge properly, leading to faint or blurry prints. On some smaller printers, the drum is integrated into the toner cartridge. On larger office printers, it is a separate, user-replaceable unit.
- Fuser Assembly: The fuser uses heat and pressure to melt the toner onto the paper. Its non-stick surface can wear out, or its heating element can fail. Replacing the fuser is a common maintenance task.
- Transfer Roller: This roller is responsible for transferring the toner from the imaging drum to the paper. It can become dirty or worn, leading to print quality problems.
- Pickup Rollers and Separation Pads: These are the small rubber rollers and pads that grab paper from the tray and feed it into the printer. Over time, they become smooth and can cause paper jams.
4 Inkjet Printer Consumables
Inkjet printers are much simpler mechanically and have fewer consumables.
- Ink Cartridges: These are small, sealed containers of liquid ink. Most color inkjet printers use four separate cartridges: Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K).
- Print Head: On some models, the print head (the component with the nozzles that spray the ink) is built into the ink cartridge. On others, it is a separate, more permanent part of the printer. If the print head is separate, it can sometimes be removed for cleaning or replacement.
5 Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is the practice of performing scheduled service on equipment to prevent failures before they happen. For printers, this is critical. Most business-class laser printers have a “page counter” and will display a “Perform Printer Maintenance” message after a certain number of pages have been printed (e.g., every 150,000 pages).
5.1 Maintenance Kits
When this message appears, you should install a maintenance kit. A maintenance kit is a package sold by the printer manufacturer that contains all the parts that commonly wear out. A typical laser printer maintenance kit includes: - A new fuser assembly - A new transfer roller - New pickup rollers and separation pads
Performing this scheduled maintenance greatly extends the life of the printer and prevents many common issues like paper jams and poor print quality.
6 Reflect and Review
Now that you have reviewed this document, take a moment to reflect on your learning in your personal notes:
- 3 consumables found in a laser printer.
- 2 consumables found in an inkjet printer.
- 1 question you still have about printer maintenance kits.
Answer these questions in your notes to solidify your understanding:
- Which laser printer component uses heat to bond toner to the paper?
- On some laser printers, the imaging drum is combined with which other consumable?
- What is the primary purpose of performing preventive maintenance on a printer?
- A user’s inkjet printer is printing colors incorrectly, even with new ink. What component might be clogged or failing?