Archive for May 7th, 2008
Reader’s Question:
I think there is something wrong with my printer. What safety measures or precautions should be taken when checking a problem on a laser printer?
Chelsea
Helena, MT
Although modern printers now include many safety interlocks and protection circuits, it is still possible for a high voltage or a residual voltage to be present on the various rollers, wires, and metal contacts inside a laser printer. It is important that care should be taken to avoid unnecessary contact with these parts to reduce the potential for painful electrical shock.
Most importantly, unplug the printer first. Do not perform any service or maintenance on an equipment that is plugged in. Printers can also have very hot surfaces (used to melt the print media into the paper) so there is a possibility for burns, so let the equipment cool for at least an hour or so before opening it up.
Another thing is to remember to close everything up before plugging the equipment back in. Never assume equipment is de-energized just because you turned an on/off switch to the off position. Most electrical equipment nowadays uses some power even when turned off.
May 7th, 2008
Reader’s Question:
Can you please explain to me briefly how a laser printer works?
Jim
Indianapolis, IN
A drum is charged up with electrostatic charge. Then, the laser writes the image onto the drum, discharging the bits where it shines but leaving the remainder still charged. The toner is then put on the drum, and sticks where the charge remains, but falls off where the laser has discharged it. Pressure and heat are then used to transfer this ink to the paper and fuse it on.
May 7th, 2008
Reader’s Question:
I am planning to purchase a laser printer to print checks. Is laser printer the best to purchase for this? What is a laser printer?
Ann
Des Moines, IO
A laser printer is a common type of computer printer that quickly produces high quality text and graphics on plain paper. Laser printers, like photocopiers, employ a xerographic printing process but differ from analog photocopiers in that the image is produced by the direct scanning of a laser beam across the printer’s photoreceptor.
Laser printers can print up to 100 standard 8 1/2″ x 11″ pages per minute. To be able to print checks, the printer must be fitted with a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) font cartridge. This apply the scientific principle of static electricity. A revolving cylinder or a drum develops an electrical charge. Laser printer is page printer, printing a complete page at a time. The printed images, which can take the form of pictures or text, is made up of tiny dots, or ink particles.
May 7th, 2008