Does it seem like every time you need to use the copy machine in your office, you encounter a problem? Persistent, recurring copy machine troubles can be a significant drain on company time and resources. Work is delayed, meetings are interrupted, and morale suffers as employees struggle with workflow interruptions due to copier difficulties. If you own an office copy machine in Anchorage, AK, using the following tips will help you manage and possibly even prevent some of the most common issues.
Pay Attention to Paper
Paper jams top the list of copy machine frustrations, but they are also the easiest to avoid. Paper jams are usually caused by two things: overloaded trays or using the wrong paper. To minimize the occurrence of the dreaded paper jam, do the following:
Use the paper recommended by the manufacturer—the weight of the paper matters.
Don’t overload the tray. Trust us; loading the tray more often takes less time than constantly clearing jams caused by overloading.
Fan the paper prior to loading to make sure none of it is stuck together.
Align the paper in the tray carefully and make certain the guides are properly placed.
These habits take seconds to accomplish but can save tons of hassle in the long run.
Beware of Lines and Spots
If you’re noticing mysterious lines or spots on your copies, the first thing to do is clean the glass with a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner. Never apply the cleaner directly to the glass; moisten the cloth, clean the glass, and then polish with a dry, lint-free cloth. If the unexplained spots and lines persist, call Arctic Office for repair. These markings could be caused by dirty internal mirrors or by a malfunctioning drum blade, both of which require professional repairs.
You can mitigate the chances of these types of repairs by keeping your machine clean. Dust is periodically following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will prevent dust and debris from collecting inside the machine.
Iron out the Wrinkles
Okay, you can’t literally iron out copier wrinkles, but you can prevent them by storing paper in a dry, cool location. Any moisture in the paper will cause wrinkling, so keep your copier loaded with fresh, dry paper. If you still get wrinkled pages, it might be a sign that the rollers are worn and need to be replaced.
Tone Down the Toner
When copies come out too light or too dark, you can try a few things to solve the problem.
Check the copier settings. You can change the toner density setting to lighten or darken copies as needed.
Clean the drum. If toner builds up on the drum, copies will be light. Follow the instructions for cleaning the drum or call us for service.
Consider the paper. The paper can affect the density and darkness of the printing, so try different types of paper to see which one yields the best results.
Replace the toner. The problem could be as simple as the copier being low on toner.
Keep Your Copier Running Smoothly
Do you need service for your Canon copier machine in Anchorage, AK? Arctic Office is here to keep your business up and running. We carry a full range of office machines and equipment and provide full-service maintenance and repairs. Call us to see how we can help you today.