Printing Environment | Printer Display | Paper & Trays
Printing Environment
Humidity - Printers use static charges to produce high quality print outs. The quality of work can be affected by the environment if it is too dry, cold, hot, or humid. The effects of humidity can be random, constant, subtle, or severe and are most commonly noticed during the changes between seasons. In most cases, it is difficult for the user to control the office environment. However, by keeping all printers away from vents and windows, you can minimize these issues.
Storage - Your paper should also be protected as best as possible from the environment. The packaging of a ream of paper is designed to protect the paper from the environment. Open the end of the ream, remove the necessary amount of paper needed, and keep the remaining paper in the packaging. This can prolong the life of the paper, as well as keep it wrinkle free.
Location - It is important that a printer has proper room to function. HP recommends at least two to three inches on all sides for proper ventilation.
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Printer Display
Users should never ignore the warnings on the display. Laser printers are built to perform and understand only one function - printing your job. By ignoring, or not properly reading the warnings on the display, the user may cause wear and tear on the printer and decrease the printer's life.
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Paper & Trays
Paper Type - Make sure the paper you are using is within the printer's specifications of size and type. Most paper manufacturing companies will note that the paper is "laser paper" or "multipurpose" paper on the outer wrapping.
Labels - The multipurpose or bypass tray of your laser jet printer is intended for labels and other custom media. Using non-laser jet certified labels can wreak havoc on a printer or toner cartridge. Also, labels are designed to pass through the paper path only once. By using certified labels through the bypass tray with a single pass, you will rarely have paper jams or other printer related problems.
Fan Paper - Always fan the paper before refilling the respective trays. This discharges unnecessary static electricity and breaks apart any paper that is stuck together.
Setting Paper Trays - A common problem in printers is when one of the paper tray guides or the back-stop slides off of the users desired settings. If paper jams occur from the tray or the printer no longer wants to print from your desired tray, open the drawer and double check the paper guide/back-stop settings.
Paper Jams - Paper jams are an unfortunate hassle in the printing process. Only try clearing a jam if it is located in an area of the printer you are comfortable with. When clearing, always gently pull the paper in the same direction of the paper path. If the paper does not come out entirely or will not easily clear, call a certified technician.
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