Full Version: HP4550 Pin Holes in Copy
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1]
26 Apr 2005
To: ALL
I use an HP4550 laser printer for full-color sublimation.
When I look at the prints, there are some characters which don't print completely solid. In most cases, it seems to be the baselines of characters, such as periods, commas or what look like small pin holes in the bottom legs of letters.
Anyone else using this printer seeing that happen? The printer's still under warranty and if it's a printer problem, I want to get it fixed.
Could it be the sublimation toner cartridge? I haven't noticed the OEM toner having this problem.
The other thing I'm noticing, in printing Helvetica, which should have very square corners, the characters look more like a rounded block.
If this is a trait of the HP4550, I have to say that I was getting much more crisp prints from my lowly HP Laserjet 4m. Albeit, a monochrome printer.
The above-mentioned problem is referring to a single-color image (black).
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#2]
26 Apr 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 26 Apr 2005
David,
I have not experienced that with my HP4550. Also, I know we share the same toner supplier, so it is likely I would potentially have seen a similar problem.
The fact that the OEM toners print fine indicates to me that it may be a cartridge issue. I have an e-mail in to Jack Franklin. He may have seen this before and have a solution.
EDITED: 26 Apr 2005 by DATAKES
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3]
26 Apr 2005
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#2] 26 Apr 2005
Thank you David.
Naturally, we suggest calling the supplier in such cases. I was just up early and thought I'd check to see if anyone else had seen this happen with their HP4550.
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#4]
26 Apr 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 26 Apr 2005
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#5]
26 Apr 2005
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#4] 27 Apr 2005
John,
Actually, after I posted about the problem, I changed the cartridge back to OEM toner. Image was greatly improved.
What I'll do next, is run a print of each of the other colors, (on their own), to see if the other three sublimation cartridges show this trait.
I'll let you know how that test goes. In the meantime, I'll call Alpha Supply, to see if they've seen this happen before, and see what the remedy is.
Thanks for the offer to run a test on your printer.
From: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#6]
27 Apr 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#5] 27 Apr 2005
From: T.O.G. (TOGCOLOR) [#7]
27 Apr 2005
To: John (JOHNRMONTG) [#6] 28 Apr 2005
David,
That's the first test we run. We replace it with an OEM cart and if that one works, it normally is a cartridge issue. If it doesn't, take a look at your printer. Not always the case, but most of the time it is.
If you are still having issues and can't seem to get it taken care of.......whoa, looky there......T.O.G. sells HP 4550 sublimation toner cartridges! lol.
Give me a call if you need anything.
Thanks!
Jason
T.O.G.
800-223-4108
jason@sublimation.info
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8]
27 Apr 2005
To: T.O.G. (TOGCOLOR) [#7] 27 Apr 2005
Jason,
Thank you for the input. I appreciate it.
From: John (ICTJOHN) [#9]
2 May 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 2 May 2005
David,
I have seen the problem you described, I use a different supplier for my cartridges than you do so it is not an issue with one manufacturer.
There is a buildup of residue on the roller that causes the small dots on your paper.
Take your cartridge out of the machine and swing the cover away from the roller (there is a latch to release the cover) - take a piece of cloth (like an old t-shirt) and using your thumb wipe the toner off of the roller until you feel the rough surface on the roller, then advance the roller and do the same until you have worked your way completly around.
This should get you back in business.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10]
2 May 2005
To: John (ICTJOHN) [#9] 2 May 2005
Thank you John.
I knew that procedure would need to be done occasionally, to combat a laser printer's version of banding.
I didn't think I would run into that problem so soon, but my black cartridge does see the most use.
From: Tamara [#11]
2 May 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10] 3 May 2005
To take John's advice one step further, I was advised by an HP certified technician (aka my better half) that cleaning the roller should be done with a piece of standard bond paper, rolled into a tube lengthwise. Open the cart so you can get at the roller, and using a downward sweeping motion like you were honing a knife edge, run the tube of paper down the roller a section at a time to remove any build-up. Move the roller occasionally so you can get all the way around the surface. This should leave no stray debris on your roller, which could add to your problems in the future.
Keeping your printer clean, inside and out, is also a good idea. A small soft brush and some canned air used carefully can be quite handy.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#12]
3 May 2005
To: Tamara [#11] 3 May 2005
Tam,
That makes sense. Just as performing a physical head cleaning of ink jet printheads should be done with a non-fiberous sponge, as not to introduce foreign debris to the heads.
Thanks for the tip and say hello to your better half (Jeff) for me. :-)