Insane copy quality problem, not hardware - Sample Included

**JasonW** · 08-05-2009

This is the craziest copy quality problem I've ever experienced. The copier is a KM-4035.

The exact same "tire tread / wave" background pattern appears in the EXACT same size and pattern regardless of paper size. I printed several internal print reports from the copier on letter, legal, and ledger paper and the pattern is the exact same size. Its _always_ on the lead edge of the paper. Whenever I print 5 pages, the first page is always the worst, and pages 2-5 still have the same ugly background at the beginning of the print.

I have replaced the fuser rollers, charge wire assembly, transfer roller, developer unit, and tested three different drums. All show the exact same problem.

What really confuses me is that if i print 3 letter, 3 letter-R, 3 legal, 3 ledger, i can stack the pages ontop of each other and the problem is always the exact same size and pattern on the first 5 inches of the pages then clears up a lot less noticeable after that.

Attachment 1747

stcdispatcher · 08-05-2009

Try cleaning the laser unit glass with a dry soft towel and this should take care of the problem.

**Jimbo1** · 08-05-2009

It's the transfer roller. Clean or replace and make sure your firmware is up to date.

**JasonW** · 08-05-2009

Brand new transfer roller.... shouldn't be that.

Its not the optics at all, it appears on all print jobs and even when i print the counter reports.

So confused

**bsm2** · 08-06-2009

laser unit most likely

**blackcat4866** · 08-06-2009

You might take a look at the fuser temperature. The fuser roller is the right size to give you ~5" of pattern. If the temperature is took high it will collect toner from each print, then re-print it on the leading edge of the first page.

**copytechman** · 08-06-2009

Have u stopped a print b4 it hits the fuser to verify that it's coming from the drum area? That should narrow it down some!

Regards!
A.

**JasonW** · 08-06-2009

Ill stop the print to make sure its not fuser related.. I think you may be right about the fuser.

Its always the same 5inch pattern, starting at the lead edge, regardless of paper size. When i print 11x17, the first 5inches are bad then it clears up significantly better immediately after 5".

The only things it could possibly be are Fuser, Drum, Charge, Developer, & Transfer roller right? I know its not the optics b/c it happens on print jobs. Firmware is up to date.

**kjg** · 08-06-2009

I have seen this exact problem on a 4035.
Is this machine in a cool office or is it rather humid where it is? I don't believe the drum temperature is stable. I know these do not have drum heaters but if the drums are cold or the conditions are humid,the can pose this type of problem. try running 50 to 100 pages through machine in duplex mode and see of problem clears up especially on second side. I believe you should see improvement. I it clears up, look at environment change.

Keep us up to date.

I hate humidity in the south.....