[CQ] IRC3480i, ghost image on black and white only, color is OK.

[Desert Rat]

I don't believe I've seen this one before, so here is a sample.

The drums have just been changed about 7000 prints ago. They are using OEM toner.
I cleaned the laser glass just because I was there. Looked the drum over and I could not
see any problem or toner smooth, clean and shiny.
I ran a copy of the black and white target on full color and it came out perfect. No ghost image.
The lead edge on on the right side as you look at it. Paper LTR size.
If I run about 7 or 8 the ghost image seems to fade.
I have a hard time thinking it's the drum? I just put it in and cleaned up the machine.
The transfer belt is at 107% use but still looks in good condition. I looked clean.

What is it? the drum?

[livancicm]

Re: IRC3480i, ghost image on black and white only, color is OK.

fuser

[Desert Rat]

Re: IRC3480i, ghost image on black and white only, color is OK.

livancicm,
Thank you for reply, but I don't believe it is the fuser because the ghost image is a negative.


DR

[Canuck]

Re: IRC3480i, ghost image on black and white only, color is OK.

Did you try another black drum? It looks like negative ghosting, which is leaving a residual charge. IRAC 2020s do this. This is an irc 3480? Send in a sales rep...

[Arcadian]

Re: IRC3480i, ghost image on black and white only, color is OK.

its the fuser. try another fuser. what the count on the fuser??

livancicm, might be right on this.

[Desert Rat]

Re: IRC3480i, ghost image on black and white only, color is OK.

Canuck and Arcadian,
Thank you for your replies. Canuck, I am an indy and that makes me the salesman also. And if I did have a salesman, What could he do
except talk. I'm not sure what the fuser count is because I neglected to reset the counter when I installed the last one. But it is not that
high. The fuser rollers are clean and smooth. And in thirty five years of service I can not recall one time when a fuser left a negative image.
I am more inclined to think it's the drum unit that only has 7000 copies on it. This shows up best with my test target and is not seen
with line print. But I will see this machine again in a day or so. I will look things over again very closely.
The negative image repeats 95mm from the lead edge of the positive image.
The transfer belt is high, may be 98% of life. But the 95mm's don't add up. I think I will measure the t-roller, but I think I replaced that
not long ago also.
Does anyone know the circumference of these drums?

Thanks again

DR

[20 year tech]

Re: IRC3480i, ghost image on black and white only, color is OK.

Product : imageRUNNER C3380 / C3080 / C2880 / C2550 / C3480

Title : Roller Diameters for Copy Quality Issues that Repeat

Problem : When troubleshooting copy quality issues that repeat in the paper feed direction, it is useful to have the roller intervals. Listed are the roller intervals for the C3380 series copiers. Solution : For example, if a band repeats every 50mm on the copy, check the primary transfer roller and the developing sleeve. Cassette Pickup Roller 113mm interval Multi-feed Pickup Roller 113mm interval Registration Roller 38mm interval Primary Charging Roller 44mm interval Photosensitive Drum 94mm interval Developing Sleeve 50mm interval Primary Transfer Roller 50mm interval Secondary Transfer Outside Roller 78mm interval Intermediate Transfer Belt (ITB) 702mm interval Fixing Sleeve 94mm interval Fixing Pressure Roller 94mm interval Delivery Roller 38mm interval

[Canuck]

Re: IRC3480i, ghost image on black and white only, color is OK.

Canuck and Arcadian,
Thank you for your replies. Canuck, I am an indy and that makes me the salesman also. And if I did have a salesman, What could he do
except talk. I'm not sure what the fuser count is because I neglected to reset the counter when I installed the last one. But it is not that
high. The fuser rollers are clean and smooth. And in thirty five years of service I can not recall one time when a fuser left a negative image.
I am more inclined to think it's the drum unit that only has 7000 copies on it. This shows up best with my test target and is not seen
with line print. But I will see this machine again in a day or so. I will look things over again very closely.
The negative image repeats 95mm from the lead edge of the positive image.
The transfer belt is high, may be 98% of life. But the 95mm's don't add up. I think I will measure the t-roller, but I think I replaced that
not long ago also.
Does anyone know the circumference of these drums?

Thanks again

DR

I definitely would try another black drum. As for selling...ITS OLD TECHNOLOGY....new copiers have much better quality, but don't think an irac2020 is a replacement for that machine. Its a downgrade. An irac5000 family machine is the proper replacement. Your issue is with residual charge on the drum surface, even after pre-exposure. Old drums develop a memory. 7k on drum....how old timewise? As for the sales end of it in your situation.....no comment...3480s are 3 generations old. My sales guys have replaced them all years ago. Good luck

[Desert Rat]

Re: IRC3480i, ghost image on black and white only, color is OK.

20 year tech, Thank you for those dimensions. I will save that in my tech file. It also pretty much tells me it is the drum as I suspected.
I will have to check the erase lamp or switch it with another one in that machine to see if the problem moves.

Canuck,
You have made some very good points. Funny the wholesaler just called me to let me know there is a 52 series color machine available.
I'm afraid that the customer may not feel the same. I just replaced all the drums and clean the rollers. So I need to fix it. I will have
to check the service history for the time frame. They have a rather low volume and this machine seems to fit their needs right now.
But I do agree with you.

Thanks for you help and suggestions

DR