Uneven density / vertical line on iR DX C3822i

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  • bricoux
    Junior Member
    • Jun 2025
    • 7

    #1

    Uneven density / vertical line on iR DX C3822i

    Hello,

    I’m experiencing a density issue / darker line that consistently appears at the beginning of prints. It occurs on the left side (front printing side) of any image or solid color area, about 94 mm (3.7 inches) from the start of the printed content (not from the edge of the page).

    If I shift the image on the page, the defect moves with it, so it doesn’t appear to be tied to a specific spot on the drum or paper path.

    Interestingly, the issue tends to almost disappear after a longer run (like 50 full pages), but reappears when the machine has been idle for a while.

    The defect is more or less visible depending on the image content — it becomes especially noticeable in midtones and flat tints, while in photographs or darker areas, its visibility can vary depending on the transitions and tonal uniformity.

    I’ve attached an example of the issue, on bottom is after a run of 50 full pages.

    The technician told me this is normal for this class of device, and that I may be too demanding — suggesting I should consider an imagePRESS if I want better print quality.

    He declined to replace the drums, citing the low page count (around 35,000 pages).

    They delivered the machine with Katun-compatible toners for Cyan, Magenta, and Black. On my request, they provided genuine Canon toners the next day as specified in my contract.

    Following the technician’s advice, I printed around 300 flush pages — CMK 100% (as Y was genuine from the beginning), with soft gradients at the edges to avoid marking the drums. That wasted about 10% of the new genuine toner cartridges…
    Should the old toner be fully flushed out, or should I keep going?

    The issue became slightly less visible, but it’s still present.​

    Full auto-gradient, and auto-adjustments are done. Same issue on every type of paper.

    As my maintenance provider said: is this really to be expected from this type of device, or am I right to question the output quality and to expect clear answers and better results?

    I’d really appreciate any thoughts, advice, or shared experiences.

    Thanks

    model : Canon imageRunner Advanced DX C3822i

    IMG_1380.jpg
  • czekson
    Junior Member
    • Mar 2023
    • 5

    #2
    Attached samples are A4 or A4R prints?

    Comment

    • bricoux
      Junior Member
      • Jun 2025
      • 7

      #3
      Originally posted by czekson
      Attached samples are A4 or A4R prints?
      Left side of A3 prints

      Comment

      • czekson
        Junior Member
        • Mar 2023
        • 5

        #4
        Please attach a A3 halftone black image (50% density) from printer. Are you working in high humidity or low-temp environment?

        Comment

        • bricoux
          Junior Member
          • Jun 2025
          • 7

          #5
          Originally posted by czekson
          Please attach a A3 halftone black image (50% density) from printer. Are you working in high humidity or low-temp environment?
          Here is a A3 halftone 50% black. It's currently 30°C / 86°F and 36% of humidity in my office (was about 25°C / 77°F for my first post).
          Left edge comes out of the printer first.

          Thanks

          A3 BLACK HALF TONE_001.jpg

          Comment

          • czekson
            Junior Member
            • Mar 2023
            • 5

            #6
            Black looks fine. Left side density is same as right. 94mm is one turn of drum OPC. Can you output for me service test A3 PG=11?

            Comment

            • bricoux
              Junior Member
              • Jun 2025
              • 7

              #7
              Originally posted by czekson
              Black looks fine. Left side density is same as right. 94mm is one turn of drum OPC. Can you output for me service test A3 PG=11?
              Does the black line looks normal to you ?
              I’ll get you the service page you asking for, when I’ll get to the office today. Thank you.
              Attached Files

              Comment

              • czekson
                Junior Member
                • Mar 2023
                • 5

                #8
                If we talking about density on both sides, yes

                May be some problems with cleaning blade on one of drums (waiting for PG=11), or LED pre-exp.

                If you authorized to use service mode (or ask someone who is):
                turn on light pre-exposure (PREXP-SW) to 1, restart machine, make test print, if problem occurs please set it to 2, then restart, make test print.
                If problem still occurs disable it (set to 0).

                Comment

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