[CQ] IRc3200 Backgrounding/Drum Issues

[Jake292]

I have a few IRc3200's and they all seem to have the same problem that I just haven't been able to solve yet. Now, not all the time but often enough to be an issue they will start casting a single color background while running color copies. Usually it starts on the operator side of the machine, running across the sheet and build up heavier and larger with each copy. When it first started happening I replaced the offending drum and everything would look great again. However, the problem would soon arise again and the life counter on the drum in question would be under say, 40. I figured I just had a bad drum and replaced with brand new again. But it happened again and again. I have had this happen with all our machines, only CYM (not black). I have replaced at least 6 drums that had ridiculously few copies on them but it just keeps happening. I have cleaned SALT sensor, swapped SALT sensor (from parts machine), new image transfer belt, reset dcCon (after P-Print). Rebooting and running Auto Gradation seems to help sometimes. If those don't do it the only thing that seems to help is repeatedly swapping drums between the machines until it stops (it does seem to stop on it's own). When magenta starts backgrounding in machine A, swap for the low meter magenta drum in machine B and so forth.

Has anyone else dealt with this? Is something killing off the drums?

Getting expensive, any help appreciated,
Jake

[vigour]

Re: IRc3200 Backgrounding/Drum Issues

Are these new genuine Canon drums.

[Jake292]

Re: IRc3200 Backgrounding/Drum Issues

Are these new genuine Canon drums.

Yes.

[vigour]

Re: IRc3200 Backgrounding/Drum Issues

If you print full coverage colour pages, your drums will start leaking before reaching 100%.
The only thing that may help at this point is to run drum clean in service mode.
If the drum is really bad, it will get worse after drum clean,
but if it is borderline it will get better for a while.

[CanonDuddett]

Re: IRc3200 Backgrounding/Drum Issues

you have a buildup of toner on the ITB assembly, (on the sides over the ends of primary transfer rollers)
when you remove problem drum, you should see the toner build-up on the transfer belt.
Remove ITB assembly unit, clean it, (blow toner off) replace and go. (The drums you removed may still be good)

[copier tech]

Re: IRc3200 Backgrounding/Drum Issues

What sort of coverage is being printed? Long runs of photos or full page colour will knock out your drums early.

[RAI]

Re: IRc3200 Backgrounding/Drum Issues

These old machines had this problem all the time. Drums fail early. If under the warranty period the only thing you can do is get it exchanged. Humidity and temp play a bit part in the failures along with coverage. Magenta always died early. Drum clean cycle may help but not likely after you start seeing build up.

[Jake292]

Re: IRc3200 Backgrounding/Drum Issues

Most of our sheets are pretty light coverage, simple text with charts, diagrams and small graphs. Some photos maybe more than the drums are happy with. ITB assy looks reasonably clean, dusting of toner but not what you would consider build up. It does seem to be magenta more often that any other color. Never even occurred to me there could be a warranty. We use genuine Canon drums do not purchase them directly from Canon, are we still be eligible for warranty?

What are the life percentages in service mode based on? Click count or voltage required for x density or something else entirely? Seeing 50% life on a drum that is producing copies I just throw into the recycling bin is frustrating. Are those numbers just not that accurate a measurement of life expectancy? Problem solved by lowered expectations?

Jake

[RAI]

Re: IRc3200 Backgrounding/Drum Issues

Regardless of where you purchase supplies; resellers are the ones that deal directly with OEM. Warranty is included in every box. Use the machine reported percent as your guide to this. Magenta is brutal on every machine. If supplier gives issue to returns then talk with canon direct or your cc. I too buy directly from 3rd party wholesalers but they honour warranties.