Construction Paper

[mjmjross]

Hey team,

I have a customer that would like to swap out their Riso duplicators for Konica 550i's. Problem is they use 9 x 12 construction paper (for the kiddo's). The size is not a problem but the TYPE of paper gives me concern. Has anyone successfully ran A LOT of construction paper though their MFP's? I know on duplicators it's a straight shot, no bending, pressure or heat is involved.

Thanks!

[femaster]

Re: Construction Paper

We have a number of accounts at various schools, and nearly all of of them run construction paper through their machines from the bypass tray. They don't run it duplex, so can't speak for that. They've been doing this for years, so we've had it going through all sorts of machine models. The majority of them have been the 45+ ppm machines in the 4e, 8, 8e models. Aside from the increased wear on things like the T-Belt and fusers due to the rough surface of the construction paper, there hasn't been any issues with running it. I can't speak too much about the i-models, as most of the schools we service have only recently upgraded to them, but so far no issues with them either.

I think the hardest part of all of this was training the teachers how to run it properly so didn't constantly get service calls for jamming. You have to program a custom sized paper button and then get them to remember to select that when they run it, otherwise the copier auto detects it as (I think) A4 paper which then causes jamming issues as it's not the correct length.

UPDATE: I probably should add that we visit all these machine on a schedule of roughly every 3 months (sooner if there is a service call) for a routine cleaning and inspection due to the volume they run. I'm sure that helps to keep things running smoother when it comes to the paper dust that construction paper can leave behind, above and beyond what typical paper leaves already.

[Radiscar]

Re: Construction Paper

Construction Paper is NOT a great for printing. It's basically compressed colored sawdust and can be fire hazard with all the paper dust. It's rough so wears everything down. It also doesn't bend well, which of course you can compensate by changing settings but there's also that one person who doesn't...mucks everything up.

I would have them switch to a colored paper and cardstock.

When in doubt check what the paper packaging says.

[emujo2]

Re: Construction Paper

from experience, this is where you will be 1 year from the date you install them..You will be replacing ITB, fuser, and feed tires at less than 1/4 of the expected life..The customer will refuse or forget to change the tray settings and it the machine will treat it as plain paper 1 click. They will be saying "well it used to work without any issues so you have to fix it".. I know it's a stretch, but you could put tray locks on, and setup the billing modes to overcount anything 8 X14 and larger. I only recommend this if you are charging per click..If not, then maybe they keep one of the older devices for construction paper. The end result, users can't put heavy paper in the trays, (admin has the key) and must use the bypass tray..You have the bypass tray defaulted to thick 3 (guessing) and you remove the tray settings from the main screen..Some of the new I series have a media sensor the looks at the 1st sheet of paper every time the drawer is opened and shut. it should detect the thickness and change the settings, but then, when the thick paper runs out, the machine still thinks it should be setup for thick modes..My only point is you need to be sure that you are compensated fairly for the use of the machine. E