MP4500 Cleaning Blade Failure

[Caveman]

Having a recurring problem with some MP4500's that I service where the cleaning blades are failing prematurely causing the charge roller to develop a line that shows on the copy. In some cases the blades are only going a few thousand copies - not even close the the expected 150K yield. Any information on this particular problem is appreciated - thank you.

Caveman

[rthonpm]

I presume you're talking about the 'second' cleaning blade? Generally I toss them out of machines as they really serve no purpose other than to damage the charge roller anyway.
I would look to see if you get a build up of toner or other debris in the area where the line forms on the charge roller, it may just be damge from the shoddy way they are packed. They almost need a clear plastic package like the standard drum blades come with.

[cobiray]

I don't have it at hand, but there was a bulletin a few weeks back about ditching the 2nd cleaning blade, so I would start there. Make sure you're replacing the cleaning brush (charge roller) and are vacuuming out the waste section. Lint, hair, carpet fibers and whatnot can get stuck in there and cause a back up.

[K.I.S.S.]

Having a recurring problem with some MP4500's that I service where the cleaning blades are failing prematurely causing the charge roller to develop a line that shows on the copy. In some cases the blades are only going a few thousand copies - not even close the the expected 150K yield. Any information on this particular problem is appreciated - thank you.
Caveman

I know of a fix for the MPC4500s that do this (usually higher volume applications). But I haven't seen this on the B/W units.

[FMC]

I have to agree with chucking them in the bin.You got the same problem on the DSM635/645(C3).

They server n o other purpose other than knackering the charge roller.

[TonerMunkeh]

There's an RTB out for the MP4000 that officially states the 2nd blade doesn't do these fellas any good. Bin it.

[Caveman]

Drum Cleaning Blade Failure

Thanks to everyone who responded to my inquiry on the blade failure with the MP 4500 - however, the blade that I am referring to is the Drum Cleaning blade - I have had a few units where the blade fails shortly after replacing it along with the drum. Seems that a small area begins to develop a groove that bleeds toner onto the charge roller resulting in a line. I have been replacing the blade and the problem is corrected - what I don't understand is why some of these blades are failing so soon after being replaced. All comments and suggestions are welcomed - thanks in advance to everyone who can offer some advice.

Caveman

[Kopyrtek]

Good question Caveman as to why the blades are failing but another question is to why Ricoh would allow this machine to be put in the field with ALL of the CQ issues that it has.Not only the background but the drums dont seem to make life as it is.I am aware that the second blade has some affect but i have seen some without the second blade eat the drum up within 100k.

[Caveman]

I agree with your comments about this model - I have been up against many units that are almost impossible to regulate with regard to copy quality issues. Overtoning and undertoning problems are widespread and in most cases the drum components and developer fail far short of the expected yields - I have become very discouraged with this model and I am very concerned about my health in working with so many units that require massive clean-ups - like yourself I am very dissappointed that the engineers failed to develop a design that was more dependable/reliable. I'm also concerned about the money this is costing the company I'm employed with because we are constantly up against replaceing parts that fail to make expected yield. It has also been awkward having to revisit accounts over and over again for the same problems. Thank you for your feed-back.

caveman

[KopyKat]

I had a few of the blades failing shortly after replacement, mainly on higher volume machines. The solution I found was that when servicing the PCU its a good idea to take off the cover of the cleaning auger unit (the cover just under the handle on top) and vacuum the recycle areas very well. Make sure that the auger and the gear that engages the drive are not damaged as well. Also remove the front cover where the recycled toner drops back down into the system an clean any clumping from there. The toner likes to clump up inside the recycle system causing a backup that results in lines on the copies from the blade and charge roller. Since I've done that the blades have been lasting much longer.

[rthonpm]

Does anyone else coat the surface of these blades with toner? I got into the habit of this with the transfer blade for this model. The coating on the blade seems always be spotty and I have yet to really see the primary blade fail since doing this.

[KopyKat]

Does anyone else coat the surface of these blades with toner? I got into the habit of this with the transfer blade for this model. The coating on the blade seems always be spotty and I have yet to really see the primary blade fail since doing this.

Always! Ever since the 450 series. Though I usually use setting power instead of toner.

[schooltech]

If you have setting powder (zinc stearate/kynar) that works fine. I use toner for my drum coating applications myself.

Part of my gig is rebuilding/refilling printer toner cartridges. I've refilled thousands over the years and always coat all of the blades with their respective toner, except for color cartridges.

With those, I use a bit of yellow toner (to coat the blades the YCM colors) without any contamination. It's the recommended method.

I would use either setting powder or toner to initially "condition" the blades a bit. It will help to avoid any initial little catches or drum edge burrs that might develop.

[Caveman]

Toner Concerns

Schooltech -

In reading your last post you mention that you refill cartridges - I wanted to ask you if you have ever heard of any health risks related to powdered toner material - I have been in the industry for over twenty years as a field technician and this has always concerned me. With the recent problems we are all seeing on the MP4500 series there is a great deal of exposure to toner that these units leak. Please let me know if you have ever come across any information related to long term exposure risks as far as toner inhalation or contact with skin - thank you for your help.

Caveman

If you have setting powder (zinc stearate/kynar) that works fine. I use toner for my drum coating applications myself.

Part of my gig is rebuilding/refilling printer toner cartridges. I've refilled thousands over the years and always coat all of the blades with their respective toner, except for color cartridges.

With those, I use a bit of yellow toner (to coat the blades the YCM colors) without any contamination. It's the recommended method.

I would use either setting powder or toner to initially "condition" the blades a bit. It will help to avoid any initial little catches or drum edge burrs that might develop.

[Jomama46]

Yes, there is a health concern, working on copiers make you drink too much! Speaking for myself, of course.