AR-M355 - 2MM x 10MM mark in void area on every other duplex copy

[oldrn]

I am getting a mark in the lead edge, machine front, first side copied of duplex copy, every other copy (multiple copies of single original). 11" wide paper is a problem, 8 1/2" or R orientation does not have a problem, mark does not repeat on 11x17. I had a used transfer charger assembly in an M350 that seemd to cure the problem. I had borrowed that assembly from another machine for testing so I ordered a new assembly. I ordered a new assembly after unsuccessfully trying a new transfer roller. I installed the new assembly and the mark disappeared but only temporarily. Today after making about 250 copies, the mark gradually returned, getting darker with each copy. The mark is always in the same place, the same size, and appears in an area that should normally be the machine front side void. Again, it only is on every other copy. A sky shot shows the void area is fine when things are working as they should. The copy quality of the rest of the copy is fine.

I put that used transfer assembly (from an M350) back in this M355 and made 500 copies without the problem returning, again placed that new asembly in the 355 and the problem returned. I am 99% sure I am using a brand new unit, not the one that originally showed the problem. I trashed the one I originally thought was bad because I didn't want to take a chance of returning that intermitant problem to another machine. With the new assembly in, after the problem returned, I could see toner (dark streak) on the transfer roller in the general area of the black mark. I'm guessing there is a transfer roller discharge problem but have no idea how it could be only every other copy, why the mark is always the same sizeand always in the same spot.

Since the new unit seems to work ok in the M350 and the unit from the M350 copies ok in the M355, I'll leave things that way. If you have any thoughts on the problem, I am not convinced that the problem won't return later. Thanks for any help.

Edit - it looks like my sample may not show up, I'll try again Monday.

[blackcat4866]

Re: AR-M355 - 2MM x 10MM mark in void area on every other duplex copy

I've got a couple of suggestions. I'll paste in the record, and if you need additional detail I may be able to remember something:

Background toward the front of the original/copy in the feed direction, only through the SPF. The darkness of the background varies considerably within each sample. Extremely intermittent. Copy 2 to 2 duplex (image off glass will be shaded while the image from CIS will be fine). White plate is incorrectly aligned with slit glass by 1mm. With the SPF almost closed, measure from the right edge of the slit glass to the left edge of the black SPF guide mylar. Adjust skew at the right SPF hinge so that the measurement is the same front & back.

=^..^=

[oldrn]

Re: AR-M355 - 2MM x 10MM mark in void area on every other duplex copy

I ran a similar test from the glass with similar results. Duplexed copies of a single original produces a shaded area on the lead ledge/ machine front edge of every other copy. The more copies run, the darker the mark. The machine has 100,000 copies on it. A new transfer unit produces the same results while a used AR-M350 transfer unit seems to resolve the problem. I will try again to include a sample of the problem.menu problem cropped.jpg

[blackcat4866]

Re: AR-M355 - 2MM x 10MM mark in void area on every other duplex copy

How many copies on the developer?

A worn transfer gear/drum gear will cause toner and developer to dump into the registration assembly. You'll get paper skew, and marks at the leading edge, like you've described. =^..^=

[oldrn]

Re: AR-M355 - 2MM x 10MM mark in void area on every other duplex copy

17k on dv & dv unit.

[blackcat4866]

Re: AR-M355 - 2MM x 10MM mark in void area on every other duplex copy

Regardless of count, I'd still disassemble and clean the paper stop assembly (registration assembly to the rest of the copier world). Use light oil on the bushings, and make sure to get the pressure springs back on the right way.

I can't imagine the transfer and drum gears being worn at 17K, but if it's done a lot of idling over the last 6 years, maybe? =^..^=

[PASTech]

Re: AR-M355 - 2MM x 10MM mark in void area on every other duplex copy

Have you tried 11" wide paper in other trays? Might be worth looking into. I have had nothing but trouble with tray 1 on these machines. See if tray 2 produces the same problem when running the same process. Could help in the trouble shooting process.