IMC2000 light blacks

[Gift]

Well, it was a strange one.

First thing I did was check the K PCU - was 2,5K away of reaching EOL, but not bad looking. The PCDU back plate was also present, and the toner was OEM.

Then I updated the firmware, clean the ID sensors, run all process control SPs and calibrate colors.

When I printed the counter, it had a glorious pitch-black triangle. I was happy.

Then, as the PCU was almost reaching 60k, I replaced it, taking care to input the SP data on the cheat sheet and resetting the counter, turning off the machine and then turning it on after replacement.

And the printouts were gray again! Come on!!!

After that, try as I might, I couldn't make them pitch black again, even after force feeding k toner. I tried all the hints about changing SP3201 and reinitializing the TD sensors, but no dice. In the end the only thing that made things marginally better was increasing SP-3620-01, but even that didn't make the prints as good as the first time.

In the end I had to leave it as it was (it was better than when I began after all) but I suspect image transfer.

I need to dig around, but if someone can think of something, I'm open to suggestions.

Cheers!

LOL - it's strange that you got it to print a pitch black triangle - it should be somewhat black-ish but not too dark because this series will never keep this density over time and you will end up in discussions with the customer. The current state (better than before but not perfect) sounds like a more realistic state what this engline is able to maintain.....for some time^^

[Mark Bbb]

Assuming that machine is not standing in a dusty environment and that the ID sensors are clean, it could be that the A3 counter is set to A4?
Perhaps they use thick paper without indicating it so creating al kind of problems? Perhaps the black bias roller on the ITB belt is not ok?

[copier tech]

Well, it was a strange one.

First thing I did was check the K PCU - was 2,5K away of reaching EOL, but not bad looking. The PCDU back plate was also present, and the toner was OEM.

Then I updated the firmware, clean the ID sensors, run all process control SPs and calibrate colors.

When I printed the counter, it had a glorious pitch-black triangle. I was happy.

Then, as the PCU was almost reaching 60k, I replaced it, taking care to input the SP data on the cheat sheet and resetting the counter, turning off the machine and then turning it on after replacement.

And the printouts were gray again! Come on!!!

After that, try as I might, I couldn't make them pitch black again, even after force feeding k toner. I tried all the hints about changing SP3201 and reinitializing the TD sensors, but no dice. In the end the only thing that made things marginally better was increasing SP-3620-01, but even that didn't make the prints as good as the first time.

In the end I had to leave it as it was (it was better than when I began after all) but I suspect image transfer.

I need to dig around, but if someone can think of something, I'm open to suggestions.

Cheers!

You may have a failing K hopper this may explain why after replacing the K PCDU quality was initially OK.

[slimslob]

Well, it was a strange one.

First thing I did was check the K PCU - was 2,5K away of reaching EOL, but not bad looking. The PCDU back plate was also present, and the toner was OEM.

Then I updated the firmware, clean the ID sensors, run all process control SPs and calibrate colors.

When I printed the counter, it had a glorious pitch-black triangle. I was happy.

Then, as the PCU was almost reaching 60k, I replaced it, taking care to input the SP data on the cheat sheet and resetting the counter, turning off the machine and then turning it on after replacement.

And the printouts were gray again! Come on!!!

After that, try as I might, I couldn't make them pitch black again, even after force feeding k toner. I tried all the hints about changing SP3201 and reinitializing the TD sensors, but no dice. In the end the only thing that made things marginally better was increasing SP-3620-01, but even that didn't make the prints as good as the first time.

In the end I had to leave it as it was (it was better than when I began after all) but I suspect image transfer.

I need to dig around, but if someone can think of something, I'm open to suggestions.

Cheers!

Therein might be an indication of where the problem is "Then, as the PCU was almost reaching 60k, I replaced it, taking care to input the SP data on the cheat sheet and resetting the counter, turning off the machine and then turning it on after replacement." Do you know what a machine immediately after power on, it runs the white reference scan. If the optics, mirrors etc., are not clean it will shift the entire gray scale to the light side. If the counter print is good but copying it is light, you have filmed mirrors.

[mrwho]

LOL - it's strange that you got it to print a pitch black triangle - it should be somewhat black-ish but not too dark because this series will never keep this density over time and you will end up in discussions with the customer. The current state (better than before but not perfect) sounds like a more realistic state what this engline is able to maintain.....for some time^^

Yeah, I need to check another similar machine when I get the chance in order to get an idea...

Assuming that machine is not standing in a dusty environment and that the ID sensors are clean, it could be that the A3 counter is set to A4? Perhaps they use thick paper without indicating it so creating al kind of problems? Perhaps the black bias roller on the ITB belt is not ok?

Office environment. ID sensors cleaned, and the cloth didn't come out dirty, so I assume they were not too dirty before (perhaps fogged, but not dirty). The ITB is a possibility...

You may have a failing K hopper this may explain why after replacing the K PCDU quality was initially OK.

Nope, just replaced the PCU. The dev unit is still well within life.

Therein might be an indication of where the problem is "Then, as the PCU was almost reaching 60k, I replaced it, taking care to input the SP data on the cheat sheet and resetting the counter, turning off the machine and then turning it on after replacement." Do you know what a machine immediately after power on, it runs the white reference scan. If the optics, mirrors etc., are not clean it will shift the entire gray scale to the light side. If the counter print is good but copying it is light, you have filmed mirrors.

My bad, failed to mention I also cleaned the optics in that first intervention. And all tests were made with printouts from the computer.

Thank you all for your inputs. If anything new comes up, I'll let you know.

[UNICORNico]

In the experience I have with the MP C2xx4 and IM C2xxx series, (None with wax lubrication system) they usually have a rather disappointing mass quality despite the adjustments and changes of image units.
These ranges are not recommended (in the company) for clients who are dedicated to design printing, or similar work, it is a continuous fight with this issue.

[mrwho]

Well, I'm back.

This is what I'm chasing:

IMG_20220511_113514.jpg

Notice the black gradation relative to the other colours.

Checked the ITB contacts, now going to try with a new ITB.

[Mark Bbb]

Well, I'm back.

This is what I'm chasing:

IMG_20220511_113514.jpg

Notice the black gradation relative to the other colours.

Checked the ITB contacts, now going to try with a new ITB.

Is the image ok on the ITB?

[mrwho]

Is the image ok on the ITB?

No

IMG_20220511_122246.jpg

Cleaning laser and new ITB didn't make any difference.

I want to avoid force feeding k toner, because then I will have no idea if the problem is solved or not. I intend to solve it so the machine will adjust itself to the proper levels (assuming it's a lack of k toner).

[mrwho]

Just noticed the rear id sensor is erroring out. Going to check it.