MFPs Vs. All-In-Ones!

Ink on Forms May Cause Print Defects

MFP's Vs. All-In-Ones!

In recent years, Multifunction Printers (MFPs) and all-in-ones have become one of the fastest growing segments in the office equipment industry. However, most conusmers incorrectly use the two terms interchangably. This confusion over terminology could end up costing consumers who are unaware of the differences.

MFPs print, scan, and copy with parallel processing. This means that a print job already in progress can be paused while a user makes copies or sends a fax. With an all in-one, however, a print job must first be cancelled before copies or scans can be initiated. Overall, all-in-ones provide sufficient productivity for a small home office while multifunctions are the clear choice for workgroup environments.

Regardless of which type of machine you are looking for, here are some features and functions to consider:

1. Laser vs. Inkjet: Despite advancements in inkjet technology, laser image quality remains superior. Also, generally the initial cost of buying inkjet machines is lower than that for lasers. However, if you produce high page volumes, lasers will offer a far more cost effective solution.
2. Copying: In terms of the copy features, flat vs. sheet-fed is only part of the story; copy speed and color copying features must also be considered.
3. Faxing: Fax memory, fax speed, color faxing, and PC faxing are all features that vary from machine to machine.
4. Scanning: The most important factor in terms of scanning is the resolution. Also, scan to email is one of the most useful functions in the multifunction category.
5. Connectivity: Most multifunctions are connected via either USB or parallel ports. Network capability can be achieved by either connecting to a print server, a peer-to-peer network, or by using an optional Ethernet connection.

Give us a call to have our experienced staff help you determine the best office machine for your needs. ■

Portable Document Format (PDF) has become an invaluable resource for individuals and businesses who wish to exchange documents encoded with the exact look of the original document in a device-independent way. While Adobe offers a free utility for viewing PDFs—Reader—the ability to convert existing files to PDFs comes with a price if you purchase the full version of Acrobat! In recent years, however, a number of vendors have
developed alternatives to the Acrobat suite. A search on the Internet will return an extensive list of free and fee-based programs for converting files to PDF.

PrimoPDF is a free PDF converter program available online at: www.primopdf.com PrimoPDF enables users to print to PDF from virtually any application. In addition, users have the ability to create PDF output optimized for print, screen, ebook, or prepress. ■

Printers have been known to emit some pretty strange noises, but that doesn’t always indicate a major problem. The “click” of the AC power module relay and the “whir-up” sound of the main motor/drive train should always occur at start-up. But keep your ears open for abnormal noises. Taking care of the causes of squeaks, groans and other sounds early will help minimize damage to your printer.

An intermittent or steady chirping, for example, often indicates a faulty upper or lower fan. Constant chirping means the lower fan—which is on all the time—needs repair. Chirping during the print process signals a faulty upper fan.

Squeaking during the print cycle may mean a defective upper fan, a worn or dry roller cap in the fuser, or a worn gear assembly. Or, you could have a toner cartridge problem. Replace the cartridge and see if the noise goes away. Note: New cartridges sometimes squeak for the first 200 prints or so while breaking in.

A moaning noise as paper emerges from the printer indicates a worn upper output roller, which can lead to paper jams. Grinding could mean a loose wiring connector or, when accompanied by a paper jam at the fuser, a broken fuser arm gear. If you hear clicking during printing, other gears in the fuser may be loose or worn. Hearing a “jet engine take-off” noise? Your printer probably has a bad connection at the scanner or DC controller.

Don't wait long to have unusual noises checked out. Noise-causing problems are only likely to get worse, perhaps requiring major repair expenses or machine replacement. Call CRS Printek—we'll come to your site and correct the problem before further damage occurs. ■

Ink on Forms May Cause Print Defects

Using preprinted forms can affect printer output, causing unintended marks to appear on subsequent pages. Sometimes the problem is caused by wet ink on forms that were rush-ordered for delivery. The wet ink can transfer to your printer's rollers, adhere to other internal components and transfer back to paper that's run through the printer later.

You won't be able to tell by feel or appearance if ink on the forms you receive is still wet. (The drying time of ink varies depending on the type of ink and the kind of paper it's printed on.) Be sure to ask your vendor whether the forms are ready for use.

Preprinted forms can also cause problems if printed with ink that is susceptible to heat. Some inks will melt or vaporize after spending a tenth of a second in your laser printer's 400° fusing mechanism. Make sure you order forms that are printed with heatresistant ink for use in a laser printer. ■

Staying Current: HP Offers Wireless Laser Printing

With its standard wireless network connectivity, the HP LaserJet 1320nw eliminates the need for expensive networking cables. Data travels quickly, at speeds up to 54 Mbps across distances of up to 100 feet (30.5 meters.) The 1320nw is Wi-Fi certified to work reliably with other 802.11b/g wireless products. Security features of the printer include Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA Pre-shared Key.)

Other standard features include crisp 1200-dpi resolution at up to 22 ppm, automatic two-sided printing, 250-sheet input tray, one door access to print cartridges, USB 2.0 compatible port, and a 16MB memory expandable to 144MB.■

After a short-lived trial run by the United States Postal Service in 2004, the popular photo stamps are back for good. This time, the personalized stamps can be purchased through a number of online web sites including stamps.com, zazzle.com, and endicia.com.

Personalized stamps are available in 24¢, 39¢, 52¢, 63¢, 87¢, 1.11¢, and $4.05 denominations. Companies can easily upload their logos in acceptable file formats (typically jpg), add some text, and have them directly printed on the stamps. Generally, each sheet contains 20 stamps. ■

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