Have you ever been racing to meet a deadline, and your whole team is chugging along with efficiency – then BAM! Paper jam. Nothing can obstruct progress faster than that dreaded paper jam. You pause work, clear the obstruction and jump back into productivity; only for it to happen again moments later.
We understand the pure frustration that comes along with paper jams, so our customer service team has taken thousands of calls from customers regarding these pesky problems. However, did you know that most of these can be avoided altogether? With a few preventative measures and maintenance techniques, you can impede any further paper jams to keep your device running like clockwork! Here are five causes for common paper jams along with how to stop them in their tracks.
1. Low Quality and Improper Storage of Ink and Toner Cartridges
Inferior cartridges or those that are stored incorrectly can cause paper jams; too much toner or ink could be discharged onto the paper, and/or the material in a cartridge might clump together.
The Solution:
To get the most out of your ink and toner cartridges, be sure to invest in top quality products that are designed for your printer. Store them in a designated storage space or supply closet away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humid conditions. Keep the cartridges inside their original packaging with all items neatly stacked together; before installing one into the printer give it a light shake so its contents can settle properly.
When purchasing recycled or remanufactured cartridges, make sure to buy from a trusted dealer that provides warranty coverage. If the company isn’t willing to stand behind their products with assurance, why would you even think of adding them into your expensive multifunction printer?
2. Improperly Stored Paper
Paper is sensitive to swings in temperature and humidity, making it prone to changes in weight, thickness, and stiffness. If the paper is kept outside its packaging when not in use, your office environment can alter the moisture content of the paper; resulting from this might be curling or warping as pages adhere together – a potential printer jammer!
The Solution:
To help prevent paper jams, store your paper correctly. Place the ream flat and in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and static electricity until you are ready to use it. Inspect each sheet of paper before loading into your machine for any signs of imperfections – such as curled or bent corners – fanning them out beforehand just in case! Open a new package only when necessary; this way, the rest will remain protected against dampness and electric shocks.
3. Improperly Loading Paper into the Device
Paper jams are often caused by improper loading of the paper – that means it’s stuck together, frayed, curled or bent. Additionally, overloading the tray with more than what is recommended for your specific printer model and using a type of paper not compatible with your device can also lead to jammed printouts. Avoid these mistakes in order to keep your printing process running smoothly!
The Solution:
Before you begin, take a look at your manufacturer’s instructions regarding paperweight and calliper (thickness). After that, make sure to utilize the right stock for your machine. To ensure proper loading of papers into trays, choose the exact size sheets needed, arrange them properly before inserting them and fan out each sheet after doing so. Also remember to inspect all pieces for defects or any damage done prior to use.
4. Using Low-Quality Paper
The use of low-grade paper is detrimental to any printer, as it tends to stick together and leave a small residue called “paper dust” behind. This debris can accumulate over time, increasing the chances that your device will jam or even worse – make clearing out the blockage difficult for technicians attempting repairs. Avoiding usage of cheap paper not only reduces this risk but also ensures better print quality in general!
The Solution:
Invest in the best quality paper for your printer. Doing so ensures that you get excellent results with every print job.
5. Worn Rollers
Your printer utilizes rollers to transport the paper as you print. Nevertheless, these components are vulnerable to damage over time or if not correctly maintained. Typically these pieces were made with a long-lasting lifespan in mind; however overly use of nonstandard papers and incorrect paper types can cause harm that leads to paper jams.
The Solution:
Take proper care of your printer, rollers and all its features by servicing it regularly. However, if you want to make sure that everything is running smoothly for a longer period of time, be sure to use the correct paper type for your device, choose high-quality consumables and load the paper properly; this will not only extend its lifespan but also help avoid unnecessary paper jams.
