If you have high-volume printing needs, a laser printer can help you complete jobs quickly, precisely, and economically. But to fully take advantage of these benefits and keep the machine in good shape, you’ll also need to invest in regular maintenance. To help you protect this essential office resource and minimize printer repair needs, here are a few do's and don’ts to follow when caring for the equipment.   

Do:

Install updates regularly. 

Just as with laptops and other office hardware, laser printer software should be updated regularly to prevent operational and security issues. Download updates as they become available and check the manufacturer’s website periodically to see if new updates have been released.  

Practice proper paper care. 

Paper jams are a common problem that can interrupt workflow and place stress on the laser printer. To keep pages from sticking together and jamming the equipment, use high-quality paper that has been stored in a cool, dry area. 

Also, fan out all the pages to separate them before loading the paper tray. Adjust alignment guides correctly to avoid feeding issues.  

Clean surfaces carefully.

When dirt, grime, and laser toner particles collect on a printer, equipment parts may be at risk of jamming up, overheating, or breaking. To prevent printer repair needs, regularly clean visible surfaces using proper tools. Specifically, you should use toner cloths and vacuums that are designed to delicately remove ink particles. 

Don’t:

Handle toner without protection. 

Never handle toner without wearing gloves and face protection. You should also turn off all fans to minimize airflow. Taking these steps will prevent potentially harmful toner particles from dispersing and keep you from inhaling them. 

Throw away the owner’s manual. 

Keep the owner’s manual accessible. If you run into operational problems, this manual will provide troubleshooting tips. You should also follow manufacturer recommendations to prevent equipment wear—such as by using the proper toner and paper types. 

Take equipment apart by yourself. 

Whether it’s time for regular maintenance or you have a tricky paper jam, never take equipment apart on your own. Doing so could put you at risk of electrocution, burns, and other injuries from moving parts. You could also cause irreparable damage to sensitive components, such as imaging drums and corona wires. Instead, call a printer repair professional who has the proper tools and experience to service the equipment safely. 

If you have concerns about your laser printer, turn to Alpha Laser Richmond Corp. Based in Staten Island, NY, this printer repair specialist knows how to diagnose and fix all issues affecting laser printers. To keep your resources in top form, this provider also provides dependable maintenance services to safely replace laser toner and clean internal components. For more details on these capabilities, visit this print management service online. To schedule maintenance or repairs anywhere within the five boroughs, call (718) 317-1263.