A copy machine is an essential piece of office equipment, one that virtually every employee relies on to duplicate documents quickly and easily. It's no surprise that copier problems can disrupt workflow and productivity. For this reason, copier repairs should be a priority at the first sign of a technical issue; below, some of the more common issues are discussed in more detail.

A Guide to Common Copier Problems

1. Streaks

A copier's print quality should be crisp and clear. Streaks or lines on the page are not normal and are typically the result of failures in the drum, drum-blade, developer unit, or fusers. In some cases, the cause may be foreign substances on the glass, so start by wiping down the glass surface, and then try the copy again. If the machine keeps producing streaks, it's time for copier repairs.

2. Paper Jams

The occasional paper jam that can be cleared easily on your own is usually nothing to worry about. But recurring jams likely signal a more serious problem, like malfunctions with the paper loading mechanism or an excess of dust clogging the internal components of the machine. A professional can replace the worn feed and exit rollers to prevent future jamming and sticking. 

3. Overly Light or Dark Copies

When a copier is printing too light or too dark, the source of the problem is often an imbalance in the density controls. If you still have the device's instruction manual, it will explain how to reset the controls, or a service professional can do this for you. Excessively light or dark copies could also mean that the drum is going bad. The drum is essentially a large rolling stamp that applies images to paper. When it reaches the end of its lifespan, it will print noticeably lighter or darker and require professional replacement.

When you need professional copier repairs in Staten Island or anywhere in New York City, trust Alpha Laser Richmond Corp. Since 1993, they have been providing copier, PC, laptop, and printer repair services. They also sell a full line of ink and toner cartridges for all your office equipment. Call (718) 317-1263 to request a quote or to schedule a repair.