Lexmark Optra C710 User's Guide - Page 160

Theory of operation Carousel Second transfer roller Fuser Print cartridge First transfer point Second transfer point Your laser printer is a very complex machine, but the general process that makes your image appear can be easily understood. By understanding how your printer operates, you can understand why problems occur and how to correct or prevent them. There are many components that make your printer work, however, the carousel, print cartridge, transfer belt, second transfer roller, and fuser will help you understand the basic process. The information you send to your printer is changed into a laser-emitted signal. This signal is projected onto a mirror inside the print cartridge carousel. The image is then bounced off the mirror and onto the photoconductor (the green tube in your print cartridge). The photocondutor becomes electrically charged by the laser signal. The positively charged photoconductor pulls toner from the toner reservoir inside the print cartridge onto the photoconductor. As the carousel rotates, the photoconductor meets the transfer belt. The transfer belt has a uniformly negative charge on it. When the transfer belt and photoconductor meet, the transfer belt pulls the electrically positive charged toner from the photoconductor onto the transfer belt. As the transfer belt rotates toward the front of the printer, the paper travels up the paper path to meet your image. The paper and toner image on the transfer belt meet at the second transfer roller located on the inside of the front cover. The second transfer roller has a stronger uniform negatively charged field than the transfer belt. The positively charged toner image on the transfer belt is pulled from the transfer belt into the paper by the second transfer roller. The paper travels up the paper path to meet the fuser. The fuser uses heat and pressure to make toner adhere to the paper. The result of these components working together is the sharp laser image you want. To get the best possible output, use the correct media thickness and type. The media recommended by Lexmark provides the best print quality. 146 Chapter 8: Theory of operation