Preventative Maintenance for Your Printer - Prolong Printer Life

It is probably safe to say that most people only realise what a magical thing the average inkjet or laser printer is, when it suddenly stops working! Only then is it clear that the humble - or not so humble - office printer is a complex system with delicate and intricate machinery, which repays better attention to keep it working well, and to keep print quality consistent and as good as when the printer was first purchased.

To ensure any printer reaches its greatest potential, preventative maintenance is the key. In common with any machine or device which is supposed to work efficiently printer need preventative maintenance to deliver consistent results and to prolong useful working life. A few checks for a coupe, of hours every month will extend the printer's life and will of course increase user confidence that the printer will be on hand to work effectively and immediately, on demand and every time.

Naturally, manufacturers will provide all the necessary information in the user manual, but typically most users do not take on the responsibility of knowing this information. Naturally, most businesses take the option of a service contract with the printer, and so the service technician can explain the basics of maintenance and proper usage. But often this is not the case, especially perhaps with lower-end printers, or in businesses where budget planning sees such contracts as a luxury rather than a necessity.

The argument for preventive printer maintenance in these circumstances is overwhelming. No-one wants paper jams and poor images. And without due care, problems can happen at any time. Especially in dusty work environments internal components of any printer can suffer enormously. A printer in a warehouse or similar dirty environment will especially benefit from regular maintenance checks.

Moreover, there is an even greater need for preventative maintenance with laser printers - largely due to the fact that they print more pages per minute and have more moving parts than inkjets. Here, the maintenance process involves inspecting components such as ozone filters, static eliminator teeth and cleaning the fuser unit.

Here are some preventative maintenance ideas that should help you get fewer service calls:

Do not use solvent or ammonia-based cleaners. The right thing to use is isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. Use an alcohol-dampened or water-dampened lint free cloth Always inspect paper pickup rollers for dust. Paper pickup rollers collect dust and need to be cleaned periodically When rollers become shiny and appear "glazed," they need to be replaced. Always inspect separation pads for dust. As with the pickup rollers, clean with alcohol or a water-dampened lint-free cloth. Separation pads should be replaced at the same time as pickup rollers. Transfer rollers should be cleaned if really dirty, but it is important not to touch the rollers with bare fingers. A dry lint-free cloth must be used, and if a lot of toner spills on the transfer roller, then the only option is to replace the transfer roller Regularly inspect mirrors for dust and grime build-up. These are best cleaned with filtered compressed air or a lint-free cloth or swab moistened with lens cleaner. Finally, inspect the fuser assembly rollers for marks, and replace them if there are any marks of blemishes present.

Following these tips will ensure you need fewer service calls, that your workflow will not be frustrated at critical times, and will certainly increase the life span of the printer.

Preventative Maintenance for Your Printer - Prolong Printer Life

Eliminator

Preventative Maintenance for Your Printer - Prolong Printer Life

Preventative Maintenance for Your Printer - Prolong Printer Life
Preventative Maintenance for Your Printer - Prolong Printer Life

Eliminator

Kawasaki History

As with the story of many other motorcycle manufacturing companies, Kawasaki's history began on entirely different lines. Although by 1949 they were producing engines that could be adapted for motorcycle use, the first real motorbike didn't appear until 1954. Historically, the company had been involved in heavy industry, including the manufacture of aircraft, ships and trains.

The company's first offerings were a 60cc two-stroke, and a150cc and 250cc four-stroke respectively, which were developed using German technology. Kawasaki and BMW had enjoyed a close relationship that stemmed from their days as aircraft builders. Meihatsu, a subsidiary of the Kawasaki Aircraft Company, gave its name to the first complete motorbike produced by the company. Around this time, an unsuccessful attempt was made to break into the scooter sector; the Fuji Rabbit and the Mitsubishi Silver Penguin proving too strong an opposition.

In 1960, the company signed a deal with the oldest motorcycle company in Japan, Meguro Motorcycles, whose fortunes had declined since being a major motorcycle manufacturer from their birth in 1937. Having once been regarded as 'the senior make and king of four-strokes', Meguro turned away from their British influence with disastrous results. By 1962, their name had disappeared.

Having initially produced low powered machines, Kawasaki, using the knowledge acquired from Meguro, turned their attention towards bigger bikes, and in 1966 produced the W1, a 650cc machine that was heavier and slower than its rivals, so enjoyed limited success. Lighter versions were developed in the shape of the 250cc Samurai and the 350cc A7 Avenger, but again, these machines didn't capture the imagination of the public.

By 1969, Kawasaki were beginning to get things right, and the introduction of the 500cc H1 kick-started the company's reputation of quality, high performance machines. Smaller versions were released; the 250cc and 350cc S1's. A 748cc H2 became available in 1972 and stayed in production until the mid 70's, when emission laws drew a curtain on the project.

The introduction of the Z1 in 1973, proved a milestone for Kawasaki. At first intended to have a 750cc power unit, the company eventually settled on a 903cc engine, after they had seen Honda reveal their CB750. The Z1, having great performance and a good price, became an instant success and soon became the Z900, with the Z1000 following hot on its heels.

In 1984, the introduction of the GPz900r caused quite a stir. This was in line with the company's development of liquid cooled, DOHC, 16 valve, four cylinder engines. This power unit combined with a light, compact chassis would carry you across the first 400 metres of your journey in just over ten and a half seconds. It had a top speed of 250km/h and took the title of 'The World's Fastest Bike'. It was also named 'Bike of the Year' in 1984.

1984 also saw the introduction of Kawasaki's first Cruiser, the Vulcan 750, whilst the 900cc Eliminator came along a year later, using the engine from the GPz900r. The CS250 (Casual Sports) appeared in the same year, featuring a liquid cooled, DOHC, single cylinder motor.

During the90's, Japanese motorcycle manufacturers were in serious competition in the Superbike sector, and Kawasaki's contribution was the 1052cc, ZZR-1100, a motorcycle that was to remain the fastest production bike for the next five years. Its power, combined with a strong frame and good suspension, made it a popular touring machine. In 2002, it was replaced by the ZZR-1200, which offered better handling. A ZZR-600 also entered the fray.

2002 saw the Ninja ZX-12R arrive with an aluminium, monocoque frame, and a 16 valve in line, four cylinder engine.

In 2003, the 638cc, ZX-6R replaced the 1995 version. This completely redesigned machine was all that a fast bike should be; quick and aggressive. The Z1000 appeared as a street bike in this same year. It seemed that Kawasaki was top of the tree.

Their motorcycle history has been relatively short, but Kawasaki have achieved more in that time than some manufacturers have done in a hundred years. It's no surprise then, that owners stay loyal to the company and the product, as we all wait eagerly for the next exciting development o come along and blow our minds.

Kawasaki History

Eliminator

Kawasaki History

Kawasaki History
Kawasaki History

Eliminator