Decurler Optimization

Does anybody know how to use the decurler properly? We've lost many of those tiny wheels over the past couple of years, and the techs don't really see it as a problem. Often times our paper comes out curled (which I know is due to our non-climate-controlled environment), but still I'm curious if I can improve that by using the decurler more efficiently. I am also aware there are NVMs to use as well.

I guess what I am asking is:
1. are those little wheels (and their positioning) important?
2. how to use stepper1 and stepper2 adjustments in the NVMs?

Thanks for the help.

 

Those idler wheels hold the steel drive roll against the soft coated blue roll when cammed in. One or two missing shouldn't be a problem but if all are missing you are losing some decurl. They are positioned (currently) in 3 groups of 3. I say currently as the whole width used to have idlers in every slot

Never used these nvms in 10 years of servicing iGens - never had to.

The amount of decurling applied to the stock is decided by software, based on:

values in the Stock Library for the stock size, grain direction, coating, and weight; pixel count data from the image path which corresponds to the amount of toner on the stock; and differences in toner coverage between side one and side two in the case of duplex printing


If paper curl is that bad on the output on a properly maintained machine (engineer and customer) the source problem should be corrected ie stock and enviroment

--
Mark

 

Ah, I see. Thanks Mark, that is helpful to know!

 

From the Operators Guide iGen4 FFPS

ADJ 13 Decurler Adjustment
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to adjust the output curl from the decurler subsystem.
If the amount of curl in the paper is causing a stacking performance problem or a factor in paper jams, perform the adjustment.

Adjustment
1. Enter the Diagnostic mode (GP 3 Enter Diagnostics Mode).
2. Select dC0131 NVM Read/Write from the Diagnostic Window menu bar.
3. Using the table below, identify the appropriate NVM number to use that corresponds to the inversion, output destination and curl. For example, a noninverted job sent to the stacker pallet with down curl will require an adjustment to the exit decurler (NVM5037).

NOTE
To determine if the job is inverted, mark the top sheet in the feeder tray. If the mark on the sheet is face up in the pallet or the purge tray, the job was inverted.

Table 25. Curl Condition
If Noninverting
Excessive UP curl in stacker - use Entrance Decurler (NVM 5036)
Excessive DOWN curl in stacker - use Exit Decurler (NVM 5037)
Excessive UP curl in purge tray - use Entrance Decurler (NVM 5036)
Excessive DOWN curl in purge tray - use Exit Decurler (NVM 5037)

If Inverting
Excessive UP curl in stacker - use Exit Decurler (NVM 5037)
Excessive DOWN curl in stacker - use Entrance Decurler (NVM 5036)
Excessive UP curl in purge tray - use Exit Decurler (NVM 5037)
Excessive DOWN curl in purge tray - use Entrance Decurler (NVM 5036)

4. Choose the Search tab and search by ID for the NVM identified in the table.
5. Enter a new positive value to reduce the curl. Input between 2 and 5 step increments into the appropriate NVM value. If the sheet is still curled, increase by 2 step increments until sheet curl is acceptable. As the NVM value is increased, the sheet may begin to curl in the opposite direction. If this occurs, reduce the NVM value.

NOTE
Do not exceed 60 steps. If the next job uses different media and/or image, set the NVM value back to zero (0).
The adjustments made in this procedure will be applied to all stock and will remain in effect until the NVM values are set back to their defaults.

Hope that helps!

 

Whaaat...adj 13?! How come my igen4 manual only goes to adj12? Not fair!

Thanks for this, I will play with it and see if I can improve the output! I knew there had to be settings for this stuff.

 

I do not understand how this works by inverting do you mean when it turns the sheet round just after the decurler? if anyone could explain it to me properly as i'm trying to run 90gsm silk through the machine and constantly having to run it out the top tray due to the fact that it does not stack right the sheets hit the next sheets because there is too much curl in the paper. if that didnt make sense do comment XD

 

There is an inverter after the ILS and just before the stacker. This is used depending on combination you have selected of the following - Face Up/Face Down, 1-N/N-1 and wether you are printing to the Top Tray, Bypass Tray or Stacker

--
Mark

 

To follow-up on this thread, I have found adj13 to be excellent! I work in an uncontrolled environment and constantly have to battle with curled paper. I've discovered many tricks to get paper to run, but making it stack straight is a world of its own. Keeping the static down and using this decurler adjustment works wonders on improving stackability (?). I honestly only use this adjustment when I have a job that stacks poorly (80# gloss text definitely curls quickly in poor environment). Following the procedure step-by-step works quite well. Only thing is, don't forget to restore NVMs to default after you use it or you may find jams on other stocks.

Thanks to iGentleman for providing this. I'm still unsure why my igen4 manual doesn't include this adjustment.