Carrier Belt Artifact

[Stiv]

I have a carrier belt artifact that shows up between 11.375" to 11.625" from the OB edge of the sheet. It does not show on Xerox paper of the similar weight - 80# txt.
It appears it is from the carrier belt holes after the transfer and before the fuser.
I don't have any experience with adjusting paper settings and am wondering if I set the media to heavier weight or lighter weight would eliminate the artifact, or is there something else I can do?

 

[RMiGen]

Is the type of paper you are using uncoated and the artifact looks sort of like snow? You may need to change the transfer current down. Using the Help button on your PSIP (below the Diagnostics button), type in snow artifact and it will show an example of the artifact and how to adjust the transfer current.

That's my wild shot in the dark for adjusting paper settings and getting rid of an artifact.

 

[Stiv]

No, the paper is 80# Gloss Coated Text. The artifact looks like swirly circles, same size as the holes on the carrier belt. I was told it may be related to heat build up in the fuser area, but it starts on the first sheet and not after running for awhile.

 

[igen jim]

Have you tried changing the belt?

 

[Stiv]

No I haven't changed the PR Belt. The artifact is coming from the black belt that carries the paper from the transfer to the fuser.
When I changed the stock to Xerox paper, the artifact went away. It only shows if the area printing is a solid light tint.

 

[RMiGen]

This almost looks like the same thing I get with damaged paper. Are there any dents/clamp marks/bumps/etc on the sheet? If you rotate the sheets in the feeder and try again, do the artifacts stay on the same side, or move with the orientation of the sheet?

If you've already done this and all is well, I have nothing more to say. I've never seen that before.

 

[Stiv]

The mark is always 11.375" in on the sheet. I just did a hard stop and could only see the artifact POST-Fuser and not pre-fuser. I can't figure it out. Why would the 3rd row of holes on the 4th belt cause swirly circle patterns on the sheet? I don't get it. I tried another weight of stock and the pattern was still there, just not on the Xerox paper.
I tried to "fool" the iGen into thinking the stock was another weight (lighter & heavier) but the mark was still there.
Ugh, Is it Friday yet?

 

[RMiGen]

Is it on the fuser roll? Is the Pressure Roll Contact Arc within spec?

 

[Stiv]

No and yes. I put a new roll on and got the same artifact.

 

[igen jim]

Stiv
Sorry thought PR belt.
The last time I seen that artifact the transport belts needed replaced. The temp from the fuser.
That is my 2 cents. Hope this will help.
Jim

 

[Milo Wilson]

It almost resembles donut deletions.

 

[Stiv]

Can you explain further about donut deletions? What is the cause and/or solution?

 

[ddigen3]

I'm sure it has something to do with the police, right?

 

[Stiv]

Prolly. lol. Mmmm, donuts.

 

[flangmasterj]

One of the blower holes (don't know technical name) beneath your heat roll isn't blocked is it?

 

[igen jim]

So Stiv
What ever happened with this issue?
Jim

 

[Stiv]

It still occurs. I was told it was content and media related and the iGen is not the issue.

It shows up most with light blue screens and will appear on both 80# text and cover. It does not show up when running Xerox paper. It is always lined up with the 3nd set of holes of the 4th belt on the carrier from the fuser.

I am trying to get another brand of stock in to test.

 

[Stiv]

Had some techs in diagnosing another issue when one comes across this carrier belt issue. Looks in the fuser area and tells me I need a fan upgrade. They should be installing it today, will let you know what happens.

Have new carrier belts with tiny holes and a mod to the fan at the exit of the fuser that only turns it on when paper is running.

So far, so good.