Last Updated on May 10, 2022 by Carlo Dach
The transfer roller is one crucial component of a laser printer, which transfers the toner from the cartridge drum and imprints it on the paper. The transfer drum is electrically charged with the opposing polarity, to attract the toner particles onto the pattern created by the laser beam. The toner particles are then transferred onto the paper at the specific pattern in order to recreate a text or image. Many of the issues that occur with laser printers are due to the malfunctioning of the transfer roller.
A faulty transfer roller will cause the printer to exhibit certain warning signs. It is always recommended to pay attention to such signs to determine whether the transfer drum caused the issue or not. It is also advisable to rely on a professional technician to resolve the issues related to the transfer drum. Below are some warning signs that indicate a faulty transfer roller in a laser printer.
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Recurrent Paper Jams
Recurrent paper jams are likely to be caused by the malfunctioning of the transfer roller. A failing transfer roller can actually prevent the proper intake of the paper. This causes it to lose its positioning and thereby get stuck inside, causing a paper jam. Following the instructions given in the printer’s manual can clear this, but it is recommended to leave it to a technician.
Squealing Noises
The other common sign of a malfunctioning transfer roller is the presence of squealing noises when the printer is functioning. This is usually the result of a misaligned or broken transfer roller. A simple misalignment of the transfer roller can be easily cleared by referring to the printer manual. In case the roller is broken, have it replaced by a printer technician.
Foul Smell
The emission of a foul and unpleasant smell during printing is another sign of a faulty transfer roller. It is usually caused due to the accumulation of dirt on the sensitive surfaces of the roller. Doing simple cleaning using a soft cloth or compressed air can usually resolve the issue.
Fade Printouts
A faulty transfer roller can result in the production of faded printouts without legibility in the text or image. A dirty roller usually causes this, and carrying out a gentle wipe over the roller surface can restore normal print quality. Such cleaning should be done with caution, as the drum surface is highly sensitive.
Spots in Printouts
If the printout contains spots and streaks in different areas, it is a sure sign of a faulty transfer roller. Wiping the roller surface and carrying out several test printouts can somewhat resolve the issue. However, it is recommended to contact an expert printer technician to have it serviced for restoring normal printing.
