Office equipment operating in the office or at home periodically requires replacement of consumables. Changing cartridges in MFPs and printers is usually straightforward. But in order to avoid problems, you need to know some simple rules.
An MFP is a multifunctional device that combines a copier, optical scanner and printer. Some models may also include a fax. Such devices are very popular. They save valuable office or home space. In addition, such a device will cost less than buying all the devices included in it separately.
MFPs are of two types - laser and inkjet. Devices of the first type use powdered toner for operation, which acts as a paint. Inkjet devices print with liquid ink.
Replacing a cartridge in a laser MFP
In laser MFPs, the toner hopper is usually hidden by a cover on the front of the device. Open it. In most cases, to remove the cartridge, it is enough to gently pull on the handle and remove it from the instrument body. Be careful, powder may spill out of it.
Open the package for a new cartridge. Usually it is a box made of thick cardboard, which contains a thick black bag. A laser printer cartridge is a rather complex device, which includes not only a hopper with toner, but also an imaging drum, a charge roller and a magnetic roller.
The drum unit is quite susceptible to damage and hardly protected by the casing, so be very careful when cutting the package to avoid scratching it. Replacement will be quite expensive. Also, protect it from light and do not touch it with your hands.
After removing the cartridge from the bag, carefully remove all protective elements such as the heavy paper that protects the drum unit and the adhesive tape that secures the moving parts. If not removed, they can enter the printer path and damage the device.
Take the cartridge by the handle, shake it gently and insert it into the device. The notches in the device and the tabs on the cartridge are designed to fit only in the correct position. Therefore, do not overdo it. If the cartridge fails to install, try turning it over. Insert it until it locks into place, which should be indicated by a click and lack of free movement of the cartridge. Then close the lid tightly. If it does not snap into place, the device will not work.
Replacing cartridges in an inkjet MFP
Inkjet devices are commonly used at home. Replacing the cartridges in them requires care, because most of these devices have a rather fragile design.
To access the cartridges, you need to open the top cover, which should be fixed in the extreme position with a special stop. In this case, the device must be turned on. When the cover is opened, the carriage is automatically removed from the parking lot and drives out to a special platform. The cartridges are secured in the carriage or printhead with latches. Bend back their tabs and carefully disassemble the ink tanks.
Open the packaging for new cartridges and remove them. The nozzles of the heads or openings of the ink hoppers are covered with a protective film that must be removed. Install the cartridges carefully according to the color coding. The shape of the carriage usually does not allow them to be installed on the wrong side. A click will notify you of the success of the operation.
Close the cover. Further steps depend on the MFP model. Some models start preparing for work automatically, immediately after closing the lid. Others require you to press a button with a drop icon. Detailed instructions can be found in the user manual or on the manufacturer's website.
