Laser printer image ghosting

[Geri]

On my HP Laserjet 1300 I’m getting "image ghosting" (duplicating images
on the same page). HP’s general answer is to replace the toner
cartridge. OK, I did that the first time although the toner was only
half used. Everything was like new, but now the replacement cartridge
is doing the same thing with 63% of the toner remaining.

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP? I’m
willing to trash this HP printer just like I did with the HP Inkjet that
was eating ink cartridges.

Comments and/or suggestions please.

BTW, I’m using HP’s recommended toner and paper.

Thanks, Geri

 

[Warren Block]

On my HP Laserjet 1300 I’m getting "image ghosting" (duplicating images
on the same page). HP’s general answer is to replace the toner
cartridge. OK, I did that the first time although the toner was only
half used. Everything was like new, but now the replacement cartridge
is doing the same thing with 63% of the toner remaining.

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP? I’m
willing to trash this HP printer just like I did with the HP Inkjet that
was eating ink cartridges.

Comments and/or suggestions please.

BTW, I’m using HP’s recommended toner and paper.

This may be helpful:

http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/forums/laser/36716

My experience is that low-end LaserJets are not great. The 1300 seems
to share the LJ 1200's tendency to skew the image on the paper. The
1300 fuser seems to be a common problem.

I advise people to buy used business-class LaserJets instead of new
low-end lasers. Much better quality, cheaper to run, and cost less.

 

[ato_zee]

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP?

Seems to be a common problem with many laser printers.
Cartridges contain a scavenger blade which removes
undeposited toner from the drum ready to take the next
image. If it doesn't remove the surplus toner it goes
round again resulting in a ghost image, or grey streaks
down the page.
It may be that with old stock, the blade loses plasticisers,
and becomes less flexible, or just wears with use.
Cure replace the cartridge.
My authentic HP cartridges come with a lifetime warrantee,
I've had them replaced under warrantee, but it's a pain in
the butt to get HP to replace them.
You are supposed to replace them via a HP dealer, and
HP dealers don't want to know, unless you are a big
corporate customer whose account they don't want to
lose. So they allege it's a printer fault.
They aren't going to order one specially for you,
or just hand them out from stock on your say so
that it's faulty. Everyone would be asking for replacement
cartridges when 80 percent had been used.
It isn't easy for a retailer to confirm your claim.
So you get on to HP, then you have to find the right
(graphics and imaging products) division for your
territory, then convince them to give a RAN.
They confirm it's faulty, not just empty, and
send a shipping order to their shipping/distribution
facility and a replacement arrives.
It should then give a long life as it is fresh stock.

 

[Barry Watzman]

It's not a common problem with EITHER HP or laser printers, but it can
happen. It happens when the drum is not cleaned completely. There are
three aspects to drum cleaning that occur:

-Excess toner is physically removed by a "cleaning blade" (plastic scraper)

-The drum is discharged by a lamp inside the toner cartridge

-The drum is "recharged" by a corona wire

[We could be talking about different things, I'm talking about a "ghost
image" vertically down the page 1 to 4 inches from the primary image.
It would help to see the page.]

 

[Geri]

Barry,

I’m talking about horizontal images 3 inches apart. In other words, the
words “printer option” would be repeated 3 inches lower on the page.
Also, the problem is common in my case, twice. That's why my question,
is it a HP or all laser printers problem. Should I pitch the printer
and buy another or try a third cartridge?

It's not a common problem with EITHER HP or laser printers, but it can
happen. It happens when the drum is not cleaned completely. There are
three aspects to drum cleaning that occur:

-Excess toner is physically removed by a "cleaning blade" (plastic scraper)

-The drum is discharged by a lamp inside the toner cartridge

-The drum is "recharged" by a corona wire

[We could be talking about different things, I'm talking about a "ghost
image" vertically down the page 1 to 4 inches from the primary image. It
would help to see the page.]

On my HP Laserjet 1300 I’m getting "image ghosting" (duplicating
images on the same page). HP’s general answer is to replace the toner
cartridge. OK, I did that the first time although the toner was only
half used. Everything was like new, but now the replacement cartridge
is doing the same thing with 63% of the toner remaining.

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP? I’m
willing to trash this HP printer just like I did with the HP Inkjet
that was eating ink cartridges.

Comments and/or suggestions please.

BTW, I’m using HP’s recommended toner and paper.

Thanks, Geri

 

[Barry Watzman]

That's what I'd call vertical ghosting .... like you said, "DOWN the page".

It's not common with either HP or laser printers in general. But it
does happen; it's a toner cartridge fault.

The best laser printer is an old, working, HP LaserJet 4+.

Barry,

I’m talking about horizontal images 3 inches apart. In other words, the
words “printer option” would be repeated 3 inches lower on the page.
Also, the problem is common in my case, twice. That's why my question,
is it a HP or all laser printers problem. Should I pitch the printer
and buy another or try a third cartridge?

It's not a common problem with EITHER HP or laser printers, but it can
happen. It happens when the drum is not cleaned completely. There
are three aspects to drum cleaning that occur:

-Excess toner is physically removed by a "cleaning blade" (plastic
scraper)

-The drum is discharged by a lamp inside the toner cartridge

-The drum is "recharged" by a corona wire

[We could be talking about different things, I'm talking about a
"ghost image" vertically down the page 1 to 4 inches from the primary
image. It would help to see the page.]

On my HP Laserjet 1300 I’m getting "image ghosting" (duplicating
images on the same page). HP’s general answer is to replace the
toner cartridge. OK, I did that the first time although the toner
was only half used. Everything was like new, but now the replacement
cartridge is doing the same thing with 63% of the toner remaining.

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP? I’m
willing to trash this HP printer just like I did with the HP Inkjet
that was eating ink cartridges.

Comments and/or suggestions please.

BTW, I’m using HP’s recommended toner and paper.

Thanks, Geri

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Where are you getting the toner cartridges from? If they are new HP
cartridges they should be warranted against this happening. Even if
they are refills or 3rd party, I would hold the company that provides
them to warrant the product. They should not be failing while the toner
cartridge is still partially full. In fact, in general laser cartridge
drums can last several refills.

Art

 

[Tony]

Barry,

I’m talking about horizontal images 3 inches apart. In other words, the
words “printer option” would be repeated 3 inches lower on the page.
Also, the problem is common in my case, twice. That's why my question,
is it a HP or all laser printers problem. Should I pitch the printer
and buy another or try a third cartridge?

It's not a common problem with EITHER HP or laser printers, but it can
happen. It happens when the drum is not cleaned completely. There are
three aspects to drum cleaning that occur:

-Excess toner is physically removed by a "cleaning blade" (plastic scraper)

-The drum is discharged by a lamp inside the toner cartridge

-The drum is "recharged" by a corona wire

[We could be talking about different things, I'm talking about a "ghost
image" vertically down the page 1 to 4 inches from the primary image. It
would help to see the page.]

On my HP Laserjet 1300 I’m getting "image ghosting" (duplicating
images on the same page). HP’s general answer is to replace the toner
cartridge. OK, I did that the first time although the toner was only
half used. Everything was like new, but now the replacement cartridge
is doing the same thing with 63% of the toner remaining.

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP? I’m
willing to trash this HP printer just like I did with the HP Inkjet
that was eating ink cartridges.

Comments and/or suggestions please.

BTW, I’m using HP’s recommended toner and paper.

Thanks, Geri

Geri
If the exact vertical distance from the start of the real image and the start
of the ghost is 2.94 inches (75.4mm) then this is a toner cartridge problem. If
it is 2.47 inches (62.8mm) then it is a fuser problem.
Both cartridges and fusers can cause ghosting but 95% of the time it is a toner
cartridge.
Ghosting is common to all laser printers but should only occur when the
cartridge is at the end of its life but usually does not occur at all.
Try to get the cartridge replaced under warranty.
Good luck.

Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Barry Watzman]

I think I'd modify your comment that "Ghosting is common to all laser
printers" to "Ghosting is potentially possible all laser printers". I
was in the printer industry for 2 decades, and I rarely saw this problem
.... only once or twice. Yes, it can happen if the drum isn't cleaned
(or if toner sticks to the fuser rollers .... which isn't supposed to
happen), but in fact it's rare. Possible, but rare.

Barry,

I’m talking about horizontal images 3 inches apart. In other words, the
words “printer option” would be repeated 3 inches lower on the page.
Also, the problem is common in my case, twice. That's why my question,
is it a HP or all laser printers problem. Should I pitch the printer
and buy another or try a third cartridge?

It's not a common problem with EITHER HP or laser printers, but it can
happen. It happens when the drum is not cleaned completely. There are
three aspects to drum cleaning that occur:

-Excess toner is physically removed by a "cleaning blade" (plastic scraper)

-The drum is discharged by a lamp inside the toner cartridge

-The drum is "recharged" by a corona wire

[We could be talking about different things, I'm talking about a "ghost
image" vertically down the page 1 to 4 inches from the primary image. It
would help to see the page.]


Geri wrote:
On my HP Laserjet 1300 I’m getting "image ghosting" (duplicating
images on the same page). HP’s general answer is to replace the toner
cartridge. OK, I did that the first time although the toner was only
half used. Everything was like new, but now the replacement cartridge
is doing the same thing with 63% of the toner remaining.

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP? I’m
willing to trash this HP printer just like I did with the HP Inkjet
that was eating ink cartridges.

Comments and/or suggestions please.

BTW, I’m using HP’s recommended toner and paper.

Thanks, Geri

Geri
If the exact vertical distance from the start of the real image and the start
of the ghost is 2.94 inches (75.4mm) then this is a toner cartridge problem. If
it is 2.47 inches (62.8mm) then it is a fuser problem.
Both cartridges and fusers can cause ghosting but 95% of the time it is a toner
cartridge.
Ghosting is common to all laser printers but should only occur when the
cartridge is at the end of its life but usually does not occur at all.
Try to get the cartridge replaced under warranty.
Good luck.

Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Tony]

Barry
I respect your experience but have to say that with all "print defect" issues
we see, at least 10% are ghosts of which nearly all are cartridge related.
Tony

I think I'd modify your comment that "Ghosting is common to all laser
printers" to "Ghosting is potentially possible all laser printers". I
was in the printer industry for 2 decades, and I rarely saw this problem
... only once or twice. Yes, it can happen if the drum isn't cleaned
(or if toner sticks to the fuser rollers .... which isn't supposed to
happen), but in fact it's rare. Possible, but rare.

Barry,

I’m talking about horizontal images 3 inches apart. In other words, the
words “printer option” would be repeated 3 inches lower on the page.
Also, the problem is common in my case, twice. That's why my question,
is it a HP or all laser printers problem. Should I pitch the printer
and buy another or try a third cartridge?


Barry Watzman wrote:
It's not a common problem with EITHER HP or laser printers, but it can
happen. It happens when the drum is not cleaned completely. There are
three aspects to drum cleaning that occur:

-Excess toner is physically removed by a "cleaning blade" (plastic scraper)

-The drum is discharged by a lamp inside the toner cartridge

-The drum is "recharged" by a corona wire

[We could be talking about different things, I'm talking about a "ghost
image" vertically down the page 1 to 4 inches from the primary image. It
would help to see the page.]


Geri wrote:
On my HP Laserjet 1300 I’m getting "image ghosting" (duplicating
images on the same page). HP’s general answer is to replace the toner
cartridge. OK, I did that the first time although the toner was only
half used. Everything was like new, but now the replacement cartridge
is doing the same thing with 63% of the toner remaining.

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP? I’m
willing to trash this HP printer just like I did with the HP Inkjet
that was eating ink cartridges.

Comments and/or suggestions please.

BTW, I’m using HP’s recommended toner and paper.

Thanks, Geri

Geri
If the exact vertical distance from the start of the real image and the
start
of the ghost is 2.94 inches (75.4mm) then this is a toner cartridge problem.
If
it is 2.47 inches (62.8mm) then it is a fuser problem.
Both cartridges and fusers can cause ghosting but 95% of the time it is a
toner
cartridge.
Ghosting is common to all laser printers but should only occur when the
cartridge is at the end of its life but usually does not occur at all.
Try to get the cartridge replaced under warranty.
Good luck.

Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Arthur Entlich]

The problem I have seen quite often, and obviously moreso with printers
which do not replace the drum when the toner cartridge runs out, is that
the wiper blade tends to degrade. They seem to be made from a type of
silcone-like plastic/rubber, which has a sharp cut edge which is used to
rub against the drum to remove the excess toner. However, I have seen a
number of problems develop with them.

1) They warp from the heat of the machine, and this causes them to pull
away or apply uneven pressure across the surface of the drum.

2) the material hardens over time. I have successfully removed the
wiper blade, flexed and bent in in each direction numerous times until
it becomes flexible again, and then glued it back into place with high
tack double sided tape of heat resistant glues.

3) It detaches from the anchor edge and over flexes so the edge doesn't
make proper contact with the drum.

This part of the laser printing system seems to be the area which has
been more highly problematic in what is usually otherwise a pretty
reliable process. I haven't looked at very recent machines, but those I
have dissected over the past 10-15 years seem to use similar designs in
this area. I would think they could come up with a better material and
attachment method to avoid this, but I suspect, since most units now use
an all in one cartridge/drum unit, the manufacturers prefer the unit
fail early to discourage refilling.

It's pretty environmentally wasteful, IMHO.

Happy "Live Earth" Day.

Art

I think I'd modify your comment that "Ghosting is common to all laser
printers" to "Ghosting is potentially possible all laser printers". I
was in the printer industry for 2 decades, and I rarely saw this problem
... only once or twice. Yes, it can happen if the drum isn't cleaned
(or if toner sticks to the fuser rollers .... which isn't supposed to
happen), but in fact it's rare. Possible, but rare.

Barry,

I’m talking about horizontal images 3 inches apart. In other words,
the words “printer option” would be repeated 3 inches lower on the
page. Also, the problem is common in my case, twice. That's why my
question, is it a HP or all laser printers problem. Should I pitch
the printer and buy another or try a third cartridge?


Barry Watzman wrote:

It's not a common problem with EITHER HP or laser printers, but it
can happen. It happens when the drum is not cleaned completely.
There are three aspects to drum cleaning that occur:

-Excess toner is physically removed by a "cleaning blade" (plastic
scraper)

-The drum is discharged by a lamp inside the toner cartridge

-The drum is "recharged" by a corona wire

[We could be talking about different things, I'm talking about a
"ghost image" vertically down the page 1 to 4 inches from the
primary image. It would help to see the page.]


Geri wrote:

On my HP Laserjet 1300 I’m getting "image ghosting" (duplicating
images on the same page). HP’s general answer is to replace the
toner cartridge. OK, I did that the first time although the toner
was only half used. Everything was like new, but now the
replacement cartridge is doing the same thing with 63% of the toner
remaining.

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP? I’m
willing to trash this HP printer just like I did with the HP Inkjet
that was eating ink cartridges.

Comments and/or suggestions please.

BTW, I’m using HP’s recommended toner and paper.

Thanks, Geri

Geri
If the exact vertical distance from the start of the real image and
the start of the ghost is 2.94 inches (75.4mm) then this is a toner
cartridge problem. If it is 2.47 inches (62.8mm) then it is a fuser
problem.
Both cartridges and fusers can cause ghosting but 95% of the time it
is a toner cartridge.
Ghosting is common to all laser printers but should only occur when
the cartridge is at the end of its life but usually does not occur at
all.
Try to get the cartridge replaced under warranty.
Good luck.

Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Geri]

OK. I’ve read all your opinions and I just can’t justify in my mind
buying another toner cartridge for my Laserjet 1300. I know all
indications of my image ghosting problems point to a bad cartridge but
in the last several months did I get TWO bad cartridges in a row?
Granted the new cartridge did fix the problem….for a time, however, it
seems to me I can get a new printer for not too much more than a new
cartridge.

So I need some recommendations, another HP or Brother or Samsung or what
and what model? It’s for home and occasional use (10-20 pages a week).
I’m not looking for the cheapest because I believe “you get what you
pay for”.

Thanks, Geri

The problem I have seen quite often, and obviously moreso with printers
which do not replace the drum when the toner cartridge runs out, is that
the wiper blade tends to degrade. They seem to be made from a type of
silcone-like plastic/rubber, which has a sharp cut edge which is used to
rub against the drum to remove the excess toner. However, I have seen a
number of problems develop with them.

1) They warp from the heat of the machine, and this causes them to pull
away or apply uneven pressure across the surface of the drum.

2) the material hardens over time. I have successfully removed the
wiper blade, flexed and bent in in each direction numerous times until
it becomes flexible again, and then glued it back into place with high
tack double sided tape of heat resistant glues.

3) It detaches from the anchor edge and over flexes so the edge doesn't
make proper contact with the drum.

This part of the laser printing system seems to be the area which has
been more highly problematic in what is usually otherwise a pretty
reliable process. I haven't looked at very recent machines, but those I
have dissected over the past 10-15 years seem to use similar designs in
this area. I would think they could come up with a better material and
attachment method to avoid this, but I suspect, since most units now use
an all in one cartridge/drum unit, the manufacturers prefer the unit
fail early to discourage refilling.

It's pretty environmentally wasteful, IMHO.

Happy "Live Earth" Day.

Art

I think I'd modify your comment that "Ghosting is common to all laser
printers" to "Ghosting is potentially possible all laser printers". I
was in the printer industry for 2 decades, and I rarely saw this
problem ... only once or twice. Yes, it can happen if the drum isn't
cleaned (or if toner sticks to the fuser rollers .... which isn't
supposed to happen), but in fact it's rare. Possible, but rare.

Barry,

I’m talking about horizontal images 3 inches apart. In other words,
the words “printer option” would be repeated 3 inches lower on the
page. Also, the problem is common in my case, twice. That's why my
question, is it a HP or all laser printers problem. Should I pitch
the printer and buy another or try a third cartridge?


Barry Watzman wrote:

It's not a common problem with EITHER HP or laser printers, but it
can happen. It happens when the drum is not cleaned completely.
There are three aspects to drum cleaning that occur:

-Excess toner is physically removed by a "cleaning blade" (plastic
scraper)

-The drum is discharged by a lamp inside the toner cartridge

-The drum is "recharged" by a corona wire

[We could be talking about different things, I'm talking about a
"ghost image" vertically down the page 1 to 4 inches from the
primary image. It would help to see the page.]


Geri wrote:

On my HP Laserjet 1300 I’m getting "image ghosting" (duplicating
images on the same page). HP’s general answer is to replace the
toner cartridge. OK, I did that the first time although the toner
was only half used. Everything was like new, but now the
replacement cartridge is doing the same thing with 63% of the
toner remaining.

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP? I’m
willing to trash this HP printer just like I did with the HP
Inkjet that was eating ink cartridges.

Comments and/or suggestions please.

BTW, I’m using HP’s recommended toner and paper.

Thanks, Geri


Geri
If the exact vertical distance from the start of the real image and
the start of the ghost is 2.94 inches (75.4mm) then this is a toner
cartridge problem. If it is 2.47 inches (62.8mm) then it is a fuser
problem.
Both cartridges and fusers can cause ghosting but 95% of the time it
is a toner cartridge.
Ghosting is common to all laser printers but should only occur when
the cartridge is at the end of its life but usually does not occur at
all.
Try to get the cartridge replaced under warranty.
Good luck.

Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[measekite]

OK. I’ve read all your opinions and I just can’t justify in my mind
buying another toner cartridge for my Laserjet 1300. I know all
indications of my image ghosting problems point to a bad cartridge but
in the last several months did I get TWO bad cartridges in a row?
Granted the new cartridge did fix the problem….for a time, however, it
seems to me I can get a new printer for not too much more than a new
cartridge.

So I need some recommendations, another HP or Brother or Samsung or
what and what model? It’s for home and occasional use (10-20 pages a
week). I’m not looking for the cheapest because I believe “you get
what you pay for”.

Rather than listen to a bunch of unprofessional advice I would read the
reviews (not perfect but read between the lines) www.pcmag.com and
www.pcworld.com

Thanks, Geri

The problem I have seen quite often, and obviously moreso with
printers which do not replace the drum when the toner cartridge runs
out, is that the wiper blade tends to degrade. They seem to be made
from a type of silcone-like plastic/rubber, which has a sharp cut
edge which is used to rub against the drum to remove the excess
toner. However, I have seen a number of problems develop with them.

1) They warp from the heat of the machine, and this causes them to
pull away or apply uneven pressure across the surface of the drum.

2) the material hardens over time. I have successfully removed the
wiper blade, flexed and bent in in each direction numerous times
until it becomes flexible again, and then glued it back into place
with high tack double sided tape of heat resistant glues.

3) It detaches from the anchor edge and over flexes so the edge
doesn't make proper contact with the drum.

This part of the laser printing system seems to be the area which has
been more highly problematic in what is usually otherwise a pretty
reliable process. I haven't looked at very recent machines, but those
I have dissected over the past 10-15 years seem to use similar
designs in this area. I would think they could come up with a better
material and attachment method to avoid this, but I suspect, since
most units now use an all in one cartridge/drum unit, the
manufacturers prefer the unit fail early to discourage refilling.

It's pretty environmentally wasteful, IMHO.

Happy "Live Earth" Day.

Art

I think I'd modify your comment that "Ghosting is common to all
laser printers" to "Ghosting is potentially possible all laser
printers". I was in the printer industry for 2 decades, and I rarely
saw this problem ... only once or twice. Yes, it can happen if the
drum isn't cleaned (or if toner sticks to the fuser rollers ....
which isn't supposed to happen), but in fact it's rare. Possible,
but rare.


Tony wrote:


Barry,

I’m talking about horizontal images 3 inches apart. In other
words, the words “printer option” would be repeated 3 inches lower
on the page. Also, the problem is common in my case, twice. That's
why my question, is it a HP or all laser printers problem. Should
I pitch the printer and buy another or try a third cartridge?


Barry Watzman wrote:

It's not a common problem with EITHER HP or laser printers, but
it can happen. It happens when the drum is not cleaned
completely. There are three aspects to drum cleaning that occur:

-Excess toner is physically removed by a "cleaning blade"
(plastic scraper)

-The drum is discharged by a lamp inside the toner cartridge

-The drum is "recharged" by a corona wire

[We could be talking about different things, I'm talking about a
"ghost image" vertically down the page 1 to 4 inches from the
primary image. It would help to see the page.]


Geri wrote:

On my HP Laserjet 1300 I’m getting "image ghosting" (duplicating
images on the same page). HP’s general answer is to replace the
toner cartridge. OK, I did that the first time although the
toner was only half used. Everything was like new, but now the
replacement cartridge is doing the same thing with 63% of the
toner remaining.

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP? I’m
willing to trash this HP printer just like I did with the HP
Inkjet that was eating ink cartridges.

Comments and/or suggestions please.

BTW, I’m using HP’s recommended toner and paper.

Thanks, Geri


Geri
If the exact vertical distance from the start of the real image and
the start of the ghost is 2.94 inches (75.4mm) then this is a toner
cartridge problem. If it is 2.47 inches (62.8mm) then it is a fuser
problem.
Both cartridges and fusers can cause ghosting but 95% of the time
it is a toner cartridge.
Ghosting is common to all laser printers but should only occur when
the cartridge is at the end of its life but usually does not occur
at all.
Try to get the cartridge replaced under warranty.
Good luck.

Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Frank]

measekite wrote:

Rather than listen to a bunch of unprofessional advice...

Unprofessional...you mean just like you? Good advice!


I would read the reviews (not perfect but read between the lines)
www.pcmag.com and www.pcworld.com


Read between the lines...ummm...I've got a magnifying glass but I'll be
damned if I can find anything "between the lines".

Well, forget that stupid advice.
Makes more sense to listen to the people who have actually bought and
used the product than someone who hasn't ever used one or some reviewer
who has 10-15 mins to use it then write a report.
Yah think?
Frank

 

[Arthur Entlich]

The problem is obviously the cartridges. The question is where you got
them from. If they are HP OEM, they are warranted and you just need to
contact them about an exchange. If they are refills, many of the refill
companies and rebuilders also warrant the cartridges.

If you refilled them yourself, you need to understand that the wiper
blades do not last indefinitely, and they need to be replaced after a
few refills.

If you are buying cartridges from a company that is so unreputable that
they do not warrant their cartridges, you should not be blaming HP for
this, and the answer is buy cartridges from more reputable businesses.

Replacing your printer is not going to resolve this problem in the long
run if you are once again going to buy unreliable rebuilt cartridges, so
I don't see how that fixes anything.

Again, if the cartridges are OEM, HP should warrant them against failure
during their toner life. They should supply you with an easy way to get
replacements. One of the reason HP does this is because they actually
rebuild the cartridges in some cases, use some recycled parts from
returned cartridges, etc, and claim them to be as good as new. If you
are not getting good performance out of OEM HP cartridge you should let
them know, and claim your warranty. The printer is quite unlikely to be
at fault, and discarding it doesn't involve a great deal of logic.


Art

OK. I’ve read all your opinions and I just can’t justify in my mind
buying another toner cartridge for my Laserjet 1300. I know all
indications of my image ghosting problems point to a bad cartridge but
in the last several months did I get TWO bad cartridges in a row?
Granted the new cartridge did fix the problem….for a time, however, it
seems to me I can get a new printer for not too much more than a new
cartridge.

So I need some recommendations, another HP or Brother or Samsung or what
and what model? It’s for home and occasional use (10-20 pages a week).
I’m not looking for the cheapest because I believe “you get what you
pay for”.

Thanks, Geri

The problem I have seen quite often, and obviously moreso with
printers which do not replace the drum when the toner cartridge runs
out, is that the wiper blade tends to degrade. They seem to be made
from a type of silcone-like plastic/rubber, which has a sharp cut edge
which is used to rub against the drum to remove the excess toner.
However, I have seen a number of problems develop with them.

1) They warp from the heat of the machine, and this causes them to
pull away or apply uneven pressure across the surface of the drum.

2) the material hardens over time. I have successfully removed the
wiper blade, flexed and bent in in each direction numerous times until
it becomes flexible again, and then glued it back into place with high
tack double sided tape of heat resistant glues.

3) It detaches from the anchor edge and over flexes so the edge
doesn't make proper contact with the drum.

This part of the laser printing system seems to be the area which has
been more highly problematic in what is usually otherwise a pretty
reliable process. I haven't looked at very recent machines, but those
I have dissected over the past 10-15 years seem to use similar designs
in this area. I would think they could come up with a better material
and attachment method to avoid this, but I suspect, since most units
now use an all in one cartridge/drum unit, the manufacturers prefer
the unit fail early to discourage refilling.

It's pretty environmentally wasteful, IMHO.

Happy "Live Earth" Day.

Art

I think I'd modify your comment that "Ghosting is common to all laser
printers" to "Ghosting is potentially possible all laser printers".
I was in the printer industry for 2 decades, and I rarely saw this
problem ... only once or twice. Yes, it can happen if the drum isn't
cleaned (or if toner sticks to the fuser rollers .... which isn't
supposed to happen), but in fact it's rare. Possible, but rare.


Tony wrote:


Barry,

I’m talking about horizontal images 3 inches apart. In other
words, the words “printer option” would be repeated 3 inches lower
on the page. Also, the problem is common in my case, twice. That's
why my question, is it a HP or all laser printers problem. Should
I pitch the printer and buy another or try a third cartridge?


Barry Watzman wrote:

It's not a common problem with EITHER HP or laser printers, but it
can happen. It happens when the drum is not cleaned completely.
There are three aspects to drum cleaning that occur:

-Excess toner is physically removed by a "cleaning blade" (plastic
scraper)

-The drum is discharged by a lamp inside the toner cartridge

-The drum is "recharged" by a corona wire

[We could be talking about different things, I'm talking about a
"ghost image" vertically down the page 1 to 4 inches from the
primary image. It would help to see the page.]


Geri wrote:

On my HP Laserjet 1300 I’m getting "image ghosting" (duplicating
images on the same page). HP’s general answer is to replace the
toner cartridge. OK, I did that the first time although the
toner was only half used. Everything was like new, but now the
replacement cartridge is doing the same thing with 63% of the
toner remaining.

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP? I’m
willing to trash this HP printer just like I did with the HP
Inkjet that was eating ink cartridges.

Comments and/or suggestions please.

BTW, I’m using HP’s recommended toner and paper.

Thanks, Geri



Geri
If the exact vertical distance from the start of the real image and
the start of the ghost is 2.94 inches (75.4mm) then this is a toner
cartridge problem. If it is 2.47 inches (62.8mm) then it is a fuser
problem.
Both cartridges and fusers can cause ghosting but 95% of the time it
is a toner cartridge.
Ghosting is common to all laser printers but should only occur when
the cartridge is at the end of its life but usually does not occur
at all.
Try to get the cartridge replaced under warranty.
Good luck.

Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Barry Watzman]

My recommendation is an old, used HP Laserjet 4 Plus. $30 to $50, will
last forever, no problems, great printer. You may need a parallel to
USB converter or, better yet, look for one with an Ethernet network card
installed (fairly common).

OK. I’ve read all your opinions and I just can’t justify in my mind
buying another toner cartridge for my Laserjet 1300. I know all
indications of my image ghosting problems point to a bad cartridge but
in the last several months did I get TWO bad cartridges in a row?
Granted the new cartridge did fix the problem….for a time, however, it
seems to me I can get a new printer for not too much more than a new
cartridge.

So I need some recommendations, another HP or Brother or Samsung or what
and what model? It’s for home and occasional use (10-20 pages a week).
I’m not looking for the cheapest because I believe “you get what you
pay for”.

Thanks, Geri

The problem I have seen quite often, and obviously moreso with
printers which do not replace the drum when the toner cartridge runs
out, is that the wiper blade tends to degrade. They seem to be made
from a type of silcone-like plastic/rubber, which has a sharp cut edge
which is used to rub against the drum to remove the excess toner.
However, I have seen a number of problems develop with them.

1) They warp from the heat of the machine, and this causes them to
pull away or apply uneven pressure across the surface of the drum.

2) the material hardens over time. I have successfully removed the
wiper blade, flexed and bent in in each direction numerous times until
it becomes flexible again, and then glued it back into place with high
tack double sided tape of heat resistant glues.

3) It detaches from the anchor edge and over flexes so the edge
doesn't make proper contact with the drum.

This part of the laser printing system seems to be the area which has
been more highly problematic in what is usually otherwise a pretty
reliable process. I haven't looked at very recent machines, but those
I have dissected over the past 10-15 years seem to use similar designs
in this area. I would think they could come up with a better material
and attachment method to avoid this, but I suspect, since most units
now use an all in one cartridge/drum unit, the manufacturers prefer
the unit fail early to discourage refilling.

It's pretty environmentally wasteful, IMHO.

Happy "Live Earth" Day.

Art

I think I'd modify your comment that "Ghosting is common to all laser
printers" to "Ghosting is potentially possible all laser printers".
I was in the printer industry for 2 decades, and I rarely saw this
problem ... only once or twice. Yes, it can happen if the drum isn't
cleaned (or if toner sticks to the fuser rollers .... which isn't
supposed to happen), but in fact it's rare. Possible, but rare.


Tony wrote:


Barry,

I’m talking about horizontal images 3 inches apart. In other
words, the words “printer option” would be repeated 3 inches lower
on the page. Also, the problem is common in my case, twice. That's
why my question, is it a HP or all laser printers problem. Should
I pitch the printer and buy another or try a third cartridge?


Barry Watzman wrote:

It's not a common problem with EITHER HP or laser printers, but it
can happen. It happens when the drum is not cleaned completely.
There are three aspects to drum cleaning that occur:

-Excess toner is physically removed by a "cleaning blade" (plastic
scraper)

-The drum is discharged by a lamp inside the toner cartridge

-The drum is "recharged" by a corona wire

[We could be talking about different things, I'm talking about a
"ghost image" vertically down the page 1 to 4 inches from the
primary image. It would help to see the page.]


Geri wrote:

On my HP Laserjet 1300 I’m getting "image ghosting" (duplicating
images on the same page). HP’s general answer is to replace the
toner cartridge. OK, I did that the first time although the
toner was only half used. Everything was like new, but now the
replacement cartridge is doing the same thing with 63% of the
toner remaining.

Is this a common problem with all laser printers or only HP? I’m
willing to trash this HP printer just like I did with the HP
Inkjet that was eating ink cartridges.

Comments and/or suggestions please.

BTW, I’m using HP’s recommended toner and paper.

Thanks, Geri


Geri
If the exact vertical distance from the start of the real image and
the start of the ghost is 2.94 inches (75.4mm) then this is a toner
cartridge problem. If it is 2.47 inches (62.8mm) then it is a fuser
problem.
Both cartridges and fusers can cause ghosting but 95% of the time it
is a toner cartridge.
Ghosting is common to all laser printers but should only occur when
the cartridge is at the end of its life but usually does not occur
at all.
Try to get the cartridge replaced under warranty.
Good luck.

Tony
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Gary Tait]

Granted the new cartridge did fix the problem..for a time, however, it
seems to me I can get a new printer for not too much more than a new
cartridge.

Was it in fact a new cartridge? Or a rebuilt one? If the latter, it could
have been rebuilt once too often, and the drum surface is worn out. Or the
discharge lamp is worn or blown, not erasing the drum of its previous
image.

 

[Geri]

Was it in fact a new cartridge? Or a rebuilt one? If the latter, it could
have been rebuilt once too often, and the drum surface is worn out. Or the
discharge lamp is worn or blown, not erasing the drum of its previous
image.

Both were NEW HP cartridges. I went into the "Toolbox" and changed the
print settings to the lightest available and it helped with the ghosting
but there's still something wrong and I'm not convinced it's the
cartridge....not two bad ones in a row.

 

[Splork]

Both were NEW HP cartridges. I went into the "Toolbox" and changed the
print settings to the lightest available and it helped with the ghosting
but there's still something wrong and I'm not convinced it's the
cartridge....not two bad ones in a row.

I second the recommendation for a LJ4+

Add to that a LJ4050. Nice printer with the great (older) HP
build.

 

[dkelvey]

It's not a common problem with EITHER HP orlaserprinters, but it can
happen. It happens when the drum is not cleaned completely. There are
three aspects to drum cleaning that occur:

-Excess toner is physically removed by a "cleaning blade" (plastic scraper)

-The drum is discharged by a lamp inside the toner cartridge

-The drum is "recharged" by a corona wire

Hi Barry
Most printers do not use a corona wires any more, they use a
PCR (primary charge roller). This part is the most common cause
of ghosting in the cases that I've seem. It is rarely the scrapper.
The drum will normally have a thin layer of toner. This is normal.
Don't try to clean this off.
The problem with the PCR is when the printer doesn't have much
useage. It is made of rubber and will oxidize over time. When this
happens, it gets sticky. It will aquire a layer toner that will
insulate
it from the main drum. It will not be able to bring the drum to
the same charge level as the toner and new toner will stick to the
drum on the old spots that had the previous image. Those spots have
a specific charge on them. Other places may have toner on them but
won't
transfer to the paper because they have the wrong charge. That is
why the thin layer of toner on the drum isn't an issue.
I've found out that rebuilders replace or clean these rollers.
I have a 4SI that uses the NX engine. There are several sources
that sell the PCR for about $8. I suspect that whatever toner
cartridge you have, there will be someone you can get this part from.
A careful search will usually show places that also show how
to open the cartridge and get to the PCR.
A high useage printer may have the wiper fail but that is unlikely
for a low useage printer. Even so, this part can be had for around
$3. The only problem is that you also have to get some padding
powder to keep the drum from sticking to the new wipper. A
wiper failure will also tend to cause general graying or blobs
but not ghosting. This is because the wiper has nothing to
do with removing the image. That is controlled by the charge
on the drum.
This is also why I don't recommend trying to clean the drum.
As I said before, there is normally a thin film of toner on the drum
and this keeps the wiper from sticking to the surface of the drum.
If you remove this layer, and don't dust with what is called padding
powder, you can damage the drum and or the wiper.
One does need to get deep inside the toner cartradge to get to
the PCR. I'm told one can clean these with deionize water and
there are special cleaning solutions but the cost is cheap and
I've just replaced them.
If you want to try cleaning the PCR, you don't have much to lose.
Try if first. If the ghosting goes away and then comes back after
a few more pages, you'll know to just purchase a new PCR.
The point is that the cartridge is repairable. If it still has a good
drum and toner, other parts can be replaced.
Dwight