Supplies & Maintenance

5 Signs Your Printer is Dying (Solutions)

Submitted by Matthew Eberhart on Wed, 03/20/2024 - 14:32

 

All technology is prone to error.

Printers, like all machines, require routine maintenance to function at a high level. On average, printers have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, so they’re bound to have issues after this time. How long your printer lasts depends on various factors, such as the type of printer you use (inkjet or laser) and how often you use it.

Maintaining and troubleshooting your printer is important because it can help you avoid replacement costs or extra maintenance fees later. The better you can identify issues with your printer, the quicker you can fix them or find a solution.

With almost 40 years in the business, STPT's knowledge of printers and office equipment has made us experts in their maintenance and upkeep.

How to Replace the Waste Toner Bottle on the Xerox C410/C415

Submitted by Matthew Eberhart on Mon, 03/18/2024 - 15:20
Video

 

Do you ever feel frustrated when your printer suddenly stops working, only to discover it's a simple maintenance issue like replacing the waste toner bottle? If you've been there, you're not alone. In today's digital age, printers are indispensable tools that require regular care to function optimally.

A waste toner bottle plays a vital role in your printer's functionality. As your printer produces documents, it generates toner waste, which needs a dedicated container for disposal. Over time, this container fills up, affecting print quality and potentially causing internal damage if not replaced promptly.

Signs that your waste toner bottle needs replacing include faded prints, streaks on paper, or error messages indicating a full waste toner container.

5 Signs Your Computer Is Dying (Solutions)

Submitted by Liz Adair on Fri, 03/15/2024 - 12:35

 

Computers are an essential part of printing and work.

For the last forty years, computers and printers have been two key office fixtures that people depend on for vital data exchange.

At STPT, our expertise is in printers and Xerox office equipment. But, our time in the business has also taught us a thing or two about computers and their maintenance. Printers connect to your computer's network, so our STPT printer experts must have advanced computer technology knowledge to ensure your printer stays running.

However, all technology is prone to error and requires constant maintenance to continue functioning at a high level.

If you don't put the effort in now to keep your computer running smoothly, then you'll likely have to pay for that lack of effort later with steep replacement costs and extra maintenance fees.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replace Imaging Unit on Xerox B410/B415 Printers

Submitted by Matthew Eberhart on Thu, 03/14/2024 - 15:28
Video

 

The imaging unit, also known as the imaging kit, image drum, or drum unit, is a replaceable supply that plays a crucial role in laser printers. It transfers toner and images/text to paper during the printing process.

If your drum is worn, you'll notice spots and/or lines on the pages, and the images will appear lighter than usual. This is a sign that you need a new drum.

At STPT, we aim to provide quality printing information that is easy to understand so you know where to find answers to your print questions. Throughout our 35+ years in the industry, we've serviced thousands of printers and want to share our knowledge with you.

If you're experiencing print quality issues or receiving notifications to replace the imaging unit on your Xerox B410 or B415 printer, don't worry. Our guide will show you how to do so step by step. Whether you're an experienced technician or a beginner, you'll find this tutorial easy to follow.

Printer/Copier Size vs. Space Requirements (Differences) 

Submitted by Joel Metzler on Wed, 03/13/2024 - 09:00

 

One of the top things you need to determine before purchasing an office printer/copier is where you'll set it up in your office, home, living room, business, etc. You need to consider not only the printer's size but also its placement so that you can properly access it when needed.

Printers today come in all shapes and sizes, catering to diverse needs and spaces. There's a printer for every scenario, from compact, desktop-friendly models to large, multifunction machines. 

While powerful and feature-rich, large multifunction printers (MFPs) often lean towards bulkier designs that can take up a lot of space in your business or workspace.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Toner on New Xerox B410 & B415 Printers

Submitted by Matthew Eberhart on Thu, 03/07/2024 - 11:35
Video

 

Are printer maintenance tasks leaving you feeling stumped? Does the mere thought of changing toner cartridges send shivers down your spine?  

Fear not. At STPT, we have over 40 years of expertise in the printer industry. We have serviced thousands of printers, so we understand your concerns.

Toner is long-lasting, but when the time comes to replace it, your printer will let you know. It’s a simple process that takes no time at all.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to change toner cartridges, specifically focusing on the Xerox B410 and B415 printers. By the end of this blog, you'll feel confident tackling this essential maintenance task with ease. So, let's dive in and empower you to become a printer maintenance pro!

How Do I Print From My Phone? (Instructions)

Submitted by Karla Metzler on Wed, 02/21/2024 - 09:00
Video

 

If I had told you 20 years ago that it would be possible to print directly from your mobile phone using modern technology, you would have probably looked at me with confusion and concern for my mental state.

However, the advancement of technology has made it so that you can print from your smartphone no matter where you are, as long you have the conditions in place for the type of mobile printing you want to accomplish, which we will go over in this blog.     

As a local print vendor, we've been asked, "How do I print from my phone?" countless times, so we've compiled a comprehensive article to guide you through the steps for mobile printing on iPhone and Android devices.   

6 Different Types of Paper for Printing  

Submitted by Mary Shamburger on Fri, 02/16/2024 - 09:22
Video

 

Have you ever stopped to think about how much paper plays a role in our most important moments?

From love letters to diplomas, wedding invitations to birth certificates, a piece of paper documents life's milestones. 

Although a newly married couple may give little thought to the type of paper their marriage certificate is printed on, for a business, it is crucial to know what kind of paper is needed to print/copy essential documents on.   

Beyond paper size, material, and color, the specific type of printing paper you choose can make a difference in your output. Using the appropriate paper type can prevent paper jams, low-quality prints, and wasted money.

How to Safely Move Your Copier/Printer (Instructions)

Submitted by Michaela McMellan on Fri, 02/09/2024 - 09:00

 

If you own a high-quality multifunction printer (MFP) for your business, you know they are not small machines you can quickly move around. These printers contain heavy materials like metal and can weigh more than 250 pounds, which is difficult for the average person to carry. 

Regardless, it's important to note that when moving MFPs, we do not recommend doing it yourself. Even if you possess superhuman strength levels, a printer's internal parts are delicate and require expert handling.   

For this reason, we encourage you to call us if you need to move your machine. Our service technicians will ensure that your copier is transported safely to where you need it.

If you attempt to move the machine yourself and an accident happens, you will be liable for any damages that may occur to the printer. 

4 Warning Signs of a Toner Scammer and Ways to Avoid Them

Submitted by Byanka Ramos on Wed, 01/31/2024 - 08:13

Have you received phone calls from people trying to sell you toner over the phone? If yes, be cautious, as these calls may be from toner phoners who are trying to scam you. Every day, Americans receive an average of 3.7 scam calls, so it's essential to stay alert. For businesses that receive calls more frequently, the risk of falling prey to toner scams is even higher. Unfortunately, business owners who have fallen into this trap have lost money without any means of recovering their losses.  

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