User GuideIM 550/600 series

When the Printing Result Is Not as Expected

Note

  • When confirming or changing the settings in [Settings], press [Home] (Operation panel screen illustration) after closing [Settings].

When the Printed Image Does Not Appear as Desired

Condition

Cause

Solution and reference

The paper becomes dirty when printing.

Paper other than recommended paper is used.

Use recommended paper.

The thickness of the paper is not correctly specified.

  • Specify the correct paper thickness in the following procedure.

    • Settings screen type: Standard

      Select the paper tray in [Settings][Tray/Paper Settings][Paper Size/Paper Type], and specify the correct "Paper Thickness" in [Paper Type/Thickness].

    • Settings screen type: Classic

      Select the paper tray in [Settings][Tray/Paper Settings][Paper Size/Paper Type], and the correct paper thickness in [Paper Thickness].

  • Change the [Paper Type] in the printer driver.

White bands appear on a transparent film.

Paper powder rubbed off the paper and is adhering to the transparent film.

Wipe the front and back sides of the transparent film with a dry cloth.

White spots or smears in the form of water droplets appear on the copied image.

The moisture in the paper has evaporated and condensed on the surface.

The printed image appears faded.

[Toner Saving] is specified in the printer driver.

Disable [Toner Saving] in the printer driver.

Conserving Toner When Printing

Coarse paper or paper with a treated surface is used.

Use recommended paper.

The paper contains too much moisture.

Use paper that has been stored in a dry environment.

Toner has run out.

When the “Add Toner” message is displayed on the screen, replace the toner.

Replacing the Toner

The printed image becomes smeared when you rub your finger on the output paper. (Toner is not properly fused onto the paper)

The paper type setting is not specified properly when using non-standard paper such as thick paper.

Change the [Paper Type] in the printer driver.

Basic Procedure for Printing Documents

White spots appear on the printed image.

The paper contains too much moisture.

Use paper that has been stored in a dry environment.

The printed photo appears grainy.

The image resolution was reduced by the application when printed.

PostScript 3

  • Windows

    Change the setting in [Detailed Settings] tab [Print Quality:Standard] menu [Advanced Settings][Details...][Dithering:].

  • OS X/macOS

    Increase the resolution on [Printer Features][Print Quality] in "Feature Sets:" "Resolution:".

Solid or dotted lines appear faint.

An appropriate dithering pattern is not specified in the printer driver.

PostScript 3

  • Windows

    Change the setting in [Detailed Settings] tab [Print Quality:Standard] menu [Advanced Settings][Details...][Dithering:].

  • OS X/macOS

    Check dithering on [Printer Features][Print Quality] in "Feature Sets:" "Dithering:".

Thin lines are not printed, or printed as jagged or irregular lines.

Hairline is specified on the document.

PostScript 3

  • Windows

    Change the setting in [Detailed Settings] tab [Print Quality:Standard] menu [Advanced Settings][Details...][Dithering:].

  • OS X/macOS

    Change the setting in dithering on [Printer Features][Print Quality] in "Feature Sets:" "Dithering:".

  • If the problem persists, disable the line thickness in the application.

Images are printed at an angle.

Paper is fed slanted.

Check that the side fences in the source tray are correctly set.

An image is partially printed, or an extra page is printed.

A paper size smaller than the image is specified in the printer driver.

Check that the paper size specified in [Print On] or [Paper Size] in the printer driver matches the paper size specified in the document. If paper of the same size is not available, reduce or enlarge the image size.

Scaling Data to Fit the Specified Paper Size

The page layout is misaligned, or the last character on the page is printed on the next page.

The print area specified on the document exceeds the maximum printable area of the machine.

  • The size of the maximum printable area varies depending on the printer. Check the printable area of the machine.

    Printable Area and Margin

PostScript 3

  • When you have specified Reduce/Enlarge or Layout in the printer driver, adjust the layout and text size in the document.

  • In Windows, you can change the printable area in "Printable Area" on the [Detailed Settings] tab [2 Sided/Layout/Booklet] menu in the printer driver.

Some specific characters such as a user-define character is not printed correctly.

(text garbling)

The image processing feature of the machine was used when printing in Windows.

In the printer driver, change "Vector/Raster" to [Raster] on the [Detailed Settings] tab [Print Quality:Advanced] menu.

Characters are not printed correctly when a PDF file is printed from an SD card or USB flash memory device.

(garbled text)

The font is not embedded in the PDF file.

Embed the font in the PDF file.

The image on the backside of two-sided printing is upside-down when printed in the portrait orientation.

Long edge bind is not selected in the printer driver.

Right-click the machine icon on the "Devices and Printers" screen, and display the printing preferences. Select [Portrait] in "Orientation", and then select [Long Edge Bind(Open to Left/Top)] in "2 sided:" on the [Frequently Used Settings] tab.

The image on the backside of two-sided printing is upside-down when printed in the landscape orientation.

  • To turn pages from right to left:

    Short edge bind is not configured in the printer driver.

  • To turn pages from bottom to top:

    Long edge bind is not configured in the printer driver.

  • To turn pages from right to left:

    Right-click the machine icon on the "Devices and Printers" screen, and display the printing preferences. Select [Landscape] in "Orientation", and then select [Short Edge Bind(Open to Top/Left)] in "2 sided:" on the [Frequently Used Settings] tab.

  • To turn pages from bottom to top:

    Right-click the machine icon on the "Devices and Printers" screen, and display the printing preferences. Select [Landscape] in "Orientation", and then select [Long Edge Bind(Open to Left/Top)] in "2 sided:" on the [Frequently Used Settings] tab.

The printed image is upside-down when printing onto envelopes or label paper.

You are printing onto paper, such as envelopes or label paper, that must be loaded in a specified orientation.

If the paper cannot be loaded in a reverse orientation, rotate the image by 180 degree in the printer driver.

On the "Devices and Printers" screen, right-click the machine icon, and display the printing preferences. Select the "Rotate by 180 Degrees" check box on the [Detailed Settings] tab [Basic] menu.

The back sides of prints are partially dirty.

The fixing ratio of toner is too low. This problem may occur when very dense images such as halftone images are printed.

  • Specify a paper thickness that is greater than the one currently set in paper type settings. If specifying thicker paper does not resolve the problem, specify a paper thickness that is further greater than the one currently used.

  • If the problem persists, print in Silent mode.

Images smudge when rubbed. (Toner is not fixed.)

The fixing ratio of toner is too low. This problem may occur when very dense images such as halftone images are printed.

  • Specify a paper thickness that is greater than the one currently set in paper type settings. If specifying thicker paper does not resolve the problem, specify a paper thickness that is further greater than the one currently used.

  • If the problem persists, print in Silent mode.

Prints are smeared with toner.

The fixing ratio of toner is too low. This problem may occur when very dense images such as halftone images are printed.

  • Specify a paper thickness that is greater than the one currently set in paper type settings. If specifying thicker paper does not resolve the problem, specify a paper thickness that is further greater than the one currently used.

  • If the problem persists, print in Silent mode.

Image is too light.

The drum has condensation on it.

If this problem occurs, consult your service representative.

Image is out of focus.

The drum has condensation on it.

If this problem occurs, consult your service representative.

Toner is smudged.

The toner was smudged by moisture in the paper.

  • Use paper that has been stored where temperature and humidity conditions meet the limitations we recommend.

    Recommended Paper Sizes and Types

  • If the problem persists, consult your service representative.

When Paper Cannot Be Fed or Ejected as Specified

Condition

Cause

Solution and reference

Paper may not be fed from the source tray specified on the control panel, or may not be printed in the paper orientation specified on the source tray.

[Driver / Command] is specified in Tray Setting Priority.

  • Specify a paper tray in "Input Tray:" on the [Frequently Used Settings] tab in the printer driver.

  • Specify [Machine Setting(s)] in the following setting items.

    • Settings screen type: Standard

      [Settings][Tray/Paper Settings][Printer][Tray Setting Priority]

    • Settings screen type: Classic

      [Settings][Machine Features Settings][Printer Settings][System] tab [Tray Setting Priority]

A document is printed on paper that is different from the paper size or type specified in the printer driver.

The paper tray loaded with the paper of the size or type specified in the printer driver is not available or paper is not loaded in the tray when [Auto Continue] is specified.

  • Load the paper and then check that the paper size and type are correctly specified in the following setting items.

    • Settings screen type: Standard

      [Settings][Tray/Paper Settings]

    • Settings screen type: Classic

      [Settings][Tray Paper Settings]

    Loading Paper into the Paper Tray

  • When [Off] is specified in the following setting items, a message is displayed if the specified paper is unavailable.

    • Settings screen type: Standard

      [Settings][Printer Settings][System][Error Action][Auto Continue]

    • Settings screen type: Classic

      [Settings][Machine Features Settings][Printer Settings][System] tab [Auto Continue]

Paper becomes wrinkled.

Paper is too thin.

Use recommended paper.

The paper contains too much moisture.

Use paper that has been stored in a dry environment.

The paper is not placed correctly on the machine.

See the items to check when paper jam occurs frequently, and check that paper is loaded correctly.

When Paper or an Original Is Jammed

Edge of the paper may become bent.

Paper other than recommended paper is used.

Use recommended paper.

The paper contains too much moisture.

Use paper that has been stored in a dry environment.

The paper is not placed correctly on the machine.

See the items to check when paper jam occurs frequently, and check that paper is loaded correctly.

When Paper or an Original Is Jammed

The ejected paper is not aligned.

The paper is not placed correctly on the machine.

See the items to check when paper jam occurs frequently, and check that paper is loaded correctly.

When Paper or an Original Is Jammed

More than one sheet of paper is ejected at one time. (multi-sheet feeding)

The sheets of paper are in close contact with each other.

Fan the sheets thoroughly before loading them in the paper tray.

Duplex printing cannot be performed.

The specified paper is too thick or too thin.

Check the paper thickness that is supported in Duplex printing, and load the paper in the tray.

List of Specifications

  • Settings screen type: Standard

    The Paper Type that is not supported in Duplex printing is specified on the paper tray to use or the paper is not specified as the target of Duplex printing in [Tray/Paper Settings].

  • Settings screen type: Classic

    The Paper Type that is not supported in Duplex printing is specified on the paper tray to use or the paper is not specified as the target of Duplex printing in [Tray Paper Settings].

Check the paper type and the duplex setting in the following procedure.

  • Settings screen type: Standard

    Select the paper tray in [Settings][Tray/Paper Settings][Paper Size/Paper Type], and select [Apply Duplex] check box.

  • Settings screen type: Classic

    Select the paper tray in [Settings][Tray/Paper Settings][Paper Size/Paper Type], and specify [On] in "Duplex".

Envelopes are not fed, or a double feeding or paper jam occurs.

The envelopes are curled.

Correct the curl on the envelopes, and load them in the tray correctly.

Envelope Orientation and Recommended Status

Paper is jammed when printing.

Paper other than recommended paper is used.

Use recommended paper.

The paper is not placed correctly on the machine.

See the items to check when paper jam occurs frequently, and check that paper is loaded correctly.

When Paper or an Original Is Jammed

When printing using the bypass tray, the paper size and type are not correctly specified in the printer driver.

Check that the paper size and type are correctly specified.

Other Problems

Condition

Cause

Solution and reference

It takes time after instructing the machine to print a document and until the machine starts printing the first page.

The machine was in the Sleep mode or Low Power mode, and is taking a long time to recover from the mode.

  • When you are printing after leaving the machine unoperated for a long time, wait a while until the machine recovers from the energy-saving mode.

  • You can specify the settings in the following procedure.

    • Settings screen type: Standard

      You can specify the settings for the Sleep mode or Fusing Unit Off mode such as the time to wait before entering the mode on [Settings][System Settings][Date/Time/Timer][Timer].

    • Settings screen type: Classic

      You can specify the settings for the Sleep mode or Low Power mode such as the time to wait before entering the mode on the [Settings][Machine Features Settings][System Settings][Timer Settings] tab.

It is taking a long time to print a page.

The document to print contains many photos or figures, and it is taking a long time to process the document on the computer.

  • If the Data-in indicator () in the lower left corner of the control panel is flashing, the machine is receiving the print data. Wait a while.

  • Decrease Resolution in the printer driver.

  • In Windows, select the speed-priority in "Print Priority:" on the [Print Quality:Standard] menu.

It is taking a long time to print a page.

Your computer is automatically detecting the printer on the network and creating a port by using WSD (Web Services for Devices).

Uninstall the printer driver, restart the computer, and then install the printer driver again.

It is taking a long time to print a page.

(wireless LAN connection)

The reception is poor.

Move the machine, or remove obstacles between the machine and the computer, and check if the situation improves.

Other Wi-Fi devices are interfering with the machine.

Turn off the power of other Wi-Fi devices and check if the situation improves.

Another device that uses radio waves at the same frequency such as a microwave oven or cordless telephone is interfering with the machine.

Turn off the power of such devices and check if the situation improves.

The suspended print restarts from the middle.

[I/O Timeout] is specified to be short.

Specify [I/O Timeout] to be longer in the following setting items.

  • Settings screen type: Standard

    [Settings][Printer Settings][Host Interface]

  • Settings screen type: Classic

    [Settings][Machine Features Settings][Printer Settings][Host Interface] tab

An option attached to the machine is not properly recognized.

Bidirectional communication is not enabled in the printer driver when connecting via USB under Windows.

Right-click the machine icon on the "Devices and Printers" screen, and display the printer properties. Select the [Enable bidirectional support] check box on the [Ports] tab.

Checking Whether Bidirectional Communication Is Enabled or Disabled

Options are not configured when connecting via USB under OS X/mac OS.

Options are not recognized automatically when the machine is connected via USB under OS X/mac OS. Select the option attached to the machine in [System Preferences...] [Printers & Scanners] select this machine [Options & Supplies...] [Options].

Combine, Booklet, or Auto Enlarge cannot be performed as specified.

The original orientation and size settings specified in the printer driver do not match the settings in the document.

Check whether the original orientation and size settings match.

Some types of data, such as graphics data or data from certain applications, do not print.

The printer driver settings are not configured correctly.

PCL 5e

Change "Resolution" to [600 x 600 dpi] in the [Detailed Settings] tab [Print Quality:Standard] menu.

PCL 6

  • Change "Print Priority" to [Quality] in the [Detailed Settings] tab [Print Quality:Standard] menu.

  • Change "Vector/Raster" to [Raster] in the [Detailed Settings] tab [Print Quality:Advanced] menu.

PostScript 3

  • Windows

    Select [Photographic] in [Detailed Settings] tab [Print Quality:Standard] menu [Advanced Settings][Details...] "Dithering:".

  • OS X/macOS

    Change the setting on [Printer Features][Print Quality] in "Feature Sets:" "Dithering:".

For details about the printer driver settings, see the printer driver Help.

Some characters are not printed or appear strange.

The printer driver settings are not configured correctly.

PCL 5e

Change "Resolution" to [600 x 600 dpi] in the [Detailed Settings] tab [Print Quality:Standard] menu.

PCL 6

  • On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality:Standard] in "Menu:", and then select [Quality] in the "Print Priority:" list.

  • In the printer driver, change "Vector/Raster" to [Raster] in the [Detailed Settings] tab [Print Quality:Advanced] menu.

PostScript 3

  • Windows

    Change the setting in [Detailed Settings] tab [Print Quality:Standard] menu [Advanced Settings][Details...][Dithering:].

  • OS X/macOS

    Increase the resolution on [Printer Features][Print Quality] in "Feature Sets:" "Resolution:".

For details about the printer driver settings, see the printer driver Help.

Print speed or application relinquishing speed is slow.

The printer driver settings are not configured correctly.

PCL 6

Select [Speed] in the [Detailed Settings] tab [Print Quality:Standard] menu [Print Priority:] list.

For details about the printer driver settings, see the printer driver Help.

Quit any other applications.

Print ends mid-job.

An error might have occurred.

Check the machine's display panel to see if an error has occurred.

Blank pages are not printed in two-sided printing.

[Do not Print Blank Pages] is specified in the printer driver.

On the "Devices and Printers" screen, right-click the machine icon, and display the printing preferences. Clear the [Do not Print Blank Pages] check box on the [Detailed Settings] tab [2 Sided/Layout/Booklet] menu.

The printed paper is completely blank.

There is a problem with the printer driver, application, or data.

Print a test page.

On the "Devices and Printers" screen, right-click the machine icon, and then click [Printer properties] [Print Test Page].

If the test page is blank, install the printer driver again. If the problem persists, consult your sales or service representative.

If the test page is not printed normally, there may be a problem with the application or data. Consult the provider of the application or data.

You cannot change settings on the printer.

You do not have permission to change the settings in the printer driver.

Consult your computer administrator.

Settings such as two-sided and paper size are not displayed on the OS X/macOS printer driver.

There is an error in the [Kind] setting in the printer driver.

Click [System Preferences...] [Print & Scan] or [Printers & Scanners], select this machine, and then make sure that the [Kind] matches the name of the printer driver for the machine.

If [Generic PostScript Printer] is displayed or the name of the printer driver is different from that for the machine, install the printer driver again.