Imaging Unit Design; End User Maintenance - Ricoh Aficio 3228C Manual

Ricoh Aficio 3228C
Product Dynamics

Imaging Unit Design

The Ricoh Aficio 3228C uses laser
technology.
There is still great controversy between
whether laser or LED technology is the
better way to go. LED uses fixed LED
arrays to create the image on the moving
drum while laser technology, as the name
suggests, uses one or more laser beams
that are directed to create the image on
the moving drum via rotating mirrors.
LED proponents claim that laser imaging
technology is more prone to environmental
fluctuation while laser technology
enthusiasts promote that laser imaging is
more flexible allowing smaller and different
sized dots to be created.
In reality, BERTL has seen good and bad
output from both laser and LED printers
over the years and advises users to look
beyond the theory of the imaging process
and see how the device is able to handle
the specific workload critical to your
business. Indeed, many manufacturers
include both LED and laser imaging
technologies in their range.
Just remember not to get sucked in by the
hype and focus on what you need the
technology to do, — create good quality
output for your needs. A device that
produces good PowerPoint presentation
slides may create poor halftone
photography, making it ideal for some and
a waste of money for others.
The imaging drums are aligned in a
tandem fashion, one drum for each color.
The drums, as you can see from the top
photo are positioned at a 45 degree angle
with the paper passing along the transfer
belt over each drum in turn, where the
image is built up. This layout allows the
Ricoh Aficio 3228C to maintain a more
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tel. (1) 732-761-2311
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Replacing toner is a simple process
compact footprint compared to some rivals
that have the imaging units in a line
parallel to the floor.

End User Maintenance

While virtually all devices will be sold with
a maintenance contract, the trend is
towards designing devices that allow end
users to carry out routine maintenance
tasks themselves in an emergency.
Toner supply changes are easy, with the
side door opening to reveal the four toner
bottles.
To gain access to the imaging drum
themselves is not as easy, requiring the
removal of several screw — a factor that
might put some end users off.
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Imaging unit revealed while the
waste toner bottle is replaced
Color at Work
®
Page 6
19-Jan-06