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Lexmark MS421

Lexmark MS421

Images Printed on Cotton Media Appear to be Smeared and Toner Rubs/Flakes Off

Issue description

When printing a document using any type of cotton media, it causes a Fuse Grade issue where the toner rubs/flakes off and results in a smeared image.

(A) Smeared Printout on Cotton Media

It has been observed that the issue is also persistent when using any brand of cotton media. Some of these brands are listed below:

  • Nennah Bond
  • Strathmore Writing (25% cotton)
  • Capitol Bond 25% cotton 20% recycled

Solution

Follow these steps in succession, or jump directly to a topic if you have already eliminated any of these possible causes:

  • Confirm the correct Paper Type for the specified tray
  • Confirm correct Paper Weight for the Paper Type
  • Confirm media meets approved paper specifications
StepAction

1

Check the Paper Type for the media loaded in the printer's paper tray.

To do this from the control panel:

To do this from the Embedded Web Server (EWS):

  • From the home screen, navigate to: Settings > Paper > Tray Configuration > Paper Size / Type.
  • Select which Source you would like the settings to be applied to (e.g., Tray 1)
  • Adjust the paper type setting to Rough/Cotton.
  • Press the OK button.
  • Perform a test print.
  • Open a web browser and enter http://printer's_IP_address into the address field.
  • Click Settings > Paper > Tray configuration > Type.
  • Select which Source you would like the setting to be applied to (e.g., Tray 1)
  • Change the type to Rough/Cotton, and click Save.
  • Perform a test print.

2

Check the Paper Weight for the type of media selected.

To do this from the control panel:

  • From the home screen, navigate to: Settings > Paper > Media Configuration > Media Types.
  • Select which type of paper you would like to apply the changes.
  • After selecting the type of paper, change the weight to (e.g., Plain - Medium or Heavy, Cardstock - Medium, Heavy)
  • Press the OK button.
  • Perform a test print.

Note:  Adjusting the paper weight to anything higher could possibly cause a paper curl issue. Make sure to observe which setting will be suitable for the print out.

To do this from the Embedded Web Server (EWS):

  • Open a web browser and enter http://printer's_IP_address into the address field.
  • Click Settings > Paper > Media Configuration.
  • Change the paper weight for the type selected in Step 2 above, and click Save.
  • Perform a test print.

3

Confirm media meets approved paper specifications. This is found in Paper and specialty media guide of the User Guide.

The printer's_IP_address is the TCP/IP address of the printer. This value can be seen on the printer's home screen or on a printed network settings page. If using a proxy server, then temporarily disable it to load the Web page correctly.

LEGACY ID: SO8575

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