IBM 3000 manual Suggestions for Preventing Jams

Suggestions for Preventing Jams

The best way to prevent jams is to use forms and applications that were designed for use with the printers. Form and application problems cannot be corrected by adjusting or repairing the printer.

If a particular form jams frequently, refer the application owner to the Forms Design Reference for Continuous Forms Advanced Function Printers. This book contains detailed information about selecting forms and designing applications for use with continuous-forms printers.

It is also important to ensure that the forms are loaded correctly. To prevent jams from happening, do the following:

vEnsure that the forms are not being damaged in one of the following areas:

±Forms input area

±Before they reach the transfer corona within the printer engine

±In the Buffer/Flipper Unit between the printers when they are in duplex mode.

vEnsure that the perforations have ties at the ends, not cuts.

vEnsure that the back sides of the forms do not have dark colors or markings when you use simplex mode. Also ensure that both sides of the forms do not have dark colors or markings when the printers are in duplex mode.

vIf you are using fan-fold forms, ensure that the folded or leading edge is not wrinkled or torn.

vIf you are using fan-fold forms and the ®rst page is folded under, ensure that the tractor holes line up exactly. This is especially important if you are using forms with a å/<-inch or æ/<-inch length.

vEnsure that the tractor holes are aligned correctly on the tractor pins.

vEnsure that the forms are positioned correctly in the forms input area. The forms must not twist or tear when they travel around the forms guide and through the transfer station.

vIf the forms are in a box, ensure that the box does not interfere with form movement.

vIf you are using fan-fold forms and the stack of forms seems to curve (dishing), roll the ®rst form in the opposite direction of the curve. Then unroll it before you put the form on the transfer station lower tractors.

vLoad different forms, or if you are using fan-fold forms, a new box of the same forms. Ensure that the forms are loaded correctly.

vIf the jam occurs only with one kind of form, especially one that has not been used before on the printers, the problem may be form-related. Forms that are unusually heavy or light, forms that have holes or cuts, and adhesive-label forms are all likely to cause jams.

Forms orientation may have an effect on stacking and jam frequency. On non-preprinted forms:

±If you are using fan-fold forms, rotating the box 180° can change the frequency of jams.

±Remove damaged sections.

vIf you are using fan-fold forms and you folded back the ®rst page of the form, try loading the form without folding. Conversely, if you did not fold the form, try doing so.

144InfoPrint 3000 Operator's Guide