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General discussion

LaserJet card printing

May 7, 2010 11:46PM PDT

I have an HP Laserjet(4050n) and I am trying to print on 3x5 or 4x6 cards (don't care which as long as it works). The manual says the minimum size for this printer is 3x5, but I am having a hard time printing on the cards. It prints, but it seems that maybe they are too short for the roller on the other side to 'grab' them, so it doesn't go through the setting process and the ink just rubs off, also I have to go fish it out of the printer, behind the cartridge each time.

I am not sure what to do, as I said, the manual said the minimum size is 3x5, which I took to mean I could print on a 3x5. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for any help.

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The toner is not "fused."
May 8, 2010 12:09AM PDT

The reason for rubbing off is simple. The paper with the applied toner didn't go through the fuser. I'll shortchange you on how laser printing works here and proceed to my only idea.

Be sure to feed it these so the LONG EDGE of the paper is against the paper guide. For many this means you have to rotate the printing.

Hope this helps,
Bob

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Thanks
May 8, 2010 1:10AM PDT

Thanks Bob, I appreciate sparing me the details, though I figured it was something like that. I tried doing the long side, and that works sometimes, but not always.

I guess my main frustration is that the manual says minimum size is 3x5 and it doesn't work. If it just said it doesn't work with 3x5 or 4x6 I'd move on, but instead I'm so stubborn I have to make it work 'cause they said it should and I need it... but now I am just whining. Sorry.

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It works sometimes.
May 8, 2010 1:42AM PDT

That's another clue. I find that when a printer is in its prime it does it all just fine. As a few years pass (just 2!) then the rubber rollers, pickups and more can't do what they used to. About all one can do is try RUBBER RENEWAL (see google) CLEANERS and hope. The machine's maker does have service available but I find these run more than a new printer.

Which leads me to comment that we have come down to this. Folk expect zero maintenance no-repair devices today. We got such but for a price. (the disposable product.)
Bob

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OK, thanks
May 8, 2010 2:30AM PDT

Bob, thanks for your help, I guess I'll have to find a way around it (print cardstock and cut) or another printer! Appreciate your help,

NMP