Epson AcuLaser C8500, Service Manual

Page: 79 / 570

EPSON AcuLaser C8500 Revision C
Operating Principles 2-2
2.1 Print Process
2.1.1 Print Process Overview
This printer is a full color laser printer that works by the principle of
electrophotographic recording. Printers using the principle of
electrophotographic recording available up to now were only capable of
printing with a single color of toner. This printer prints in full color by forming an
image of the various color toners “Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black (YMCBk)” on
the drum and overlapping the various toner images on the IBT BELT ASSY
(hereinafter referred to as Belt).
The print process consists of the following basic steps:
1) Electrification: The drum surface is charged with electricity.
2) Exposure: The image area is exposed by laser radiation.
3) Developing: The image area is developed with toner.
4) Primary transfer: Toner image on the drum is transferred to the
belt.
5) Cleaning: The drum is cleaned.
6) Repeat: When in the YMCBk mode, steps 1 - 5 are
repeated for each of the 4 toner colors, and
the complete toner image
is formed of the 4 toner colors on the Belt.
(This step is not performed in the B/W mode.)
7) Secondary transfer: The complete 4-color toner image on the belt
is transferred to the paper adhering to the belt.
8) Electrical discharging: The electric charge of the paper is
discharged.
9) Cleaning: The Belt is cleaned.
10) Fixing: The toner is fixed on the paper by heat and
pressure.
Figure 2-1. Print Process Overview