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Remanufacturing the Panafax UF-550

  • Feb 01, 1997
Steve Skinner has more than five years of hands-on experience in the office products recycling industry and is a valued member of the Color Image technical staff.

    Color Image is a toner manufacturer located in Norcross, Ga. For information about products and their application methods, call Color Image's customer service at (800) 783-1090/(770) 840-1090 or fax (800) 783-9010/(770) 840-7029.

Tools:

  • Phillips Head Screwdriver
  • Small Flat Head Screwdriver
  • Spring Hook
  • Dry Compressed Air or Vacuum

Supplies:

  • High Heat Silicone Lubricant
  • Alcohol
  • Q-Tip Cotton Swabs
  • Soft Cloth or Cotton Applicator
  • Toner (Approx. 350gm.)
  • Seal (AXP-5/10 perimeter seal will work)

When Available:

  • Wiper Blade
  • Doctor Blade
  • OPC Drum
  • PCR Roller

Machine Specs:

    Cost Retail: Approx. $1,995
    Cost Street: Approx. $1,015
    Multifunction Product (M.F.P.) Fax, Print, Scan, Copy
    30 pg. ADF
    12 pg. Memory Std. (up to 335 pg. optional)
    10 Sec Transmit
    250 Sheet Paper Tray (Optional 250 Sheet Tray)
    28 Quick Dials + 72 Speed Dials
    Up to 400 x 400 D.P.I.

Cartridge Specs:

    Stock Code: UG33-13
    Cost New: Approx. $220
    Cost Reman.: Approx. $120
    Yield: Approx. 10,000 Pages @ 5% Page Coverage Monocomponent

Note: This machine has a new feature called Check & Call which automatically notifies the service center of low toner status and certain mechanical problems. Owners of these units will welcome your on-site expertise.

Disassembly:

1) Remove the two screws on the right and left sides on top of the cartridge (see #2). Hold the hopper section with one hand while pulling on the waste section with the other. This will release the waste section from the hopper (see #3). Set the waste section aside for now.

2) In this case, the hopper section houses the drum and PCR. Remove the drum gate first by releasing the tension spring (see #4). Release the metal arms on the right and left sides (see #5 & 6). Then remove the spring.

3) Removing the drum gate allows easy access to the drum, PCR, developer roller, and doctor blade. With the hopper in an upright position, remove the right side drum axle (see #7). The developer roller is spring loaded on this cartridge and will be free once the drum is removed (see #8). Grasp the drum with one hand while removing the left side drum axle making sure the hopper stays in an upright position

4) Using a spring hook first, then your hand, remove the developer roller (see #9 & 10). Now remove the PCR (see #11). The PCR in this cartridge has a soft foam structure. We do not recommend using liquid or chemical cleaners. Wiping the surface with a soft cloth should sufficiently clean off any toner.

5) Remove the two spring-loaded developer roller saddles from the right and left sides (see #12). Next, remove the two screws from the doctor blade. Remove the blade using a spring hook (see #13 & 14).

6) Before blowing out or vacuuming the hopper, remove the metal contact inside the hopper (see #15) and the sealing foam piece on the outside (see #16). Blow out or vacuum the foam on the sealing piece (see #17).

7) Install the seal. Pull the seal tail through the opening where the foam sealing piece was. Replace the cleaned foam piece while holding the seal tail (see #18). A post-test of the cartridge requires approximately 10 to 15 grams of toner above the seal. Replace doctor blade. Until aftermarket blades are available, we recommend wiping the doctor blade with a dry soft cloth to remove any imbedded toner.

8) With the hopper in an upright position, replace the cleaned PCR and developer roller saddles (see #19). When replacing the developer roller, make sure the "keyed" end of the inner magnet is correctly aligned with the flat section inside the hopper (see #20). Apply a high heat silicone lubricant to the base of both drum axles (see #21). Holding the cleaned drum in place by the small gear, replace the left drum axle.

9) Notice that one of the four positioning tabs is shorter than the other three and should face the bottom of the hopper (see #22). Push down on the right side of the drum with one hand while replacing the right drum axle (see #23). Set the hopper section aside in a light-proof area.

10) Returning to the waste section, remove the two screws from the wiper blade (see #24). Before removing the wiper blade, use a small flat-head screwdriver to separate the sealing foam on the right and left sides from the bottom of the wiper blade. Notice that the OEM blade has a sealant on the bottom to prevent leaking (see #25). Dump and blow out or vacuum the waste toner. Replace the wiper blade and check the recovery blade for damage.

11) Align the waste section with the hubs of the drum axles and connect the two sections (see #26). Finally, replace the drum gate.

This article originally appeared in the February 1997 issue of Recharger.

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