Remanufacturing the Minolta<font size="-1"><font size="-1"><SUP>®</SUP></font></font> SP-302 (Lexmark<font size="-1"><SUP>®</SUP></font> Optra<font size="-1"><SUP>®</SUP></font> E)
The Minolta
® SP-302 engine was originally released in 1995 in the
Epson
® ActionLaser 1600 and Minolta SP-302 laser printers. This 6
page-per-minute engine has since been used by a wide range of OEMs in printer, multifunctional and fax applications worldwide. It is probably
most recognized in the Lexmark
®
Optra
® E series printers.
The Minolta SP-302 cartridge design features separate toner and OPC units. The electrophotographic design does not require a waste bin
and includes a brush-type charge roller. Residual toner is electrostatically removed from the OPC drum, eliminating the need for a wiper blade.
The developer roller is composed of a black conductive plastic sleeve with a foam core. The metal doctor blade is very thin and sharp. A seal is
not required. The hopper cap is difficult to remove and easily damaged. If damaged, the hopper cap should be replaced to prevent toner leakage.
There are variations in the cartridges among these applications. Because of keying issues and varying toner fill weights, the cartridges are
not all interchangeable despite identical internal supplies. Engine compatibility for the Minolta SP-302 is as follows:
| · Epson EPL 5500/550W |
|
· Minolta Pageworks 6 |
| · Lanier Fax 1210/1240/1260 |
|
· Minolta SP-302 |
| · Lexmark 4026/4026A/B/D/E |
|
· NEC Superscript 660+ |
| · Lexmark OptraE/E+/Ep/Es |
|
· Savin 3650 |
| · Minolta PagePro 6 |
|
· Sharp FO 4500/5500/5600,
6500/6550/6600 |
Disassembly of the Toner Unit
With the shutter of the toner unit facing you, disengage the right arm of the shutter by pulling it to the right and off its axle (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1
Disengage the left arm of the drum shutter by pulling it to the left and off its axle (Fig. 2). Note the shutter tension spring will become disengaged from the shutter. Remove the shutter.
Fig. 2
Disengage the left arm of the drum shutter by pulling it out to the left and off its axle (Fig. 3). The shutter tension spring will become disengaged from the shutter. Remove the shutter.
Fig. 3
Use a small screwdriver to pry the hopper cap loose and then remove it (Fig. 4). Replace the hopper cap if damaged. Empty the toner from the toner unit and clean with dry, filtered compressed air.
Fig. 4
Using a hooked tool, remove the two developer roller springs located at each end of the doctor blade (Fig. 5). Be careful not to scratch the surface of the developer roller.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5a
A locking hub is located on each end of the developer roller. Rotate the arms of the locking hubs toward you to release and then remove them (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6
Carefully remove the developer roller (Fig. 7). Clean only with dry, filtered compressed air. Be careful not to lose the two plastic shims located at each end of the developer roller.
Fig. 7
Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws that secure the doctor blade (Fig. 8). Remove the doctor blade and clean with a lint-free cleaning cloth.
Fig. 8
Remove the top drive gear (Fig. 9). Clean the hopper with dry, filtered compressed air. Clean toner and debris from the foam sealing components.
Fig. 9
Reassembly of the Toner Unit
Replace the top drive gear (Fig. 10).
Fig. 10
Press the doctor blade sealing foam into place, making sure the holes on the foam are located over their corresponding positioning posts (Fig. 11).
Fig. 11
Replace the doctor blade and secure with the two screws. As you position the left side of the doctor blade, keep the electrical contact against the back of the blade (Fig. 12).
Fig. 12
Fig. 12a
Replace the developer roller; make sure the plastic shims are in position (Fig. 13).
Fig. 13
Fig. 13a
Replace the developer roller locking hubs. The end straps must go under the developer roller and over the arms of the locking hubs (Fig. 14).
Fig. 14
Replace the developer roller springs (Fig. 15).
Fig. 15
Fig. 15a
Fill the toner unit with 90 grams of toner and replace the hopper cap. Use a lint-free, foam-tipped swab to clean remaining toner residue from the electrical contacts (Fig. 16).
Fig. 16
Replace the shutter by fitting each arm over its corresponding axle (Fig. 17).
Fig. 17
Pull the upper arm of the shutter tension spring over the tab and release. It should snap back into its normal operating position against the shutter post (Fig. 18).
Fig. 18
Disassembly of the Drum Unit
Use a #0 size Phillips head precision screwdriver to remove the screw securing the contact end (Fig. 19) and the gear end (Fig. 20) of the
shutter assembly. Carefully remove the shutter assembly.
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Remove the screw securing the copper electrical contact plate to the drum axle end plate (Fig. 21). Remove the contact plate.
Fig. 21
A diode is located under the contact plate. Bend the end of the diode out slightly and use a small screwdriver to pry loose the drum axle end
plate (Fig. 22).
Fig. 22
Fig. 22a
CAUTION If the diode breaks, it must be glued back on with conductive adhesive during reassembly.
With one finger on the geared end of the drum, use a small screwdriver to pry the nongeared end of the drum loose from the cartridge (Fig. 23).
Lift and remove the drum from the cartridge. If you plan to reuse the drum, store properly to protect from light and impact damage. Clean the
drum with low-pressure compressed air.
Fig. 23
Pull out the right end of the charge roller (brush roller) axle with your right hand (Fig. 24). Place a finger from your left hand into the open
slot under the drive gear on the left end of the charge roller; push up on the drive gear (Fig. 25). Remove the charge roller.
Fig. 24
Fig. 25
Clean the charge roller with low-pressure compressed air (Fig. 26).
Fig. 26
Clean the drum unit housing with low-pressure compressed air (Fig. 27).
Fig. 27
Use a lint-free swab and a lint-free cloth to clean the electrical contacts on the drum unit housing (Fig. 28).
Fig. 28
Reassembly of the Drum Unit
Replace the charge roller. First, insert the contact end of the charge roller into the corresponding hole on the contact end of the drum
unit housing. Lower the drive gear on the opposite end of the charge roller into its corresponding hole in the drum unit housing (Fig. 29).
Fig. 29
Replace the OPC drum. Insert the geared end of the OPC drum into the corresponding hole on the drum unit housing. Lower the other end
of the drum into the housing (Fig. 30). Do not touch the surface of the OPC drum. Handle the drum by its gear on one end and by the end cap
on the opposite end.
Fig. 30
Replace the drum axle end plate by inserting the axle into the OPC drum, aligning the corresponding hole on the end plate to the contact end
of the charge roller (Fig. 31).
Fig. 31
Bend the end of the diode back into its operating position (Fig. 32). If the diode became
dislodged during disassembly, glue it into position
with conductive adhesive.
Fig. 32
Replace the copper electrical contact plate and secure with a screw (Fig. 33).
Fig. 33
Replace shutter assembly (Fig. 34) and secure with two screws, one at the contact end (Fig. 35) and one at the gear end (Fig. 36).
Fig. 34
Fig. 35
Fig. 36
For further information, contact Static Control Components Technical Support at 800-488-2426, 919-774-3808 or fax 800-488-2452 or
919-774-1287. The company website can be accessed at www.scc-inc.com.
Minolta® SP-302 Engine Information
| Engine Name |
Minolta® SP-302 |
| Engine Type |
Monochrome Laser |
| Date of Printer Introduction |
Optra®E: 1/96 (discountinued)
Optra®E+: 5/97 (current) |
| Print Speed |
6 pages per minute |
| Duty Cycle |
10,000 pages/month |
| Print Resoulution |
600x600 dpi |
Minolta® SP-302 Cartridge Information
| Toner Cartridge OEM Part Number |
69G8256 |
| Cartridge List/Wholesale Price* |
$68/$47 |
| OEM Rated Page Yield |
3,000 pages |
|
| Drum Cartridge OEM Part Number |
69G8257 |
| Cartridge List/Wholesale Price* |
$95/$67 |
| OEM Rated Page Yield |
20,000 pages |
| Toner Class |
Nonmagnetic, monocomponent |
This article originally appeared in the March 2000 issue of Recharger.