Development of Laser Fuser Test Bed

Project Number: P07501

Justin McMillan

Project Overview

Background and Motivation

• The ultimate motivation is to produce a better image

• Temperature, Speed and Pressure have inevitable effects on toner, those effects are not fully understood

Project Overview

Related Projects

• Independent study focused on a pressure varying fuser.

• Grad. student working for HP developed a mechanical pressure varying mechanism.

Pressure varying cylinders

Heat and charge roller

Fixed pressure roller

Rigid metal casing

Air hose

Adjustable rod replaces original spring

Electric current connector

Project Overview

Mission Statement• Develop a mechanical fuser test bed in

which speed of media movement, heat transfer, and mechanical pressure can be varied and monitored with an easy to understand software and user interface package. The project should be completed in a 22 week period with a budget not to exceed $5,000.

Customer Needs

Key Stakeholders

• HP image quality department

• HP Fuser design team

• HP Supplies (toner, media)

• Printer end user

• Standards organizations

Customer Needs

Key Needs and Priorities

• Fuser test mechanism that can process standard media

• Pressure varying mechanism

• Temperature varying mechanism

• Speed varying mechanism

• Sensing system with data recording software components

Key Engineering Specifications

Toner Delivery System Specifications

• The system must deliver a prescribed amount of toner to the media.

Key Engineering Specifications

Conveyor Specifications

• The conveyor must be 12" in length and be able to carry 8.5" x 11" paper from one end to the other in 30 seconds.

• The conveyor belt must be made of a tacky material.

Key Engineering Specifications

Fuser Fixture Specifications • The fuser cradle must be made of a rigid, easy to machine material,

possibly aluminum. – The fuser cradle must hold a top roller – The fuser cradle must hold a bottom roller. – The fuser cradle must have a drive gear system to drive the two rollers. – The fuser cradle must have connection points for a power supply, this

will allow for the controlling of temperature. – The fuser cradle must have connection points for the pressure varying

mechanism. • The drive motor must have variable speed capabilities.

– The drive motor should vary in speed from 0 ppm to 330 ppm. – An RPM digital output on the motor would be preferred.

• There must be a mechanism that can vary the pressure on the media by the two rollers. – The pressure mechanism may be varied by rods driven by air pressure. – Pressure from the mechanism must be able to be measured.

Key Engineering Specifications

Sensor Package Specifications • The test bed must have a sensor that can

regulate and record the speed at which the media passes through the test bed.

• The test bed must have a sensor that can regulate and record the pressure exerted on the media.

• The test bed must have a sensor that can regulate and record the temperature of the toner on the media.

Key Engineering Specifications

Computer Package Specifications • The computer must contain a software

package that is able to control and record graphically, in spreadsheet form, and in real time, the temperature, speed and pressure in the system.

• The software must have a user friendly interface and a detailed instruction manual.

Key Engineering Specifications

Test Bed Skin Specifications

• The cover must be aesthetically pleasing as well as able to withstand an object of 5lbs or less being dropped on it from 1' or less.

• It is preferred that the cover be able to protect the internal environment as far as dust build up and overall cleanliness.

Project Deliverables

• By the end of the 1st quarter the team will have a working test fixture

• By the end of the 22 week project the team will deliver a software driven fuser test bed that is able to adjust and record adjustments continuously regarding pressure, temperature, and speed of the media through the fixture.

• The team will provide bi-weekly progress reports.

• A detailed instruction manual will be provided at the conclusion of the project, which will include adaptability instructions

Required Resources

People: 2 EE wiring 2 ME Structural design

1 CE Programming1 IE GUI, use procedures

Space : Lab in imaging science building

Budget: Budget is not expected to exceed $ 5,000

Issues & Concerns

• My knowledge of sensors, programming and the strengths of the team

• Dynamic Control (ability to adjust variables continuously during test)

• Temperature monitoring (toner)

• Time

Next Steps / Outstanding Items

• Acquire a key for the imaging science lab• Obtain a fuser• Obtain a toner delivery system• Get a better understanding of strengths of other

engineering disciplines• Conduct at least one more interview with the

customer• Revise PRP with feedback from presentation

and final interview

Questions ?