Do Printers Need Oiling/Lubrication?

Printers are lifelines for many students and small businesses alike.

And yet, on a bad day, it is the most frustrating electronic gadget in the room.

My goal with this article is to ensure that the second scenario never happens.

Do Printers Need Regular Oiling?

Yes, printers require regular maintenance, including lubrication, declogging, and cleaning, like any other mechanical device.

However, the type and frequency of lubrication depend largely on printer type and usage.

For example, 

Inkjet printers typically do not require lubrication as they use liquid ink and have fewer moving parts than other printer types.

While laser printers have more complex internal mechanisms and require lubrication more often.

Many modern printers claim self-lubrication and suggest no lubrication at all.

But, since a printer is typically the most expensive computer peripheral in the office, regular maintenance is essential to ensure that it functions smoothly and produces high-quality prints (without the frustration).

How often should I lubricate my printer?

You should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how often to oil the printer (and which parts to lubricate). 

It is a good idea to lubricate your laser printer every three months if you use it regularly. If you seldom use it, annual maintenance is enough.

In the case of most inkjet printers though, annual maintenance is good enough, which may or may not consist of oiling it.

Can I lubricate my printer myself?

It is convenient to lubricate your printer yourself, but the following things are essential:

• Following the manufacturer’s recommendations on when to lubricate your printer and which parts need lubrication.
• Using the correct type of lubricant for the printer.
• Applying the right amount of lubrication oil.

Using the wrong type of lubricant or applying too much may cause issues like toner smudging and paper jams.

For expensive printers, however, it is best to seek the help of a professional technician.

What Parts of the printer need lubrication?

The main components of a printer that require lubrication are the fuser assembly and the paper feed rollers. 

The fuser assembly is responsible for melting the toner onto the paper. It contains a “heated roller” and a “pressure roller.” These parts need to move smoothly to ensure proper toner transfer.

The paper feed rollers are responsible for pulling the paper through the printer and need to grip the paper effectively to prevent paper jams.

Apply a small amount of lubricant to the rollers and the fuser assembly, and then use a cloth to wipe away any excess lubricant. It’s essential not to over-lubricate, as this can cause issues like toner smudging and paper jams.

Which oil should I use to grease my printer parts?

Using a lubricant specifically designed for printers is essential when lubricating your printer. Using the wrong type of lubricant may lead to issues like toner smudging and paper jams. It can even damage the printer.

The best type of lubricant for printers is a silicone-based oil. It’s important to note that you should only apply a small amount of oil and wipe away any excess with a cloth to avoid over-lubrication. 

Be sure to use a silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for printers and follow the recommended frequency of lubrication to avoid issues like toner smudging and paper jams.

Non-silicone oil (petroleum oil) or spray leaves sticky deposits when it evaporates over time, as it is made up of a mixture of long and short chains of hydrocarbons. Synthetic silicone oils, however, are made using a process that re-arranges the structure so all the molecules are uniform in size. 

Silicone oil odorless, and is plastic-safe, and will not harm surfaces.

What happens if I do not lubricate my printer.

Not lubricating your printer may lead to components like rollers jamming and breaking, causing issues like paper jams and misfeeds.

In addition to these issues, lack of lubrication may cause the printer to make more noise than usual and cause toner smudging and streaking. So, following the manufacturer’s recommendations on when to lubricate your printer and which parts need lubrication is essential.

Key Takeaways:

Most Printers require lubrication to maintain proper function and extend their lifespan. Laser printers, in particular, require lubrication in the fuser assembly and paper feed rollers to ensure an appropriate toner transfer and paper feed.

Regular lubrication with a silicone-based oil ensures your printer operates smoothly and produces high-quality prints for years.

But, it would be best to refer to the manufacturer’s printer maintenance recommendations or take an expert’s help for expensive printers.

Frequently Asked Questions