The information presented here is specifically for
Canon OPC copiers but most of the theory can be applied to any monocomponet copier.
The indirect electro-static copying machine was invented by
C.F.Carlson in 1938 it is regarded as the Carlson Method. The Canon OPC copying method was
invented in 1982.
Basic Copy Process
The Basic copy process is made up of six steps:
Photosensitive Drum
The drum is a tubular aluminum cylinder whose surface is coated with
a photoconductive layer. What this means is that if light is reflected onto the drum
surface then the conductive layer will change resistance. If the drum is exposed to light,
then the surface will be conductive and the resistance will be low. If no light is exposed
to the drum, then the surface is not conductive and the resistance is high.
What is meant by "Charging"
A metallic wire called a corona wire is streched parallel to the drum
and subjected to a high voltage. This causes a corona discharge to occur from the wire.
The discharge exposes the drum surface with positive and negative charges.
Primary Corona Charging
During the Primary Charging phase a corona unit exposes the drum
surface with a uniform negative potential. This causes the surface of the drum to have a
negative potential. Positive charges occur in the base of the drum to balance the negative
charges on the surface.
Image Exposure
The light from a lamp exposes an original and the light reflected
strikes the drum surface via a lens and mirrors. When light strikes a black color on the
original the light is absorbed and not reflected back to the drum. When the light strikes
a white area the light is reflected back to the drum. When light strikes other colors or
grays the intensity of the light reflected back to the drum varies.
When light strikes the photosensitve drum the resistance of the drum surface is lowered
and becomes conductive which allows the positive and negative charges in those lighted
areas to cancel out. The area where the light did not hit the drum, negative charges
remain on the surface. At this point in the process there is an electrostatic image on the
drum.
Developing
As the drum turns the electrostatic image passes the developer unit
which contains positivly charged toner particles. Where there is a negative charge on the
drum the positive charged toner particle will attrack to it. This now forms a visible
image on the drum surface.
Transfer
The transfer stage is performed by another negativly charged corona
unit. The corona subjects the back side of the paper to a very strong negative charge
which causes the positive toner to attrack to the paper. At this point the image is now on
the paper and is held there by static charges.
Fixing
The fixing stage is typically done by running the paper threw
toheated preasure rollers thereby melting the toner and pressing it into the paper fibers.
The image is now permanet on the paper.
Cleaning
Drum cleaning is done by a mylar blade that rest on the drum surface.
As the drum rotates the excess toner that was left on the drum is cleaned off. The amount
of excess toner is based on the design of the machine. Most copiers today have atleast 90%
toner transfer to the paper.
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