Paper curling from a Brother printer can lead to frustrating printouts and potential paper jams. This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to identifying and resolving the common causes of paper curling.
1. Check Paper Type and Weight
Using the wrong paper type or weight can significantly contribute to curling. Selecting the correct paper is crucial for proper printing.
- Refer to your Brother printer’s user manual for the recommended paper types and weights.
- Ensure you’re using paper within the specified range.
- Avoid using paper that is too thin or too thick for your printer.
2. Adjust Paper Settings in the Printer Driver
Incorrect paper settings in the printer driver can cause the printer to apply excessive heat, leading to curling. Matching the settings to your paper type is essential.
- Open the printer settings or preferences on your computer.
- Locate the paper type and paper size settings.
- Select the appropriate paper type and size that matches the paper loaded in the printer.
- If available, adjust the paper thickness or weight settings.
3. Reduce Humidity Levels
High humidity can cause paper to absorb moisture, leading to curling. Maintaining a dry environment is important.
- Store paper in a dry, cool place.
- Consider using a dehumidifier in the room where the printer is located.
- Avoid storing paper near sources of moisture, such as windows or bathrooms.
4. Check the Printer’s Fuser Unit
A malfunctioning fuser unit can apply excessive heat, resulting in curled prints. Inspecting the fuser unit can help diagnose potential issues.
- Refer to your printer’s user manual for instructions on accessing the fuser unit.
- Visually inspect the fuser unit for any damage or debris.
- If you notice any damage, contact Brother support or a qualified technician for repair.
5. Clean the Paper Path
Dust and debris along the paper path can interfere with paper feeding and contribute to curling. Cleaning the paper path can improve print quality.
- Refer to your printer’s user manual for instructions on cleaning the paper path.
- Use a soft, dry cloth or a specialized printer cleaning sheet to remove dust and debris.
- Ensure the printer is turned off and unplugged before cleaning.
6. Fan the Paper Before Loading
Stuck-together sheets of paper can lead to uneven heating and curling. Fanning the paper separates the sheets.
- Before loading paper into the printer, fan the stack of paper to separate the sheets.
- This helps prevent multiple sheets from feeding at once.
7. Reduce Print Density or Toner Darkness
High print density or toner darkness settings can cause the printer to apply more toner and heat, leading to curling. Reducing the settings can mitigate this.
- Open the printer settings or preferences on your computer.
- Locate the print density or toner darkness settings.
- Reduce the settings to a lower level.
8. Check for Paper Jam Residue
Previous paper jams can leave residue that affects subsequent prints, potentially leading to curling. Cleaning any residue is essential.
- Carefully inspect the paper path for any remaining pieces of paper or residue from previous jams.
- Use a soft, dry cloth or tweezers to remove any residue.
9. Use Fresh Paper
Old or improperly stored paper can absorb moisture and become prone to curling. Using fresh paper can resolve this.
- Purchase a new ream of paper.
- Ensure the paper is stored in its original packaging or a sealed container.
10. Check the Output Tray
An overfilled output tray can cause printed pages to bend and curl. Emptying the tray regularly prevents this.
- Empty the output tray frequently to prevent it from becoming overfilled.
- Ensure the output tray is properly installed and aligned.
11. Check the Printers Environment.
Extreme temperatures, or drafts can cause paper to curl. Keep the printer in a stable environment.
- Avoid placing the printer near air vents or in direct sunlight.
- Maintain a consistent room temperature.
12. Update Printer Firmware
Outdated printer firmware can sometimes cause unexpected issues, including paper curling. Updating the firmware can resolve these problems.
- Visit the Brother support website for your printer model.
- Download the latest firmware update.
- Follow the instructions on the Brother website to install the update.
By addressing these potential causes, you can significantly reduce or eliminate paper curling from your Brother printer. If the issue persists after trying these solutions, it’s recommended to contact Brother support or a qualified technician for further assistance.
