Supplies & Maintenance

What Are STPT's Maintenance Plans?

Submitted by Keith Metzler on Fri, 01/03/2025 - 08:30

Is your office’s printer behaving like it’s auditioning for a comedy show instead of doing its job? Paper jams, weird noises, or just plain refusal to print—every office has been there. While managing print issues can be frustrating, having the right maintenance plan can make all the difference.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we’ve been helping businesses of all sizes keep their printers running smoothly for nearly 40 years. With our expertise and customer-first approach, we ensure that your office equipment stays in top shape, so you can focus on what matters most—your work.

In this article, we’ll explore what a maintenance plan is, the different plans we offer, the benefits of auto-toner shipments, and which plan might be the best fit for your business. Whether you’re an IT manager or a decision-maker tasked with finding reliable printing solutions, this guide is your roadmap to stress-free printing.

How to Clean the Drum Lens on the Xerox AltaLink B8100/C8100 Series (Fix White Lines)

Submitted by Matthew Eberhart on Fri, 12/27/2024 - 11:12
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Imagine this: you're in the middle of printing a crucial document or a set of vibrant images for a presentation, and suddenly, your eyes come across white lines that run through your prints.

It's frustrating, to say the least, especially when you're striving for high-quality results. If this is you, then it might be time to clean your drum lens.  

Over time, drum lenses in printers like the Xerox AltaLink B8100 and C8100 series can accumulate dirt, debris, and toner, leading to print quality degradation. If left unattended, this can significantly impact your printing tasks, leaving you with subpar output and potentially costly reprints.

My Copier is Old. Am I at Risk?

Submitted by Keith Metzler on Mon, 12/16/2024 - 11:10

Did you know that most business copiers and printers have a lifespan of 4 to 7 years? If your copier is older than that, it could be putting your business at risk. From security vulnerabilities to reduced efficiency and rising maintenance costs, an outdated copier can create more problems than you might realize.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we’ve been in the print business for nearly 40 years. We’ve serviced and replaced countless copiers, helping businesses like yours find the balance between performance and cost. We know the signs that a copier has reached the end of its useful life, and we understand how to maximize its lifespan until you’re ready to upgrade.

What is Print Resolution? Why it Matters

Submitted by Byanka Ramos on Mon, 12/16/2024 - 10:16

Are you about to print something important, like a flyer for your business, wedding invitations, or a big banner for a trade show? You hit "print," and when the pages come out, you see a blurry, pixelated disaster. What happened? The likely reason is poor print resolution.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we’ve spent nearly 40 years working with printers to ensure our clients get the best print quality possible. We know the ins and outs of print resolution and how to achieve picture-perfect results.

In this article, we’ll define print resolution, explain how it impacts print quality, and give you actionable tips to ensure your projects look sharp and professional.

64 Common Printing Terms Defined  

Submitted by Joel Metzler on Mon, 12/16/2024 - 07:04

Pop quiz: What does ppm mean? What’s a printer’s duty cycle? Can you tell the difference between A3 and A4 paper?

If you can answer even one of those questions, you’re already ahead of many when it comes to basic printer knowledge.

Understanding printer terms is helpful, especially when you’re on the hunt for a new machine. You could easily fill a textbook with all the printer jargon out there, and knowing terms like these will make your search smoother.

As a locally managed print vendor for nearly 40 years, we’ve encountered countless confused customers. It’s clear that a “Printing Encyclopedia" is needed!

Getting familiar with basic terms during your research will make you more knowledgeable and prepared to tackle questions about what you need

Matte vs. Glossy Paper

Submitted by Byanka Ramos on Fri, 12/13/2024 - 09:45

Have you ever held two printed materials—one with a sleek, shiny finish and another with a smooth, non-reflective surface—and wondered which one would work better for your project?

Choosing between matte and glossy paper can be a tough choice, especially when the stakes are high for creating professional, eye-catching prints. Each finish has its strengths and ideal uses, but making the wrong choice can mean blurry photos, hard-to-read text, or materials that just don’t look the way you imagined.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we’ve been helping businesses and individuals optimize their printing processes for nearly 40 years. Whether you’re printing marketing materials, professional photographs, or everyday documents, we’ve seen how the right paper can transform your project.

What is Duplex Printing? How To Print On Both Sides of the Paper

Submitted by Nolan Fowler on Fri, 12/06/2024 - 09:00

How do you print on both sides of the paper with a printer? 

Duplex printing, or double-sided printing, is something many people use with their printers and copiers. It can help you save paper and money! 

But figuring out how to do it can be tricky sometimes. There are two main ways to duplex print, and which method you choose may depend on your needs and goals. 

We’ve been a trusted local printer company in Texas since the 1980s, with a team that has over 200 years of combined experience in the industry. 

In this article, we’ll break down what duplex printing is, the different types, how to do it, and the benefits of printing on both sides of the paper. 
Printing on both sides of the page can look a little different based on your machine. Since we work closely with Xerox, we’ll share steps specifically for using a Xerox printer. 

What is EOS (End of Service) for My Printer?

Submitted by Keith Metzler on Mon, 11/25/2024 - 14:11

What happens when your trusty printer, the one that has been churning out countless pages, is suddenly on the brink of a big change? You've heard the term "End of Service" (EOS) tossed around, but what does it really mean for your machine?

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we've spent nearly 40 years guiding businesses through the highs and lows of printer ownership. We know how important it is to stay ahead of your printer's lifecycle, and we understand the confusion and uncertainty that EOS can bring.

In this article, we’ll break down what EOS is, why it matters, and how to navigate this phase with confidence. You’ll also learn what steps to take and how to keep your operations running smoothly—even when your printer hits EOS.

How Do You Fix a Paper Jam? (Instructions)

Submitted by Joel Metzler on Mon, 11/25/2024 - 13:52

When it comes to common printer issues, none are quite as famous as the paper jam. It’s a term you’ve likely heard often if you’ve ever used a printer. Paper jams can be annoying, especially if you’re rushing to get an important document printed before a meeting. But, you might be wondering how to fix this pesky issue.

Fortunately, Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT) is here to help.

With nearly 40 years in the printing industry, we’ve seen it all. We’ve serviced and fixed hundreds of printers, helping businesses like yours keep their documents flowing smoothly.

5 Best Practices for Color Printing

Submitted by Mary Shamburger on Fri, 11/15/2024 - 13:23

Color printing can be essential for business materials, from marketing flyers to detailed reports. We all want our color prints to look sharp. But achieving vibrant, professional color prints without overspending on ink or toner requires more than just hitting "print." You need to consider factors like color combinations and printer paper options to use. 

Even when you perform a color printing test before scheduling a large print job, you are still wasting money on ink or toner—and those dollars really add up if your company prints significant amounts of marketing material.

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