What is a bypass tray? This is one of the questions I frequently field when visiting clients. So, if this is one of your questions, let’s see if I can answer it for you.
Business Copy Machine Bypass Tray Tips
First, let’s see what a bypass tray looks like. In the image below you can clearly see the bypass tray on the right-hand side of this business copy machine.
Although most of the business copy machines that we set up for clients in Santa Rosa have a bypass tray feature, it is a feature not realized by many. However, this is a great feature that enables users to print on a wide variety of different paper sizes and/or different types of paper. For instance, one of our clients is a Realtor’s office who frequently prints specialized post card mailers featuring newly listed homes. The card-stock paper she uses are pre-printed with their logo and has perforated edges for easily separation prior to mailing. To print the photo of the newly featured home on the card stock before mailing, it is fed into the business copy machine via the bypass tray of her bizhub.
In another case, a client in the Santa Rosa area has a business copy machine with two paper trays. In these trays he has letter and ledger size paper. He also needs to print on a specialty form from the DMV. Each form is numbered and must be accounted for, if one is misprinted by accident he has to submit paperwork explaining what happened to each misprinted form. He didn’t want to take the risk of running the forms in the regular paper trays. The bypass tray is now configured specifically for those forms, the settings on the tray have been configured so nobody can unknowingly print on that paper.
The key to operating the bypass tray with ease can be made simple
The bypass tray is very specific, the settings from your computer must match the settings on the machine in order for the paper to print seamlessly from the bypass. If the settings are mismatched the machine will beep and give a pop up window that ask you to override the mismatch. This override generally results in a paper jam or poor image quality. If the settings match, the paper will be fed through the machine and image quality will be good.
FAQ Section: Understanding the Bypass Tray
What is a bypass tray on a business copy machine?
A bypass tray is a handy feature found on many business copy machines, allowing users to print on various paper sizes and types. It’s often overlooked but can be incredibly useful for printing specialized documents, such as postcard mailers or specialty forms, with ease and precision.
How does a bypass tray benefit users?
The bypass tray enables users to print on unconventional paper sizes or types that may not fit in the standard paper trays of a copy machine. This versatility is particularly beneficial for businesses that frequently handle specialized printing tasks, such as printing postcards, envelopes, or custom forms.
Can you provide examples of how businesses utilize the bypass tray?
Certainly! For instance, a Realtor’s office may use the bypass tray to print photo postcards featuring newly listed homes on cardstock paper with perforated edges for easy separation. Similarly, businesses dealing with specialized forms, like those from the DMV, can configure the bypass tray to print on these forms accurately, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring compliance.
What precautions should users take when using the bypass tray?
It’s essential to ensure that the settings on your computer match those on the machine when using the bypass tray. Mismatched settings can result in errors, such as paper jams or poor image quality. By ensuring alignment between settings, users can seamlessly print from the bypass tray without any issues.
How can businesses optimize their use of the bypass tray?
To optimize the bypass tray’s functionality, businesses should familiarize themselves with its capabilities and settings. This includes understanding how to configure the tray for different paper types and sizes and ensuring proper alignment with computer settings to avoid printing errors.
What are the key features of the bypass tray?
The bypass tray allows users to bypass the standard paper trays and manually feed specialty paper or envelopes into the machine for printing. Its flexibility and versatility make it an essential tool for businesses with diverse printing needs.
Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using the bypass tray?
One common mistake to avoid is forgetting to adjust the settings on both the computer and the machine when using the bypass tray. Mismatched settings can lead to printing errors and unnecessary downtime, so it’s essential to double-check settings before printing.
Can the bypass tray accommodate different paper weights and sizes?
Yes, the bypass tray is designed to accommodate a wide range of paper weights and sizes, including cardstock, envelopes, and specialty forms. This versatility makes it a valuable asset for businesses that frequently handle non-standard printing tasks.
How can businesses troubleshoot common issues with the bypass tray?
If encountering issues with the bypass tray, businesses should first ensure that the paper is loaded correctly and that the settings on both the computer and the machine match. Additionally, performing regular maintenance, such as cleaning the tray rollers, can help prevent jams and other problems.
Where can businesses find more information about optimizing their use of the bypass tray?
For further guidance on maximizing the efficiency of the bypass tray and other copy machine features, businesses can consult with industry experts or refer to user manuals and online resources provided by the manufacturer.
