Laser printer process — What occurs during the transfer stage? Choose the step that correctly describes the transfer phase in the electrophotographic (laser) printing cycle.

Introduction / Context:
Laser printers use an electrophotographic process with several distinct stages: charging, exposing, developing, transferring, fusing, and cleaning. Understanding each stage helps technicians diagnose print defects and replace the correct subassemblies.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are focusing on the “transfer” stage only.
• Standard laser printer with a photoconductor drum or belt.
• No vendor-specific deviations assumed.

Concept / Approach:

In the transfer stage, paper (or other media) passes between the drum/belt and a transfer element (roller or corona). The transfer element injects charge that attracts toner from the drum onto the paper, forming the visible image prior to fusing.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Service manuals and training diagrams label this explicitly: “transfer” concerns toner movement to paper, not exposure or primary charging steps.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A describes cleaning/waste handling, not transfer. Option B is incorrect because the laser forms the latent image on the drum (exposure), it does not move toner to paper. Option D describes primary charging, a step before exposure. “None of the above” is invalid because option C is correct.

Common Pitfalls:

Mixing up exposure and transfer; assuming transfer and fusing are the same (fusing is heat/pressure bonding after transfer).

Final Answer:

The toner image on the drum is transferred onto the paper using a transfer roller or corona.