Laser printer preventive maintenance: which component must be routinely vacuumed or replaced to maintain safe, reliable operation? (Assume a standard office laser printer with ozone/air filtration and a user-replaceable toner cartridge.)

Introduction / Context:
Preventive maintenance for laser printers focuses on air quality, image quality, and mechanical longevity. A key safety concern is the small amount of ozone some models generate around the corona assembly or charging systems. The question asks which component must be vacuumed or replaced as part of routine maintenance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Typical office laser printer with electro-photographic process.
• Contains a corona/charging system and an ozone (or general air) filter.
• User-replaceable toner cartridge and an optical system with a scanning mirror.

Concept / Approach:
Corona charging can generate ozone. Manufacturers include an ozone or air filter to trap byproducts and toner dust. Over time, this filter saturates and must be vacuumed or replaced to maintain airflow and reduce odors/irritants. The scanning mirror is a precision optical component—touching or vacuuming it risks misalignment and scratches. The toner cartridge is replaced when low or defective, but it is not a must-change item at every preventative interval unless the service schedule specifies it due to page count.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Service logs typically show improved airflow and reduced odors after filter service. Many vendors specify a page-count interval for filter replacement independent of toner levels.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Scanning mirror: Not a routine vacuum/replace item; mishandling can damage optics.
• Toner cartridge: Replace on wear/low-toner, not universally every PM cycle.
• All of the above / None of the above: Over-broad or incorrect; only the filter is a must-service item.

Common Pitfalls:
Vacuuming internal optics with an ordinary vacuum (ESD risk) or touching the mirror with fingers or cloths, which can scratch coatings and cause print artifacts.

Final Answer:
Ozone filter