Content by Delmarva Document Solutions, AI-enhanced (ChatGPT)
Improving Reliability on Xerox VersaLink and AltaLink MFPs
At Delmarva Document Solutions, we spend a lot of time helping customers get the most reliability possible from their Xerox equipment. One of the most common – and most preventable – causes of copier downtime isn’t a mechanical failure. It’s paper handling.
Modern Xerox multifunction printers like the VersaLink and AltaLink products are designed for consistent, high-volume use. When paper is loaded and managed correctly, these devices perform exactly as intended – with fewer interruptions, fewer jams, and fewer service calls.
The Hidden Cost of “Bring Your Own Paper”
In many offices, users bring paper to the copier each time they print or copy. While this seems convenient, it often introduces issues that reduce reliability:
- Paper is added on top of an existing stack
- Trays become overfilled or uneven
- Paper guides shift out of position
- Tray settings no longer match the paper being used
- Different paper types or weights get mixed
From a service perspective, Delmarva Document Solutions sees these conditions lead directly to paper jams, misfeeds, and unnecessary calls for support.
These Devices Are Built for Consistency
Xerox VersaLink and AltaLink devices are engineered to run best when standard office paper remains loaded in the trays.
When trays are consistently stocked with the correct paper and settings:
- Feed rollers apply proper pressure
- Sensors accurately detect paper size and type
- Static, curl, and multi-sheet feeds are reduced
- Jobs run without unnecessary stops
Repeatedly loading small amounts of paper increases handling, which can introduce moisture, curl, or static – common contributors to feeding issues.
Why Tray Settings Matter More Than You Think
Every tray on a VersaLink or AltaLink device is programmed for a specific paper size, type, and weight. When those settings don’t match what’s actually loaded, the machine may:
- Feed paper at the wrong speed
- Apply incorrect fusing conditions
- Pause jobs for user confirmation
- Increase the likelihood of jams
One of the simplest ways to improve reliability is to ensure tray settings always match the paper inside.
When Bringing Paper Does Make Sense
There are valid reasons to bring paper to the device – but they should be the exception, not the norm.
Specialty or non-standard media, such as:
- Labels
- Envelopes
- Cardstock
- Letterhead or preprinted stock
should be run through the bypass or multi-purpose tray, typically for a single job. This protects the main trays from mixed media and helps maintain consistent performance across the device.
A Best-Practice Standard We Recommend
Based on Xerox design guidance and Delmarva Document Solutions’ real-world service experience, we recommend the following to all customers using VersaLink and AltaLink devices:
- Keep standard copy paper loaded in the appropriate trays
- Adjust paper guides snugly and stay below the fill line
- Match tray settings to the paper loaded
- Avoid adding or removing paper while printing
- Use the bypass tray only for specialty media
These small habits dramatically reduce downtime and help your equipment run smoothly day after day.
Reliability Starts with Paper Management
Copiers and MFPs are precision devices. When paper is loaded consistently, and trays are configured correctly, Xerox VersaLink and AltaLink machines deliver the performance they were designed for.
At Delmarva Document Solutions, our goal is to help you avoid interruptions before they happen – so your team can stay productive and focused on their work.
Keep standard paper loaded.
Use the bypass tray for exceptions.
Let your equipment do what it was built to do.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you need assistance with paper setup, tray configuration, or best practices for your Xerox device, Delmarva Document Solutions is here to help.
Call us at 410-548-5844 ext. 106
Our support team will be happy to walk you through the correct setup and help keep your equipment running reliably.
