The Multi-Purpose (MP) Tray — also known as the Bypass Tray or Manual Feed Tray — is one of the most versatile yet underappreciated components of any Konica Minolta bizhub device. While the main paper cassettes handle the bulk of everyday printing on standard media, the MP tray serves as the machine’s “specialist” paper source, designed for jobs that fall outside the routine.
The MP tray provides a manual feed path for printing on paper sizes not loaded in the main trays, for handling specialty media such as envelopes, labels, and transparencies, and for running small jobs without reloading an entire cassette. It is the technician’s first ally when a customer needs to print on something other than plain A4 or Letter.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the MP tray feeding system, covering its mechanical construction, operational principles, media handling capabilities, and common troubleshooting procedures.
1. The Purpose of the MP Tray
1.1 When to Use the MP Tray
The MP tray is specifically designed for three primary use cases:
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-standard paper sizes | Printing on paper sizes not loaded in any of the main paper trays |
| Specialty media | Printing on envelopes, OHP transparencies, labels, thick paper, bond paper, or postcards |
| Small jobs | Running a short print job without loading an entire cassette |
1.2 The Straight Paper Path Advantage
For specialty media, the MP tray offers a critical advantage: when used in conjunction with the machine’s rear output tray (face-up output tray), it creates a straight paper path through the machine. This straight-through path minimizes paper curling and reduces the risk of jams when feeding stiff or delicate media such as:
- Thick paper and cardstock
- Envelopes
- Labels
- Transparencies
2. MP Tray Mechanical Overview
2.1 Basic Construction
The MP tray assembly consists of several key components:
- MP tray body — The tray itself, which folds down from the front of the machine
- Tray extension — Pulls out to support larger paper sizes
- Paper guides (lateral guides) — Adjustable guides that center the paper
- Paper feed roller — The roller that pulls paper from the tray
- Separator roller — Prevents multi-feeding
- Lift mechanism — Raises the paper to the feed position
2.2 The Lift Mechanism
Unlike main paper cassettes, which use dedicated lift motors, the MP tray lift mechanism is typically driven by the machine’s transport motor through a solenoid-activated clutch system.
Up Operation (Raising to Feed Position):
- At the start of a manual paper feed sequence, the manual pick-up solenoid is energized for a predetermined period during rotation of the transport motor.
- This unlocks the paper lift-up plate clutch (mechanical) .
- The driving force of the transport motor is transmitted to the paper lift-up cam.
- As the cam rotates, the paper lift-up plate—which had been pushed down by the cam—is raised to the paper feed position by spring force.
- The manual lift-up position sensor (PS26) detects when the plate has reached the feed position.
- After a predetermined period, the manual pick-up solenoid is deenergized, and the plate is stopped at the feed position.
Down Operation (Returning to Standby):
- The manual pick-up solenoid is energized during rotation of the transport motor.
- The paper lift-up cam rotates and pushes the paper lift-up plate down into its standby position.
The paper lift-up plate is lowered under the following conditions:
- When there is no print job using the manual tray and the paper exit sensor detects the last sheet
- When a manual paper empty condition is detected
- When a paper misfeed occurs
Note: The specific component designations vary by model. The example above (manual pick-up solenoid SD1, manual lift-up position sensor PS26, manual paper feed clutch CL7) is from the bizhub C360/C280/C220 series. Always consult the appropriate service manual for model-specific details.
3. The Paper Feed and Separation Mechanism
3.1 Pick-Up Control
The paper feed operation for the MP tray follows this sequence:
- A print start signal is received.
- The manual pick-up solenoid is energized, and the paper is raised to the paper feed position.
- After the paper is raised, the manual paper feed clutch is energized.
- When the manual paper feed clutch is energized, drive from the transport motor is transmitted to the paper feed roller.
- The paper feed roller feeds the paper onto the registration roller.
- When the last sheet of paper from the manual tray is transported onto the registration roller, the manual paper feed clutch is deenergized to stop the paper feed roller.
3.2 Separation Control
The MP tray uses the same separation principle as the main cassettes:
- The separator roller is pressed against, and driven by, the paper feed roller.
- A torque limiter is mounted on the shaft of the separator roller.
- Single sheet: When there is no sheet or only one sheet between the rollers, the limit torque is exceeded, and the separator roller follows the rotation of the paper feed roller.
- Multiple sheets: If two or more sheets are between the rollers, the limit torque is greater than the friction force of the paper, so the separator roller stops rotating. The lower sheet in contact with the stationary separator roller is not fed, ensuring that only the top sheet proceeds.
3.3 Misfeed Detection
If the sensor in front of the timing (registration) roller does not detect paper within a predetermined period, the machine determines that a paper misfeed has occurred at the manual tray.
In black mode, the machine will repeat the paper feed sequence a second time (paper feed retry control) before declaring a misfeed.
4. Loading Paper into the MP Tray
4.1 Standard Loading Procedure
The basic procedure for loading paper into the MP tray is as follows:
- Open the MP tray — On the front of the machine, open the MP tray and lower it gently.
- Pull out the tray extension — For large-sized paper, pull out the tray support and unfold the flap.
- Adjust the paper guides — Slide the MP tray paper guides to fit the width of the paper.
- Load the paper — Load paper with the printing surface face up in the MP tray.
- Letterhead or preprinted paper: Load in the correct orientation as shown in the illustrations.
- Letterhead paper type (driver setting): Load face up so the text is readable.
- Check the maximum fill line — Ensure the paper stack is below the maximum paper mark.
Important: Do not touch the surface of the paper feed rollers with your hands. Oils from skin can reduce roller friction and cause feed problems.
4.2 Special Media Loading Tips
| Media Type | Special Instructions |
|---|---|
| Envelopes | Use the straight paper path by opening the back cover (face-up output tray) |
| Labels | Open the back cover and use the MP tray; ensure labels are loaded correctly |
| Thick paper / Bond paper | Use the straight paper path to prevent curling and jams |
| Transparencies / OHP film | Use the straight paper path; handle carefully to avoid scratches |
5. Setting Paper Size and Type
5.1 Why Settings Matter
When loading a different size or type of paper in the MP tray, you must change the Paper Size and Paper Type settings. This is critical because:
- The machine must adjust image placement to match the paper size
- The fusing temperature and speed must be adjusted for different media types
- Incorrect settings can cause poor print quality, image misregistration, or fusing failures
5.2 Where to Set
Paper size and type can be set in two places:
| Setting Location | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Machine control panel | When using the copy function or when no driver settings are available |
| Printer driver (computer) | When printing from a PC; driver settings typically override machine settings |
5.3 Intelligent Media Sensor (Optional)
Some newer bizhub models offer an optional Intelligent Media Sensor that automatically detects the paper type. If this sensor is not installed or if automatic detection is disabled, you must specify the paper type manually.
6. Paper Path and Output Options
6.1 Standard Path (Face-Down Output)
In normal operation, paper fed from the MP tray follows the standard paper path through the machine and exits to the face-down output tray.
6.2 Straight Path (Face-Up Output)
For specialty media, the straight paper path is recommended. This is achieved by:
- Opening the machine’s back cover (face-up output tray)
- Opening the paper stopper
- Feeding paper from the MP tray
The straight path eliminates the sharp bends of the standard path, reducing stress on stiff or delicate media.
7. Tray Priority and Selection
7.1 Manual Tray Selection
The MP tray can be selected as the paper source in several ways:
- Copy mode: Select “MP Only” as the tray setting
- Print driver: Select “Multipurpose Feeder” or “MP Tray” as the paper source
7.2 Tray Priority
The machine can be configured to use trays in a specific order. For example, the machine may pull paper from the MP tray until it is empty, then from Tray 1, and then from Tray 2. This priority can be configured in the machine settings.
8. MP Tray Specifications
8.1 Supported Paper Types
The MP tray supports a wide range of media types:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Plain paper | Standard copy paper |
| Single-side-only paper | Paper designed for one-sided printing |
| Special paper | Various specialty stocks |
| Thick paper | Cardstock, heavy bond |
| Postcards | 4×6 (A6 Card) |
| Transparencies | OHP film |
| Letterhead | Preprinted stationery |
| Colored paper | Tinted stocks |
| Envelopes | Various sizes |
| Label sheets | Adhesive labels |
| Index paper | Tabbed divider stock |
| Recycled paper | Environmentally friendly stocks |
| Banner paper | Long, continuous sheets |
8.2 Capacity
The MP tray capacity varies by model but typically holds between 50 and 100 sheets of plain paper. The exact capacity is specified in the model’s service manual.
8.3 Supported Sizes
The MP tray supports a wide range of sizes, from small postcards to banner paper, depending on the model and the tray extension.
9. Periodically Replaced Parts
Like all paper feed components, the MP tray has parts that require periodic replacement:
| Component | Replacement Interval |
|---|---|
| Paper feed roller | Varies by model (typically 100,000–300,000 feeds) |
| Separator roller | Varies by model |
| Torque limiter | Varies by model |
Always refer to the service manual for the specific replacement intervals and part numbers for your model.
10. Troubleshooting MP Tray Issues
10.1 Common Symptoms and Causes
| Symptom | Possible Causes | Diagnostic Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Paper does not feed | Worn feed roller, incorrect paper loading, paper guides too tight | Inspect feed roller; verify loading procedure; check guide adjustment |
| Multi-feeding (double-feed) | Worn separator roller, failed torque limiter | Inspect separator roller and torque limiter |
| Paper jams at MP tray | Worn rollers, paper path obstruction, incorrect media | Clear jam; inspect rollers; verify media type is supported |
| Misfeed error (paper not detected at registration) | Failed feed roller, sensor issue, paper not reaching sensor | Check feed operation; verify sensor in front of timing roller |
| MP tray not selected | Driver settings incorrect | Verify MP tray is selected in printer driver |
| Paper size/type mismatch | Settings not updated | Update Paper Size and Paper Type settings |
| Paper lift plate not raising | Failed solenoid, failed clutch, transport motor issue | Check manual pick-up solenoid and lift-up plate clutch |
10.2 Paper Jam Clearance
When a paper jam occurs in the MP tray:
- Remove any paper from the MP tray.
- Slowly remove any jammed paper from in and around the MP tray.
- Fan the paper stack, and then put it back in the MP tray.
10.3 Sensor Check
The manual lift-up position sensor (PS26 in the C360/C280/C220 series) can be checked in Service Mode to verify that the lift mechanism is operating correctly.
10.4 Clean the Pick-Up Rollers
If feed problems persist, clean the paper pick-up rollers with a lint-free cloth moistened with rubber roller cleaner. Ensure the rollers are dry before reloading paper.
11. Model-Specific Variations
While the principles described in this article apply broadly across the bizhub product line, specific components and designations vary by model:
| Component | C360/C280/C220 | Other Models |
|---|---|---|
| Manual pick-up solenoid | SD1 | Varies |
| Manual lift-up position sensor | PS26 | Varies |
| Manual paper feed clutch | CL7 | Varies |
| Transport motor | M1 | Varies |
Always consult the appropriate service manual for model-specific details.
Conclusion
The MP tray is a versatile and essential component of every Konica Minolta bizhub device. Its ability to handle non-standard paper sizes, specialty media, and small print jobs makes it indispensable in any office environment.
Key takeaways for the field technician:
- The MP tray serves three primary purposes — non-standard sizes, specialty media, and small jobs.
- The straight paper path — achieved by opening the rear output tray — is critical for successful printing on thick paper, envelopes, labels, and transparencies.
- The lift mechanism is typically driven by the transport motor through a solenoid and clutch system, not by a dedicated lift motor.
- Separation control uses the same torque-limiter principle as the main cassettes to prevent multi-feeding.
- Paper size and type settings must be updated whenever different media is loaded.
- Misfeed detection occurs if paper does not reach the registration sensor within the specified time.
- Regular inspection and replacement of the feed roller, separator roller, and torque limiter is essential for reliable MP tray operation.
By understanding the MP tray’s mechanical operation, media capabilities, and common failure points, the technician can quickly diagnose and resolve issues, ensuring that customers can print on whatever media their jobs require.