HP Laserjet P4510 / 4515 Series

The LaserJet P4515 is a fast, reliable laser printer with an A4 paper path and a selection of paper handling options. Throughput is up to 62 pages per minute and the processor, memory and network abilities are sufficient to sustain that - it isn't an idle boast.

The series was introduced in Early 2008 (Some sources say February, others April) and replaces the LJ 4200 / 4300 series which it resembles.

Given the potential throughput users will typically want the extra input trays and output options. Larger systems are implemented as a tower on a trolley which saves space.

The P4515 is part of a series of fairly high performance printers. There are actually two cut-down models called the P4014 and P4014n which have a throughput of 43 ppm.

The P4515 has three models all of which have a 100 sheet multipurpose tray (Tray 1) and a 500 sheet tray 2 sliding into the printer base. All models have an embedded JetDirect Gigabit Ethernet print server with IPSec security. The numeric keypad on the front of the printer allows jobs to be released only to people with a PIN code so printing can be secure in a corporate environment - and users of the printer can be clearly identified.

Adding to the P4515X a 500 sheet tray, a 1500 sheet tray, a printer stand, a 5 bin mailbox and an EIO hard disk gives a high capacity printer as fast as most big copiers.

There are few mechanical differences between the P4014, P4015 and P4515 and indeed the network models all use the same formatter board. The difference in speed is simply controlled by the firmware installed. Users pay HP extra to get higher speed; it is just a tweak in the software but then that is the way of things.

The direct predecessor for these machines was the LJ 4350 which is still widely in service but has a rather lower throughput and isn't so energy efficient. These machines have a long ancestry.

Sensitive documents are protected by IPSec encryption and released with a PIN. Access can be controlled with 802.1X authentication and password protection.

HP also supply the A3 wide LJ 9040 /9050 series and the M5035 printer copier. Despite the wide print path they don't compete on sheer speed. The P4515 has the speed to print a novel in a few minutes - or at least it has the throughput although it lacks the finishing machinery to bind it in covers. For fast production of corporate reports the P4015 is brilliant and the P4515 just a bit faster still.

Control:

LCD panel with graphics and up to 4 lines of text. 10 key numeric input for control and access control PIN numbers. Embedded web server for remote control. HP Web Jetadmin for printer fleet management.

The control panel can be set to minimum, moderate, intermediate and maximum security.

Minimum locks the Configure Device sub-menus for System Setup, I/O and Resets menu which ordinary users normally have no need to touch.

Maximum locks the Information, Paper Handling, Configure Device and Diagnostics menus.

Duty Cycle:

HP suggest a maximum throughput of up to 275,000 pages per month. The recommended monthly print volume is 5,000 to 20,000 pages.

The print engine can deliver true 1200 x 1200 dpi. FastRes 1200, ProRes 1200. Actual resolution used depends on job.

If print quality has become a problem try a cleaning page - and if that doesn't work the printer probably needs more dramatic cleaning by hand. There are instructions on how to do this in the user manual.

Up to 62 pages per minute for US letter paper, 60 ppm A4. First page out in under 9 seconds from ready mode. Completion of typical office jobs in under 16 seconds.

Scanner Abilities:

Not used as the basis for a multifunction machine so far ?

Paper Handling:

Tray 1: Multipurpose tray for up to 100 sheets of special media in sizes A4, A5, letter, legal etc. Media sizes from 3x4 to 8.5x14 inches.

Tray 2: Built into the printer base: Paper with sizes as for tray 1

Tray 3, 4, 5: Optionally under the printer: Up to 500 sheets of paper as for tray 1.

Face Down Tray:

500 sheet top output bin. Optional 5-bin mailbox with sorting capability. Face-up tray with a capacity up to 100 sheets.

Face Up Tray:

100 Sheet rear output bin.

Processor:

(Motorola Coldfire V5e ?) 540MHz

Memory:

Laser printers use memory as a communications buffer and workspace but mainly to perform the raster image processing task where the print language is converted into a bitmap image of the page about to be printed. An A4 image printed at 1200 dpi can use 128MB RAM.

These printers ship with sufficient memory for most tasks but not enough to print all full-page pictures or bitmapped PDFs for instance. If a job takes excessive amounts of time or the printer reports memory errors such as "21 PAGE TOO COMPLEX" then more memory is likely to help.

128MB expandable to 640MB via one open 144-pin 32-bit DDR2 DIMM slot on the formatter board.

Note that DIMMs require static handling precautions. Note also that with just one open slot an existing DIMM will have to be discarded if the printer is upgraded again.

The printer supports direct printing of PDF files when 128MB of memory is present but the User Guide suggests that for the best performance memory should be upgraded to at least 192MB.

The memory used in these printers is not compatible with that from older HP products.

When more memory has been installed in the printer the installed memory entry in the driver of the computer(s) that use the printer needs to be changed, otherwise the computer will not make best use of the new memory. If memory is downgraded it is particularly important to decrease the memory entry in the driver, otherwise jobs are likely to hang.

There are also:

Interface:

Most models of this printer come with an embedded network port.

Network:

Most models have an embedded JetDirect Gigabit Ethernet with IPSec. The exception is the basic P4014.

Network Protocols:

IPv4/IPv6, Port 9100, LPD, IPP, Secure-IPP, FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, BOOTP/DHCP, DHCPv6, Apple Bonjour, WS Discovery, etc.

PCL5e, PCL6, PostScript L3 emulation, Direct PDF.

HP Universal print driver.

System Compatability:

Windows XP, Certified for Vista, Mac OS X v10.2.8 and later. Via networks Red-Hat and Suse Linux. Most Linux and other systems should be compatible via PostScript.

Power:

Models for 220 volt UK and European and 110 Volt US, Canada and Japan use.

Power requirements:

Uses a right-angled power cord.

Power Consumption:

Power consumption is largely explained by network monitoring in the sleep state and is less than 13 watts. In the Active printing state power is partly consumed by motors but most significant is the fuser so faster machines consume more power.

Off - 0 Watts, Sleep - 12 Watts, - Ready 20 Watts,

Active Printing: P4010, 43ppm, - 800 Watts, P4015, 50ppm, - 840 Watts. P4515, 60ppm, - 910 Watts.

The user manual actually says:

The Off current is Less than 0.1W - this might be the cable and power filter?

Sleep is around 13 Watts, that is actually quite high, probably a result of supporting gigabit ethernet. Switching the machine off at the power point when the office is closed will save a few pence per day and some carbon emissions.

Environment:

These printers have an economy printing mode "EconoMode" which reduces the quantity of toner used at the cost of some reduction in print quality. The lighter print saves money for tasks like proof-reading.

HP's user manual warns that EconoMode should not be set on continually because there is a risk that the toner supply might then outlast the mechanical parts of print cartridges.

Economode will normally be set on or off by the user in the Windows Print Driver Print Quality Tab or in the Macintosh Configuration Settings Economode and Toner Density tab.

Sleep mode reduces the power consumption to 12 watts. The display dims and the printer shuts down circuits that aren't needed to detect new data.

12 watts is actually quite substantial and is probably the result of running a gigabit ethernet card. If the printer genuinely won't be used overnight there is a small saving in turning it off at the wall. It is probably more significant to turn off computers.

The sleep delay can be set in CONFIGURE DEVICE and SYSTEM SETUP and SLEEP DELAY.

A Wake Time can be set if sleep mode is on so that the warm up and calibration time doesn't interfere with use.

Dimensions:

Size varies by model with the TN and X models being larger because of the extra trays (H, D, W):

With trays open:

Weight:

HP LaserJet P4010 and P4510 Series base and n models 23.6 kg (51.9 lb)

HP LaserJet P4010 and P4510 Series tn models 30.4 kg (66.8 lb)

HP LaserJet P4010 and P4510 Series x models 32.6 kg (71.7 lb)

Consumables:

These printers are typical of HP products in using cartridges that have toner and drum in a single unit. Fusers and pickup rollers don't normally count as consumables but if the printer is heavily used they will require periodic replacement as well.

The P4014 takes the low capacity "64A" cartridges. It cannot take the large "64X" cartridges which have a more protuberant upper toner hopper and only fit the P4015 and P4515 For the P4015 and P4515 there are two cartridges.

CC364A has a life of 10,000 pages at 5% yield usage life up to 5 months

CC364X has a life of 24,000 pages at 5% yield usage life of up to 12 months. (aka the "64X" cartridge)

Yields are declared in accordance with ISO/IEC 19752. The Usage life is based on a usage pattern of 2,000 pages per month which is lower than HPs recommended monthly use but in line with the level of use found in offices.

The photoconductive drum is part of the cartridge. They do last longer than the cartridges and this allows some companies to offer low cost refills. Refilled cartridges might lower the up-front cost of printing but it's worth noting that they can.

We don't entirely endorse manufacturers campaigns in favour of their original toners, they have a big vested interest. Experience suggests that HP original cartridges generally are reliable. Refilled and compatible cartridges have often been found less reliable and we have experience of the creating field service calls and of printers needing to be removed from site for cleaning.

HP don't attempt to ban the use of non-HP cartridges. However:

Fuser:

The fuser in a laser printer makes toner powder adhere to the page using a combination of heat and pressure. The fuser in the P4014/4015/4515 series continues the ideas used in the LJ 4000, 4100 4200 and 4300 of using a ceramic heater and foil to provide instantaneous heat to the page. The design is highly reliable, HP suggest a life of 225,000 pages which is at the upper end of what can be achieved with a small fuser unit.

CB506-67902 - Fuser 220 -240 Volt for P4014/4015/4515. Page yield 225,000.

CB506-67901 - Fuser 110 -120 Volt for P4014/4015/4515. Page yield 225,000.

Fusers draw a lot of power so they are driven directly from the mains power delivered to the printer. In the US, Canada and Japan supplies of about 120 Volts are normal. In the UK, EU and Australia supplies around 220 Volts are common. Buy the right fuser for your printer.

In March 2010 there were some 110 Volt fusers in UK distribution; they do sometimes have a use where a special low voltage is preferred such as construction sites.

The fuser in these printers counts as a customer field replaceable unit.

Maintenance Kit:

The message "PERFORM PRINTER MAINTENANCE" appears after printing 225,000 pages. The message can be temporarily cleared in the resets submenu and will recur after a further 10,000 pages.

The maintenance kit includes a:

HP include a transfer roller in the kit. If the print has been fading then changing the roller is a possible fix - they tend to pick up paper dust turning them grey-white or toner powder which isn't so visible because they are black anyway. Some technicians save money by just cleaning up the existing roller when the need arises - avoid handling the rubber of the roller itself because that will damage it's static properties and use a stiffish paintbrush to remove the dust.

CB389-67901 -Maintenance Kit with 220 Volt fuser - (CB389-67901 aka as CB389A in the manual)

CB388A - Maintenance Kit with 110 Volt fuser

After fitting a maintenance kit the relevant counter has to be reset. Definitive instructions are in the user manual but briefly:

1 Turn the printer power off, wait, then turn it back on.

2 When the memory count XXXMB appears on the control panel press and hold the "OK" button for about 10 seconds until all three control panel lights flash once and stay on. Release the button.

3 Use the up arrow to scroll to "NEW MAINTENANCE KIT"

4 Press "OK"

HP suggest not using this procedure just to disable the maintenance kit message. That will cause unpredictable trouble such as feed errors and sudden fuser failure when the kit is subsequently forgotten.

Spares:

Most spares are the same for all the printers in the series - the P4014, P4015 and P4515. The printer is likely to need a new fuser maintenance kit at intervals of 225,000 which will also provide a new set of rollers. The long life fusers may outlast several multipurpose and cassette roller kits depending on how the printer is used

The list below shows frequently used parts that are common in UK distribution.

CB506-67905 Multipurpose Kit for tray 1. Used in P4014, P4015, P4515. Contains pickup roller, feed roller and separation roller- CB506-67905 replaces distribution of separate RL1-1641, RL1-1663 and RL1-1654.

CB506-67904 - Cassette Roller Kit for trays 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Pickup, feed, and separation rollers (actually 2 feed rollers and 1 pickup roller) - CB506-67904

RM1-0036 - Tray 2 and 3 Pickup Roller - RM1-0036-020CN formerly RM1-0036-000CN. Grey rubber roller on a white cylinder with a 24 tooth gear at one end.

RM1-0037 - Tray Feed/Separation Rollers - RM1-0037-020CN. Grey rubber roller on a blue plastic shaft. Used in a great many LJ4200 /4300 series and CLJ 4700 and so forth.

CB506-67903 - Transfer Roller Kit. Long roller charged to pull toner from drum to paper. - CB506-67903

RM1-4527 - Paper Feed Roller assembly for MP tray 1 on P4014, P4105, P4515 - RM1-4527-000CN

RL1-1641 - Tray 1 Pick Up Roller - RL1-1641-000CN. HP now say buy the CB506-67905.

RL1-1663 - Tray 1 Feed Roller - RL1-1663-000CN. HP now say buy the CB506-67905.

RL1-1654 - Tray 1 Separation Roller - RL1-1654-000CN. HP now say buy the CB506-67905.

RC1-0198 - Tension Spring for Lifter Drive Assembly - RC1-0198-000CN

RC1-0264 - Feed roller shaft bushing. Bushing supporting the feed roller shaft. Used on the LaserJet 4 and many of it's descendants including the P4014, P4015, P4514. - RC1-0264-000CN

RM1-4562 - Paper feed shaft for pick-up roller and feed roller. Used in P4014, P4015, P4514 - RM1-4562-000CN

RM1-5465 Laser Scanner Assy - P4014, P4015, P4515 - RM1-5465-000CN

WG8-5624 Photosensor - TLP1241 used in a huge number of printers - WG8-5624-000CN

RM1-4582 - DC Controller PCB. Used in the P4014, P4015, P4515 - RM1-4582-070CN

CB437-67901 - Formatter / Main Logic for base model (P4014)

CB438-67901 - Formatter / Main Logic for network models. Used in the P4014N, DN, P4015N, DN, TN, X, P4515N, TN, X, XM

CB506-90950 Service manual.

Fault Finding:

These are mono printers with a one-piece print cartridge so most faults will be cleared by changing the cartridge. Problems with the fuser will normally give "50" errors and problems with paper feeding "13" errors.

If print quality seems to be an issue the printer can produce a "cleaning page". Remove paper from tray 1.

1 Menu - CONFIGURE DEVICE - PRINT QUALITY - CREATE CLEANING PAGE -

2 when the page emerges put it face down in Tray 1

3 The PROCESS CLEANING PAGE.

If the cleaning page doesn't work the printer will need more substantive attempts at cleaning using a dry cloth, a slightly damp cloth or a toner-grade vacuum cleaner.

To restore factory settings:

Menu - CONFIGURE DEVICE - RESETS - RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS

Error Messages:

10.94.YY REMOVE SHIPPING LOCKS FROM CARTRIDGE - the orange tab or plastic insert has not been removed from the cartridge.

Remove whichever orange element has not been dealt with.

10.XX.YY SUPPLY MEMORY ERROR - There is no memory chip on the cartridge or it is defective. The link through plug J74 to the DC controller may not be working.

Is the cartridge from HP and if not is the chip supposed to work? If the cartridge is an HP original turn the printer off, reseat the cartridge, turn the printer on and see if the message clears. If it does not is there any possibility the cartridge is counterfeit? HP have a hotline to spot counterfeits, they will want the vendoe name and serial number.

11. INTERNAL CLOCK ERROR - the real time clock is wrong. The prompt appears when the printer is turned on.

At a wild guess the battery for the clock is flat. Printers with a clock are a relatively new idea but the machine needs to know the time, for instance to wake up from sleep mode.

13.JJ.NT DEVICE WARNING - An external device such as a tray sent a warning.

The service manual says "No action is necessary" - obviously if it happens a lot it raises some questions.

13.JJ.NT JAM IN - a jam has occurred in location. Typical messages are 13.01.00 Jam in Tray 1 or 13.03.00 Jam in Tray 2. Check whether there is actually a paper jam.

If the rollers have been replaced they may not be seated correctly. If the message won't clear and the rollers seem correct then look for a sensor that is stuck. A manual sensor check may help. If these are all correct suspect the tray solenoid.

13.20.00 JAM INSIDE - which can be TRAY 2, TOP COVER, REAR DOOR, DUPLEXER

Paper failed to reach the relevant sensor in the given time. Remove the misfewd paper. If the fault recures look for obstructions such as stray paper fragments or labels. Do a manual sensor test.

13.JJ.NT PAPER JAM OPEN INPUT TRAYS - a jam occurred in an input tray.

Open the trays, check for misfeeds, then check the trays are properly closed.

"13" errors are sometimes straightforward - the cause of the jam is visible. However they can be stubborn and repeat. If the printer won't feed from the cassette will it feed from the multipurpose tray or vice versa. Will it feed too the rear face-down tray if there is one?

Try turning the paper stack the other way up and if that doesn't work try it the other way round.

Look at the feed rollers. Modern feed rollers are usually a soft grey rubber and have a textured surface. If the rollers were one textured and have lost the pattern they won't work properly.

21 PAGE TOO COMPLEX -alternates with "To Continue Press OK" - not enough memory.

If this happens often then the print jobs concerned are too complex for the existing printer memory. These printers ship with a large memory but not sufficient to deal with (say) a couple of sides of really complex imagery. One possibility to make a job print is to reduce the resolution. If the error often happens with jobs that must print at high quality larger DIMM unit needs to be installed to extend the memory. See Accessories below.

22 EIO X BUFFER OVERFLOW "To Continue Press OK" - Data will be lost

Probably an unexpected and unwanted print protocol. Something is sending data intended for another printer?

22 EMBEDDED I/O BUFFER OVERFLOW "To Continue Press OK" - Too much data sent for the internal JetDirect

22 USB I/O BUFFER OVERFLOW "To Continue Press OK" - Too much data sent for the internal JetDirect.

The "22" errors are odd. If the printer can't store a packet it might either not request it or acknowledge it.

40 EIO X BAD TRANSMISSION "To Continue Press OK" - Probably a broken connection

40 EMBEDDED I/O BAD TRANSMISSION "To Continue Press OK" - Probably a broken connection

41.3 UNEXPECTED SIZE IN TRAY - scroll to Tray XX Size= and adjust then check tray guides etc.

41.X ERROR "To Continue Press OK" - A temporary print error - the printer should recover and reprint.

49.XXXX ERROR "To Continue turn off then on" - Firmware error.

Turn the machine off and leave it off for a while (HP suggest 20 minutes)

50.X Fuser Error - The fuser might recover with power cycling

50.1 Fuser Error - Low fuser temperature.

50.2 Fuser Warm Up slow. Low voltage issue? Also look for weird things like material stuck to the foil. Could be fuser heater failure.

50.3 High Fuser Temperature - might suggest a ventilation problem, an issue in the thermistor circuit or worst of all breakdown of the triac that control fuser heat. May clear itself

50.4 Faulty Fuser

Turn off and leave for 20 minutes. If the message persists remove accessories and options and try without them in the hopes that they are creating the issue.

Error 50 generally points to the need for a new fuser. For ordering details see above.

51.XY ERROR - Another temporary error message. Turn the power off and then on.

52.XY ERROR - and another

53.XY.ZZ CHECK RAM DIMM SLOT - A DIMM doesn't work. There is one DIMM so 0=ROM 1= RAM

54.XX ERROR - Probably a stuck or dirty sensor.

55.XX.YY DC CONTROLLER ERROR - hopefully clears when the power is cycled

56.XX ERROR - Incorrect I/O request. Cycle the power.

57.XX ERROR - Problem with the fans. Find the fan that has stalled.

58.XX ERROR - apparently could be memory tag, air sensor or voltage (weird)

59.XY ERROR - another temporary problem that should clear when power is cycled.

60.X ERROR - Problem with Tray X lift mechanism. Probably stray paper fragment.

62 NO SYSTEM - The printer OS is corrupt (Oh hell, will it download firmware to flash?)

66.XY.ZZ INPUT DEVICE ERROR - External paper handling controller found a problem. Check cables.

As usual this list is not definitive (and at the moment it is not complete) HP's online version is here at March 2010 and if it moves do a web search for "11 INTERNAL CLOCK ERROR"

Defects Ruler:

Where there is a vertical mark down a page there is often some discernible "pitch" to it. This gives a hint as to which roller has the defect.

Tray 1 - Pickup roller - 63 mm

Tray 1 - Feed Roller - 79 mm

Tray 1 - Separation Roller - 79 mm

OPC Drum: 94 mm

PCR - 37.7 mm

Transfer Roller - 47 mm

Upper fuser sleeve - 94 mm

Lower fuser pressure roller - 94 mm

Whats-in-the-box:

Printer, Right angled power cord, control panel overlay, software and documentation on CD-ROM, print cartridge, getting started guide, support flyer. With the P4515tn there is an extra tray and with the P4515x there is both a tray and a automatic duplex unit. See the list of models at the top of this page for what to expect.

Warranty:

The user manual says One year limited warranty.

Notice that HP treats certain parts as Customer Self Repair (CSR) - this helps minimize the repair time and cuts the cost of delivering warranty. These parts are usually easy to replace. Note that if you demand HP or the vendor of the printer replace these parts for you that may be billable. If these terms do not meet your needs then take up one of the service agreements.

Extended warranty provides hardware maintenance cover for a 1- to 3-year period from date of the product purchase. HP Support packs must be purchased within the stated factory warranty.

If the equipment needs to be returned by courier see the user manual.

Services:

HP offers:

Options and Accessories:

These printers have a substantial range of expansion options and accessories. HP sell several variants of each printer, models end with a letter indicating the extra features:

It is generally more economical and convenient to buy a printer complete with at least some of the options wanted than to buy them separately.

Copyright G Huskinson & MindMachine Associates Ltd 2012