Brother MFC-640CW Manual

The Brother MFC-640CW is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities with wireless connectivity. It includes a color LCD, automatic document feeder, duplex printing, PC-FAX functionality, and support for various media types. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Printing & Copying 8. Scanning & Faxing 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Color inkjet print engine, LCD control panel, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), paper trays, wireless network interface, USB port, telephone line jack.

FeatureDescription
Print ResolutionUp to 6000 x 1200 dpi
Print SpeedUp to 31 ppm black, 25 ppm color
Paper Handling250-sheet input capacity, automatic duplex
ConnectivityWireless 802.11b/g, USB 2.0, Ethernet
Fax Capability33.6 Kbps modem, PC-FAX, 100-page memory
ScannerFlatbed + ADF, 1200 x 2400 dpi optical
LCD Display2.5-inch color LCD with navigation
Ink CartridgesIndividual LC-51 series (black, cyan, magenta, yellow)
Media SupportPlain paper, envelopes, labels, transparencies, cards
Power Requirements120V AC, 60Hz

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface near power outlet.

  1. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, remove protective tape, insert cartridges until they click.
  2. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load plain paper face down.
  3. Connect power: Plug power cord into back of printer and into wall outlet.
  4. Connect telephone line: For fax, connect phone line to LINE jack.
  5. Turn on printer: Press power button; LCD will initialize.

WARNING! Do not touch ink nozzles or copper contacts. Keep printer away from heat sources.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; follow LCD prompts.

  1. Install printhead: Printer will automatically align printhead; follow on-screen instructions.
  2. Connect to computer: Use USB cable or wireless setup wizard.
  3. Install software: Insert CD or download drivers from Brother website.
  4. Configure network: Use LCD menu to set up wireless connection (SSID and password).
  5. Test print: Print alignment page and test page to verify installation.

CAUTION! Do not unplug during initialization. Allow printhead alignment to complete.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access functions via LCD menu or control panel buttons.

Control Panel: Power, Stop/Exit, Copy, Scan, Fax, Menu, Navigation arrows, OK, Black Start, Color Start.

LCD Menu: Setup (network, fax, system), Maintenance (clean printhead, nozzle check), Reports (print configuration, fax log).

Print Settings: Quality (draft, normal, fine), paper type, duplex, grayscale. Copy Settings: Number of copies, darkness, reduce/enlarge, 2-sided copy. Fax Settings: Resolution, contrast, redial, fax header. Network Settings: Wireless setup, TCP/IP, security.

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect directly to computer. Network: Wireless or Ethernet. Fax: Telephone line.

  1. Turn off printer before connecting cables.
  2. For USB: Connect USB cable to printer and computer.
  3. For wireless: Use LCD menu to select network and enter password.
  4. For Ethernet: Connect network cable to router and printer.
  5. For fax: Connect phone line to LINE jack; connect phone to EXT jack if needed.

Tip: Ensure wireless router is on during setup. Use WPA2 security for best protection.

Printing & Copying

Supports various paper types and sizes.

  1. Print from computer: Select Brother printer in application, adjust settings as needed.
  2. Copy: Place original in ADF or on glass, press Copy, adjust settings, press Black or Color Start.
  3. Duplex printing: Enable in printer properties or via LCD menu.
  4. Photo printing: Use photo paper, select appropriate paper type in settings.
  5. Cancel job: Press Stop/Exit button.
  6. Check ink levels: Print report from LCD menu or use Brother software.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or curled paper. Keep paper dry.

Scanning & Faxing

Scan to computer, email, or memory device. Send/receive faxes.

Scanning: Place document, press Scan button, select destination (PC, USB). Use Brother software for OCR and editing.

Faxing: Dial number using keypad or speed dial, press Fax Start. Receive automatically or manually. Store faxes in memory during paper outage.

PC-FAX: Send fax directly from computer without printing.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Clean exterior with dry cloth. Clean printhead via LCD menu.

  1. Nozzle check: Print test to verify print quality.
  2. Clean printhead: Use maintenance menu if lines or gaps appear.
  3. Clean scanner glass: Use soft, lint-free cloth; avoid abrasives.
  4. Replace ink: When LCD indicates low ink, replace cartridge.

CAUTION! Unplug before cleaning. Do not use alcohol or solvents on printhead.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. ICES-003: Complies with Canadian EMI regulations. ENERGY STAR® qualified. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not printingNo ink/connectionCheck ink levels; ensure USB/network connection; restart printer.
Poor print qualityClogged nozzlesRun nozzle check and head cleaning from maintenance menu.
Paper jamMisloaded paperTurn off, remove jammed paper from all access areas.
Wireless not workingSignal/configurationCheck router; re-run wireless setup; verify password.
Fax not sendingLine/no dial toneCheck phone line connection; listen for dial tone; verify number.
Scanner not detectedDriver/connectionReinstall Brother software; check USB cable; restart computer.

Reset: Menu > Initial Setup > Reset Settings if needed.

Service: 1-877-267-8437; www.brother-usa.com

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