Zebra Technologies GC420t manual Print Quality Problems, No print on the label

Page 81

Print Quality Problems

Print Quality Problems

No print on the label.

The media may not be direct thermal media which is required when printing without ribbon (i.e. thermal transfer). See the test procedure Determining Thermal Media Types on page 33.

The wrong side of the media is facing up contacting the printhead. The media roll may not be outside wound.

Transfer ribbon - The outside of the ribbon must be outside wound - the transfer material facing out. See the following ribbon test procedures: Ribbon Test with Adhesive

on page 37 and Ribbon Scratch Test on page 37.

Is the media loaded correctly? Follow the instructions for Loading Roll Media on page 11 in the Getting Started section. For printing using transfer ribbon, see Loading Transfer Ribbon on page 15.

The printed image does not look right.

The printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead.

The printhead is under temperature.

Adjust the print darkness and/or print speed.

Use the ^PR (speed) and ~SD (darkness) commands referenced in the ZPL Programming Guide.

Use the D (darkness/density) and S (speed) commands in the EPL Programmer’s Guide.

Manually adjust print darkness with the six-flash sequence of Feed Button Modes on page 76.

The Windows printer driver or application software may change these settings and may require a change to optimize print quality.

The media being used is incompatible with the printer. Be sure to use the recommended media for your application, and always use Zebra-approved labels and tags.

The printhead has worn out. The printhead is a consumable item and will wear out due to friction between the media and printhead. Using unapproved media may shorten life or damage your printhead. Replace the printhead.

The platen may need cleaning or replacement. The platen (driver) roller maybe losing traction due to:

Foreign objects attached to its surface,

The rubbery smooth surface has become polished and slippery, or

There is damage to the normally smooth and flat print surface such as box knife cuts.

69

5/22/2012

GC420t™ User Guide

P1052686-001

Image 81
Contents Zebra GC420t P1052686-001 GC420t User Guide 22/2012 Iii FCC Compliance Statement About This Document ContentsHow This Document Is Organized Who Should Use This DocumentMail Back Technical Library ContactsIcons Used Document ConventionsContents Print Operations Appendix Dimensions P1052686-001 GC420t User Guide 22/2012 Introduction GC420t Thermal Printers Unpack and Inspect the Printer What’s in the Box?Opening the printer Your PrinterPrinter Features Operator Controls Power Switch Status Light Feed ButtonClosing the printer Getting Started ContentsAttaching Power Preparing Media Loading Roll MediaPlacing the Roll in the Media Compartment Loading Roll Media Guides Loading Transfer Ribbon Loading Transfer Ribbon Loading Transfer Ribbon Loading Transfer Ribbon Printing a Test Printer Configuration Label Pre-install Windows Printer Drivers Serial Port and Windows operating systems Universal Serial Bus USB Device CommunicationsInterface Cable Requirements Connecting your Printer to a ComputerUSB Interface Requirements Autobaud Serial CommunicationsEPL Y Command Parallel Port After Your Printer is Connected Testing Communications by PrintingAfter Your Printer is Connected Print Operations Determining Printer Configuration Long Term Printer In-activity or StorageThermal Printing Print Media Types Modes of PrintingTypes of Media Roll and Fanfold Media Replacing Supplies Determining Thermal Media TypesAdding a New Transfer Ribbon Adjusting the Print Width Adjusting the Print QualityReplacing a Partially Used Transfer Ribbon Media Sensing When to Use Ribbon Ribbon OverviewCoated Side of Ribbon Ribbon Scratch Test Ribbon Test with AdhesivePrinting on Fan-Fold Media Printing on Fan-Fold Media Externally Mounted Roll Media Considerations Printing with Externally Mounted Roll MediaLocalizing the Printer with Code Pages Fonts and Your PrinterZPL Fonts Identifying Fonts in Your PrinterStand Alone Printing Sending Files to the Printer Print Meter Printer Options XA MMP XZ Label Dispenser OptionLabel Dispenser Option Label Dispenser Option Zebra KDU Printer Accessory KDU Plus Printer Accessory ZBI 2.0 Zebra Basic Interpreter ZBI 2.0 Zebra Basic Interpreter Maintenance See Cleaning the Printhead on CleaningCleaning the Printhead Media Path Considerations Sensor Cleaning Platen Cleaning and Replacement Maintenance Other Printer Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Maintenance Unplug both bundles of printhead wires from their connectors Maintenance Troubleshooting Status Light Descriptions Status Light Error Resolutions Media is out Printhead is over temperatureRibbon is out Printhead is openPrint Quality Problems No print on the labelPrinted image does not look right Print Quality Problems Is the printer in pause mode? If so, press the Feed button Manual Calibration Troubleshooting Tests Printing a Configuration LabelRecalibration Communications Diagnostics Resetting the Factory Default ValuesCommunications Diagnostics Flash Sequence Action Feed Button ModesPower On Modes Feed Button Modes Appendix Interface Wiring Universal Serial Bus USB Interface Host Parallel InterfaceSerial Port Interface Connecting the Printer to a DCE DeviceAppendix Dimensions External GC420t Printer Dimensions Optional Label Dispenser External GC420t Printer Dimensions Appendix ZPL Configuration ZPL Printer Configuration Format Managing the ZPL Printer ConfigurationConfiguration Label Printout ZPL Configuration Status to Command Cross-referenceDefault 65536k.......B only displays this if installed ZPL Programming for Memory Management Printer Memory Management and Related Status Reports~WC Printer Memory Management and Related Status Reports

GC420t specifications

Zebra Technologies GC420t is a compact and versatile thermal transfer printer designed for a variety of printing applications. This printer is particularly favored in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics due to its robust performance and user-friendly features.

One of the standout characteristics of the GC420t is its print speed. This printer can achieve speeds of up to 5 inches per second, making it efficient for high-volume printing tasks. With a maximum print resolution of 203 dpi, the GC420t produces clear and legible labels, receipts, and tags, which is essential in environments where accurate information is critical.

The GC420t utilizes thermal transfer technology, which involves the use of a ribbon to transfer ink onto the substrate. This method is particularly beneficial for producing high-quality prints that are resistant to smudging, scratching, and fading. This durability makes it suitable for labeling products that require a long-lasting solution.

In addition to its printing capabilities, the GC420t features a user-friendly design. The printer's simple setup and intuitive control panel make it easy for users to operate without the need for extensive training. The included ZPL II and EPL programming languages enable seamless integration into existing systems, further enhancing the ease of use.

The GC420t is also equipped with diverse connectivity options, including USB, serial, and parallel interfaces. This flexibility allows for easy integration into various environments and simplifies the connection to computers and other devices. Moreover, the printer's compact design ensures it can fit comfortably in small spaces, making it ideal for environments with limited room.

When it comes to media handling, the GC420t supports a wide range of label sizes and types. Whether you need to print shipping labels, barcode labels, or asset tags, this printer can accommodate your requirements. The adjustable media guides allow for quick and easy adjustments to suit different media types.

In conclusion, Zebra Technologies GC420t stands out as a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly thermal transfer printer. Its robust features, including high print speed, durable output, versatile connectivity options, and adaptability to various media types, make it an essential tool for businesses looking to enhance their labeling and printing processes. Whether in retail, healthcare, or logistics, the GC420t delivers performance and reliability that organizations require.