IBM 3000 manual Print Quality Problems, Symptom Action

Print Quality Problems

Many print quality problems are directly related to the kind of forms that are being used and the application that is being processed. If a particular form or application regularly produces unsatisfactory output, refer the application owner to the Forms Design Reference for Continuous Forms Advanced Function Printers,

G544-3921. This publication contains detailed information about selecting forms and designing applications for use with continuous forms printers.

Table 27 describes possible print quality problems and suggests actions that may correct the symptoms.

Table 27. Print Quality Symptom Table

Symptom	Action
Repeating spot patterns	v Clean the printer and the oiler belt. See ªCleaning the Printerº on page 88
	and ªCleaning the Oiler Beltº on page 86.
	v If you have been running labels, print a test job on plain paper forms to
	remove any adhesive residue that the labels may have left in the printer.
Print is too dark or characters appear	Press the Lighter Contrast Control key on the printer control panel.
too wide.
In duplex printing mode, there is a	It is normal for printing contrast to vary between printers. Adjust the
noticeable difference in the printing	Contrast setting on the printer control panel of both printers to balance the
contrast between the front and back	contrast between the printers.
sides of the form, even though the
Contrast Switch setting is set the
same on both printers.
Blank spots (voids) or light areas	This problem is usually related to forms design, and it cannot be corrected
appear near perforations.	by adjusting the printer.
	The following restrictions, copied from the Forms Design Reference for
	Continuous Forms Advanced Function Printers, G544-3921 must be maintained.
	Print quality may be poor near fold perforations, an internal perforation, or
	any cut in the form. To ensure correct operation and print quality, maintain
	the following distances:
	v From non-folding and internal perforations: 1.27 mm (0.05 in.)
	v From folding perforations: 1.27 mm (0.05 in.)
	v From binder holes and cuts: 2.54 mm (0.1 in.)
	If the speci®ed distance from the page perforations is not being maintained,
	refer the application owner to the Forms Design Reference for Continuous
	Forms Advanced Function Printers, G544-3921.
Loss of edge de®nition or lighter print	The problem can be reduced or eliminated by increasing the Contrast switch
contrast (boldness) at the trailing edge	setting on the printer control panel. Remember to adjust the contrast setting
of bar codes, shaded or solid ®ll	on both printers when they are in duplex mode This balances the contrast
areas, or formatted bold text	between the front and back of the forms.
characters.

266InfoPrint 3000 Operator's Guide