Kodak 800 SERIES service manual Banding Causes & Quick Analysis Horizontal Banding Problems

NovaJet 800 Series Service Manual

Banding Causes & Quick Analysis

Horizontal Banding Problems

1.Check the print mode for the type of image being printed. Refer to Printer Calibrations - 'Checking Print Mode'. Is the high pass mode (5 pass for 2x4 configuration, 10 pass for 1x4, 1x6, and 1x8 cartridge set configurations) printing successful? Note: 3 pass mode (2x4 configuration) or 4 pass mode (1x4, 1x6, and 1x8 cartridge set configurations) will microband in many of the 2 tone color ranges including some blue, gray, orange, and purple hues. Check to see if the media is loaded correctly and is of proper thickness (no greater than 20 mil media can pass through the machine). Check to see if the media guides are in place and are not defective. Check the pinch rollers for alignment/damage.

2.Are the color deadband and color calibrations correct? Refer to Printer Calibrations. Inspect the Prime pattern and verify diagonal line in the jet test is consistent throughout. The line should not have sections or lighter and darker shades, it should not be dissolved or broken. Refer to Printer Features - 'Jet Out Detection'. Clean, manually bypass clogged jets, or replace the cartridge if any of these abnormal conditions exist. Defective or clogged cartridges account for 90% of the banding observed.

3.Change the preheat setting for the affected color. To gain access select SetUp Menu, Ink Option Menu, Ink PreHeat Settings, choose the appropriate color. If this does not help, then return settings to zero (0) default at completion of test.

4.Ensure the Auto-Wipe feature is turned off. To gain access select SetUp Menu, Paper Option Menu, Auto-Wipe, select off. Auto-Wipe of the carriage head (occurs every 2 minutes when activated) can cause a dry band to appear on the print. This feature is normally defaulted off. The printer will normally spit into the service station every 15 seconds (GO or GX ink loaded) or every 2 minutes (GS+ ink loaded) to keep nozzles clear but will not interfere with print and dry time to cause banding of any nature.

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance 3-19