Troubleshooting 137

Printing Issues

Table 14 • Printing Issues (Continued)

Issue

Possible Cause

Recommended Solution

 

 

 

Long tracks of

Print element damaged.

Call a service technician.

missing print on

 

 

several labels

Wrinkled ribbon.

See wrinkled ribbon causes and solutions in

 

 

Ribbon Problems on page 146.

 

 

 

Fine, angular gray

Wrinkled ribbon.

See wrinkled ribbon causes and solutions in

lines on blank labels

 

Ribbon Problems on page 146.

 

 

 

Printing too light or

The media or ribbon is not

Replace supplies with those recommended for

too dark over the

designed for high-speed

high-speed operation.

entire label

operation.

 

 

 

 

 

You are using an incorrect

1. Switch to a different type of media or ribbon

 

combination of media and

to try to find a compatible combination.

 

ribbon for your application.

2. If necessary, consult your authorized Zebra

 

 

reseller or distributor for information and

 

 

advice.

 

 

 

 

You are using ribbon with

Direct thermal media does not require ribbon. To

 

direct thermal media.

determine if you are using direct thermal media,

 

 

perform the label scratch test in When to Use

 

 

Ribbon on page 49.

 

 

 

 

Incorrect or uneven printhead

1. Position the printhead toggles correctly. See

 

pressure.

Toggle Position Adjustment on page 119.

 

 

2. Set the printhead pressure to the minimum

 

 

needed for good print quality. See Printhead

 

 

Pressure Adjustment on page 121.

 

 

 

Smudge marks on

The media or ribbon is not

Replace supplies with those recommended for

labels

designed for high-speed

high-speed operation.

 

operation.

 

 

 

 

Misregistration/skips

The printer is not calibrated.

Calibrate the printer. See Calibrate the Ribbon

labels

 

and Media Sensors Manually on page 106.

 

 

 

 

Improper label format.

Check your label format and correct it as

 

 

necessary.

 

 

 

Misregistration and

The platen roller, pinch roller,

Clean the printhead and rollers. See Clean the

misprint of one to

or peel roller is dirty.

Printhead and Platen Roller on page 126.

three labels

 

 

Media does not meet

Use media that meets specifications. See Media

 

 

specifications.

Specifications on page 164.

 

 

 

Vertical drift in

The printer is out of calibration.

Calibrate the printer. See Calibrate the Ribbon

top-of-form position

 

and Media Sensors Manually on page 106.

 

 

 

 

The platen roller, pinch roller,

Clean the printhead and rollers. See Clean the

 

or peel roller is dirty.

Printhead and Platen Roller on page 126.

 

 

 

7/3/13

P1056468-002