152Troubleshooting Print Quality Problems

Table 13 • Print Quality Problems (Continued)

Problem

Possible Cause

Recommended Solution

 

 

 

Wrinkled ribbon

Ribbon fed through the

See Load Ribbon on page 49.

 

machine incorrectly.

 

 

 

 

 

Incorrect burn temperature.

Set the darkness to the lowest possible setting for

 

 

good print quality. See Adjust Print Darkness

 

 

on page 72.

 

 

 

 

Incorrect or uneven printhead

Set the printhead pressure to the minimum

 

pressure.

needed for good print quality. See Adjust

 

 

Printhead Pressure and Toggle Position

 

 

on page 61.

 

 

 

 

Media not feeding properly;

Make sure that media is snug by adjusting the

 

“walking” from side to side.

media guide, or call a service technician.

 

 

 

 

The strip plate needs adjusting.

Call a service technician.

 

 

 

 

The printhead needs vertical

Call a service technician.

 

adjustment.

 

 

 

 

 

The printhead is improperly

Call a service technician.

 

balanced.

 

 

 

 

 

The printhead and platen roller

Call a service technician.

 

need to be realigned.

 

 

 

 

Fine, angular gray

Wrinkled ribbon.

See wrinkled ribbon causes and solutions in this

lines on blank labels

 

table.

 

 

 

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.

check if you are using direct thermal media,

 

 

perform the label scratch test in When to Use

 

 

Ribbon on page 37.

 

 

 

 

Incorrect or uneven printhead

Set the pressure to the minimum needed. See

 

pressure.

Adjust Printhead Pressure and Toggle Position

 

 

on page 61.

 

 

 

Smudge marks on

The media or ribbon is not

Replace supplies with those recommended for

labels

designed for high-speed

high-speed operation.

 

operation.

 

 

 

 

13383L-004 Rev. A

XiIIIPlus/R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide

9/6/07