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Troubleshooting

Print Quality Problems

Print Quality Problems

No print on the label.

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

For thermal transfer printers, the media may not be outside wound or approved for use in the G-Series printer. See the following ribbon test procedures: Ribbon Test with Adhesive on page 36 and Ribbon Scratch Test on page 37.

Is the media loaded correctly? Follow the instructions for Loading Roll Media on page 13 in the Getting Started section. For printing using transfer ribbon, see Loading Transfer Ribbon on page 17.

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 89.

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.

Verify that the printer power supply in use is rated at 100 Watts of DC output.

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.

980612-001 Rev. A

GX420t / GX430t User Guide

12/14/07

Page 94
Image 94
Zebra Technologies GX430t, GX420t manual Print Quality Problems, No print on the label, Printed image does not look right

GX420t, GX430t specifications

Zebra Technologies has established itself as a leader in the printing solutions market, especially with the introduction of its GX series of thermal printers. Among the most notable models are the GX430t and GX420t, both widely recognized for their reliability, versatility, and advanced features.

The GX430t printer boasts a high-resolution printing capability of up to 300 dpi, making it ideal for applications where clarity and detail are paramount. This makes the printer particularly useful for producing labels that require intricate graphics and small text. On the other hand, the GX420t provides a resolution of 203 dpi, which is still impressive for standard label printing applications. Both models support a range of media types, including labels, tags, and wristbands, making them adaptable to various industries such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.

One of the standout features of the GX series is their ease of use. Both models incorporate a straightforward, user-friendly interface with a large graphic LCD display that simplifies operation and configuration. The printers are designed for quick setup and maintenance, with features like a clamshell design that allows for fast media loading. Additionally, both models come with USB and serial connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.

Both the GX430t and GX420t utilize thermal transfer and direct thermal printing technologies, offering flexibility depending on the application's requirements. The thermal transfer method enables the use of different ribbon types and materials, facilitating high-quality prints that are durable and smudge-proof. This is particularly important in environments where labels face wear and tear.

Another significant characteristic is their compact size, which makes them suitable for both desktop and mobile use. The GX series printers are designed for speed, with print speeds of up to 4 inches per second for the GX420t and slightly higher for the GX430t, enhancing productivity in busy environments.

Moreover, Zebra Technologies ensures that these printers are equipped with advanced management and monitoring capabilities. The ZebraSetup Utilities enable easy configuration, and the printer's status can be monitored in real-time, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operation.

In conclusion, the Zebra Technologies GX430t and GX420t printers stand out in the market due to their high-resolution printing capabilities, ease of use, and robust connectivity options. Their range of features makes them ideal for various industries, where reliable and high-quality label printing is essential. As businesses continue to seek efficient solutions for their labeling needs, these models provide a reliable choice, ensuring quality and performance as top priorities.