Zebra Technologies S4M manual 98

92Troubleshooting Print Quality Problems

Table 16 • Print Quality Problems (Continued)

Problem	Possible Cause	Recommended Solution
Vertical drift in	A plus or minus 4 to 6 dot row	1. Calibrate the printer.
top-of-form position	(approximately 0.5 mm)	2. Adjust the label top position setting. See
	vertical drift is acceptable due	Adjust Label Top Position on page 61.
	to different tolerances of
	mechanical parts and printer
	modes.
	The printer is out of calibration.	Recalibrate the printer.
	The platen roller is dirty.	See Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller
		on page 79.
Vertical image or	The printer is using	Configure the printer for non-continuous and run
label drift	noncontinuous labels but is	calibration routine, if necessary.
	configured in continuous mode.
	Incorrectly positioned media	Ensure the media sensor is properly positioned to
	sensor.	read a single/consistent interlabel gap.
	Improperly calibrated media	See Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensors
	sensor.	on page 72.
	The platen roller is dirty.	Clean the platen roller. See Clean the Printhead
		and Platen Roller on page 79.
	Improper printhead pressure	Adjust the printhead pressure to ensure proper
	settings (toggles).	functionality.
	Improperly loaded ribbon or	Verify that the printer is loaded properly.
	media.
	Incompatible media.	Ensure that the interlabel gaps or notches are 2 to
		4 mm and consistently placed. Media must not
		exceed minimum specifications for mode of
		operation.
The bar code printed	The bar code is not within	Perform the FEED Self Test on page 100. Adjust
on a label does not	specifications because the print	the darkness or print speed settings as necessary.
scan.	is too light or too dark.
	Not enough blank space around	Leave at least 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) between the bar
	the bar code.	code and other printed areas on the label and
		between the bar code and the edge of the label.

13290L-001 Rev. A S4M User Guide 10/21/05