106Troubleshooting Print Quality Problems

Print Quality Problems

Table 19 identifies problems with print quality, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions.

Table 19 • Print Quality Problems

Problem

Possible Cause

Recommended Solution

 

 

 

General print quality

The printer is set at the

For optimal print quality, set the print speed to

issues

incorrect print speed.

the lowest possible setting for your application

 

 

via control panel, the driver, or the software. See

 

 

Adjust Print Speed on page 75. You may want to

 

 

perform the FEED Self Test on page 117.

 

 

 

 

You are using an incorrect

1. Switch to a different type of media or ribbon

 

combination of labels 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.

 

 

 

 

The printer is set at an incorrect

For optimal print quality, set the darkness to the

 

darkness level.

lowest possible setting for your application via

 

 

the control panel, the driver, or the software. See

 

 

Adjust Print Darkness on page 72. You may

 

 

want to perform the FEED Self Test on page 117

 

 

to determine the ideal darkness setting.

 

 

 

 

The printhead is dirty.

Clean the printhead. See Clean the Printhead

 

 

and Platen Roller on page 90.

 

 

 

 

Incorrect or uneven printhead

Set the printhead pressure to the minimum

 

pressure.

needed for good print quality. See Adjust

 

 

Printhead Pressure on page 61.

 

 

 

 

The printhead is improperly

Call a service technician.

 

balanced.

 

 

 

 

Long tracks of

Print element damaged.

Call a service technician.

missing print on

 

 

several labels

 

 

Wrinkled ribbon.

See wrinkled ribbon causes and solutions in this

 

 

 

table.

 

 

 

13290L-004 Rev. A

S4M User Guide

6/15/09