Zebra Technologies S4M manual 108

108Troubleshooting Print Quality Problems

Table 19 • Print Quality Problems (Continued)

Problem	Possible Cause	Recommended Solution
Vertical drift in	The printer is out of calibration.	Recalibrate the printer.
top-of-form position
	Normal tolerances of	1. Calibrate the printer. See Calibrate Media
	mechanical parts and printer	and Ribbon Sensors on page 85.
	modes.	2. Adjust the label top position setting. See
	Note • A vertical drift of	Adjust Label Top Position on page 73.
	± 4 to 6 dot rows
	(approximately 0.5 mm)
	is within normal
	tolerances.
	The platen roller is dirty.	Clean the platen roller. See Clean the Printhead
		and Platen Roller on page 90.
Vertical image or	The printer is using	Configure the printer for non-continuous and run
label drift	non-continuous labels but is	calibration routine, if necessary.
	configured in continuous mode.
	The media sensor is calibrated	See Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensors
	improperly.	on page 85.
	The platen roller is dirty.	Clean the platen roller. See Clean the Printhead
		and Platen Roller on page 90.
	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 117. 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-004 Rev. A S4M User Guide 6/15/09