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Troubleshooting
Printing Issues
1/16/2014 ZD500 Series™ Thermal Transfer Printer User’s Guide P1062653-002 Rev. A
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 onpage 79.
The ribbon may not have the
‘ink’ outside wound or
approved for this printer.
See the following ribbon test procedures: Ribbon
Test with Adhesive onpage 84 and Ribbon
Scratch Test onpage 85.
Media or ribbon has been
loaded incorrectly.
The media printable surface must face up
towards the prinhead. Follow the instructions for
Loading Roll Media onpage 20
in the Setup section. For printing using transfer
ribbon, see Loading Transfer Ribbon onpage 23.
Loss of printing
registration on labels.
Excessive vertical
drift in top-of-form
registration.
The platen roller is dirty. Clean the printhead and platen roller. Cleaning
the Printhead onpage 111 and Platen Cleaning
and Replacement on page 114
The media type is set
incorrectly.
Set the printer for the correct media type
(gap/notch, continuous, or mark). See
SETTINGS Menu on page 52.- MEDIA TYPE
The media is loaded incorrectly. Load media correctly. See Loading Roll Media
on page 20.
Long tracks of
missing print on
several labels
Print element damaged. Call a service technician.
Printing too light or
too dark over the
entire label
The media or ribbon is not
designed for high-speed
operation.
Replace supplies with those recommended for
high-speed operation.
You are using an incorrect
combination of media and
ribbon for your application.
1. Switch to a different type of media or ribbon
to try to find a compatible combination.
2. If necessary, consult your authorized Zebra
reseller or distributor for information and
advice.
You are using ribbon with
direct thermal media.
Direct thermal media does not require ribbon. To
determine if you are using direct thermal media,
perform the label scratch test in When to Use
Ribbon on page 84.
Smudge marks on
labels
The media or ribbon is not
designed for high-speed
operation.
Replace supplies with those recommended for
high-speed operation.
Misregistration/skips
labels
The printer is not calibrated. Calibrate the printer. See Manual Calibration -
Media on page 75.
Improper label format. Check your label format and correct it as
necessary.
Table 2 • Printing Issues (Continued)
Issue Possible Cause Recommended Solution