Troubleshooting
Printing Issues
128
P1062653-002 Rev. A ZD500 Series™ Thermal Transfer Printer User’s Guide 1/16/2014
Vertical drift in
top-of-form position
The printer is out of calibration. Calibrate the printer. See Manual Calibration -
Media on page 75.
The platen roller is dirty. Clean the printhead and platen roller. See
Cleaning the Printhead onpage 111 and Platen
Cleaning and Replacement on page 114
Vertical image or
label drift
The printer is using
non-continuous labels but is
configured in continuous mode.
Set the printer for the correct media type
(gap/notch, continuous, or mark—see
SETTINGS Menu on page 52.- MEDIA TYPE)
and calibrate the printer, if necessary (see
Manual Calibration - Media on page 75).
The media sensor is calibrated
improperly.
Calibrate the media in the printer. See Manual
Calibration - Media on page 75.
The platen roller is dirty. Clean the printhead and platen roller. See
Cleaning the Printhead onpage 111 and Platen
Cleaning and Replacement on page 114.
The media or ribbon is loaded
incorrectly.
Ensure that the media and ribbon are loaded
correctly. See Loading Roll Media on page20
and Loading Transfer Ribbon on page23.
Incompatible media. You must use media that meets the printer
specifications. Ensure that the inter-label gaps or
notches are 2 to 4 mm and consistently placed.
The bar code printed
on a label does not
scan.
The bar code is not within
specifications because the print
is too light or too dark.
Perform the Print Quality Report onpage 135.
Adjust the darkness or print speed settings as
necessary.
There is not enough blank
space around the bar code.
Leave at least 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) between the bar
code and other printed areas on the label and
between the bar code and the edge of the label.
Table 2 • Printing Issues (Continued)
Issue Possible Cause Recommended Solution