122Troubleshooting Print Quality Problems

Print Quality Problems

Table 13 identifies problems with print quality, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions.

Table 13 • 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 the driver or the software. You may wish to

 

 

perform the FEED Self Test on page 134.

 

 

 

 

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 79. You may wish

 

 

to perform the FEED Self Test on page 134 to

 

 

determine the ideal darkness setting.

 

 

 

 

The printhead is dirty.

See Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller

 

 

on page 109.

 

 

 

Wrinkled ribbon

Ribbon fed through the

See Load Ribbon on page 61.

 

machine incorrectly.

 

 

 

 

 

Incorrect burn temperature.

Set the darkness to the lowest possible setting for

 

 

good print quality. See Adjust Print Darkness

 

 

on page 79.

 

 

 

 

Incorrect or uneven pressure.

Set the pressure to the minimum needed for good

 

 

print quality. See Adjust Printhead Balance and

 

 

Pressure on page 68.

 

 

 

 

Media not feeding properly;

Make sure that media is snug by adjusting the

 

“walking” from side to side.

media guide, or call a service technician.

 

 

 

 

The strip plate needs adjusting.

Call a service technician.

 

 

 

 

The printhead needs vertical

Call a service technician.

 

adjustment.

 

 

 

 

 

The printhead and platen roller

Call a service technician.

 

need to be realigned.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

11342L-001 Rev. A

105SL User Guide

6/30/06