Troubleshooting 119

Print Quality Problems

Table 15 • Print Quality Problems (Continued)

Problem

Possible Cause

Recommended Solution

 

 

 

Vertical drift in

The printer is out of calibration.

Calibrate the printer. See Calibrate Media and

top-of-form position

 

Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 85.

 

 

 

 

Vertical drift occurs during

Calibrate the printer. See Calibrate Media and

 

normal printer operation.

Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 85.

 

Note • A vertical drift of

 

 

± 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 102.

 

 

 

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 positioned

Ensure that the media sensor is properly

 

incorrectly.

positioned to read a single/consistent interlabel

 

 

gap.

 

 

 

 

The media sensor is calibrated

See Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensor

 

improperly.

Sensitivity on page 85.

 

 

 

 

The platen roller is dirty.

Clean the platen roller. See Clean the Printhead

 

 

and Platen Roller on page 102.

 

 

 

 

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 132. 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1/11/11

Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide

79695L-003