132Troubleshooting Ribbon Problems

Ribbon Problems

Table 16 identifies problems that may occur with ribbon, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions.

Table 16 • Ribbon Problems

Problem

Possible Cause

Recommended Solution

 

 

 

Broken or melted

Darkness setting too high.

1. Reduce the darkness setting. See Print

ribbon

 

Darkness on page 79 for how to change the

 

 

darkness setting.

 

 

2. Clean the printhead thoroughly. See Clean

 

 

the Printhead and Platen Roller

 

 

on page 112.

 

 

 

 

The ribbon is coated on the

Replace the ribbon with one coated on the

 

wrong side and cannot be used

correct side. For more information, see Coated

 

in this printer.

Side of Ribbon on page 40.

 

 

 

Ribbon slips or does

Ribbon tension is set

Change the tension settings on the ribbon

not advance correctly

incorrectly.

spindles. See Adjust Ribbon Tension

 

 

on page 106.

 

 

 

Wrinkled ribbon

Ribbon was loaded incorrectly.

Load the ribbon correctly. See Load the Ribbon

 

 

on page 55.

 

 

 

 

Incorrect burn temperature.

For optimal print quality, set the darkness to the

 

 

lowest possible setting for your application. You

 

 

may want to perform the FEED Self Test

 

 

on page 144 to determine the ideal darkness

 

 

setting.

 

 

See Print Darkness on page 79 for how to

 

 

change the darkness setting.

 

 

 

 

Incorrect or uneven printhead

Set the printhead pressure to the minimum

 

pressure.

needed for good print quality. See Adjust the

 

 

Printhead Pressure on page 103.

 

 

 

 

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 printhead or platen roller

Call a service technician.

 

may be installed incorrectly.

 

 

 

 

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8/22/12