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There will always be cases where there will be print problems and
the first thing that is blamed for this is always the ribbon. However,
it is important to remember that there are three elements to successful
printing that need to be correct ribbon, media and printer
settings
Below are some of the common problems and possible reasons for
why they occur.
The printed image is patch
or faint.
The ribbon is wrinkling
The ribbon snaps during printing
The printer will not detect the ribbon
Excessive sticking between ribbon and label
The printer will not stop at the end of the ribbon
Repetitive voids in image
The printed image is scratching off
Premature printhead failure
| The
printed image is patch or faint. |
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- The printers
heat and speed settings may need to be adjusted.
- There may be dust on the label.
- The label substrate may not be compatible
with the ribbon grade.
- The printhead may be dirty.
|
| The
ribbon is wrinkling |
|
- The printhead may be misaligned.
- The printers heat setting may be too high.
- The ribbon unwind tension on the printer may be too low.
- The ribbon may be too wide for the label being used.
|
| The
ribbon snaps during printing |
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- The printhead may be dirty causing heat build-up.
- The heat setting on the printer may be too high.
- The printhead pressure may be too high.
- The ribbon may be incorrectly loaded on the printer.
- The ribbon rewind tension may be too high on the printer.
- The backcoating may be faulty on the ribbon.
|
| The
printer will not detect the ribbon |
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- The ribbon sensor on the printer may be in the wrong setting.
- The ribbon may be incorrectly loaded in the printer
|
| Excessive
Sticking between ribbon and label |
|
- The heat setting on the printer may be too high.
- The printhead pressure may be too high.
- The angle at which the label exits the printer is too
steep
|
| The
printer will not stop at the end of a ribbon |
|
- The ribbon sensor may be dirty or obstructed.
- The ribbon sensor may be out of position.
- The ribbon trailer may be incorrect for the specific
printer
|
| Repetitive
voids in image |
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- The printhead may be dirty.
- The printhead elements are burned out or worn down.
|
| The
printed image is scratching off |
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- Make sure the correct grade of ribbon is being used.
- Check compatibility between ribbon and label.
|
| Premature
printhead failure |
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- Ribbon with is smaller than label width.
- The heat setting on the printer may be too high.
- The printhead pressure may be too high.
- The label surface is uneven (e.g. Containing a hologram)
- Insufficient printhead cleaning.
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The printhead should be cleaned after every ribbon
with a pre saturated cleaning wipe or Q-tip dipped in isopropyl
alcahol.
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