User`s guide

5-10 Using the printer
User’s Guide for the ImageCard® IV Printer
To maintain the quality of printing or to correct problems you see with card quality,
consider the following:
• Quality of the card stock
Make sure that cards meet the card quality requirements as described in “Card
specifications” on page B-7.
The blank cards on which you print can have surface irregularities, such as an
uneven surface. If you see dropped out areas, as shown on the card in Figure 5-5,
the quality of the card stock might cause the problem.
Figure 5-5: Dropped out area on a card
Blank cards can also have particles embedded in the plastic. If the printer includes
the optional particle detector, and an excessive number of cards are rejected by
the particle detector, change the particle detection sensitivity. See “Changing
operational settings” on page 6-15 for more information. Also, consider obtaining
better quality card stock.
The quality of the magnetic stripe on the card can affect how many cards are
successfully encoded with data. If magnetic stripe encoding errors appear
regularly, consider obtaining better quality card stock.
• Cleanliness of the printer
The printer supplies can leave particles inside the printer. The particles can attach
to the printhead and create lines in printed cards, be trapped under topcoat or
overlay, or interfere with magnetic stripe encoding. To minimize these particles,
clean the printer regularly. See “Maintaining the printer” on page 7-1 for more
information.
• Printer settings
Selecting appropriate settings for printhead intensity, shade count, card
registration, and material type can improve card quality and reduce operating
problems. See “Changing operational settings” on page 6-15 for information about
settings.
• Age of supplies
Datacard supply products, such as print ribbon and topcoat or overlay supply, are
dated. If supplies are older than the recommended shelf life, the quality of the
cards might decline. See “Supply roll storage” on page B-6 for more information.
• Printing closer than 0.010 inch to a raised edge
Raised surfaces (such as smart card chips, proximity card antennae, holograms,
or signature panels) can interfere with printing. Keep printing 0.010 inch or more
from raised edges.